Events

PRESS RELEASE: October 30, 2009
Contact: Jan Ballard, Director, Jacobsburg Historical Society
610-759-9029


PA House Passes Resolution Recognizing
the Historical Significance
of the Pennsylvania Longrifle

On October 2, 2009, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives signed a resolution recognizing the significance of the Pennsylvania-made longrifle, to the history of industry and fine art in America.

The resolution was first referred to Pennsylvania’s General Assembly on March 17, 2009, as House Bill No. 952, to designate the Pennsylvania Rifle as the official firearm of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Craig Dally, 138th District representing Northampton County, introduced the bill after extensive consultation with one of his constituents, William Henry Atherton. Mr. Atherton is on the board of directors of the Jacobsburg Historical Society and is a great grandson of iron industrialist and gunsmith, William Henry III, who in 1812 erected the Boulton Gun Works near Nazareth, PA. Today, the Boulton Historic Site is part of the Jacobsburg National Historic District and is maintained and interpreted by the Jacobsburg Historical Society, whose mission in part is to preserve and present the art and industry of early American gunsmithing.

Together with several longrifle historians, Representative Dally and Mr. Atherton built a strong case for the Commonwealth to officially recognize and promote the longrifle as an important Pennsylvania product. Upon passage of the resolution, Representative Dally noted, “Future generations should appreciate the heritage of the long-barreled rifle and the craftsmanship of gunsmiths who made them. I urge anyone with an interest in the early history of Pennsylvania, in general, and gunsmithing, in particular, to visit the Jacobsburg Historical Society.”

Following is the text of the Pennsylvania Rifle resolution, signed by Keith R. McCall, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives:

Whereas, Pennsylvania gunsmithing tradition has played an important role in the development of the United States of America; and

Whereas, During Pennsylvania’s early history settlers placed chief reliance on their rifles for sustenance, security and survival; and

Whereas, the Pennsylvania Rifle, a unique firearm that was different in principle and outline from any other weapon in the world, was developed by skilled gunsmiths in the Moravian communities of Christian’s Spring, Northampton County, as well as by artistic riflemaker Marlin Meylin in Willow Street, Lancaster Co; and

Whereas, the Pennsylvania Rifle was the first truly American firearm and due to its exceptional accuracy and range was considered the greatest achievement in the development of firearms during the 18th century; and

Whereas, Playing an important role in the early years of the Industrial Revolution in Pennsylvania and New England the Pennsylvania Rifle was also instrumental in the American fur trade and was carried west and south by frontiersmen as they set out to expand the boundaries of the nation; and

Whereas, the Pennsylvania Rifle has been lauded for its beauty and craftsmanship, as well as the ingenuity of the skilled gunsmiths who crafted it; and

Whereas, the color combinations, carvings, engravings and graceful slenderness of the Pennsylvania Rifle cause it to stand alone and remain unchallenged as a primary example of early American art; and

Whereas, Future generations should appreciate the heritage of this long-barreled rifle, born to artistic gunsmiths in the communities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; therefore be
Resolved That the House of Representatives recognize the significance of the Pennsylvania Rifle in the history of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

Jacobsburg Historical Society
Lyndsey Brown - 610-759-9029
Website: www.jacobsburg.org

Email: jacobsburg@rcn.com


 

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For further information about Jacobsburg and its programs,
contact Lyndsey Brown at 610-759-9029 or email at jacobsburg@rcn.com.