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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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