April 1, 2022 – October 31, 2022
United Company – Legard Galleries, Cultural Heritage Gallery
The long rifle was a surprise factor in winning American independence. A distinctive product of the backcountry of Pennsylvania and the Southern colonies, this celebrated rifle was essential for survival on the frontier.
“The Long Rifle in Virginia” will showcase more than three dozen curated long rifles and accoutrements from the 18th and 19th centuries that have never before been assembled in the same exhibition. The exhibition will explore the artistry of Virginia gunsmiths through demonstrations, a symposium, and a recreated gunsmith shop on location.
Individual gunmakers and some families of gunsmiths brought their own distinctive personalities to the process of rifle making at various locations along the “Great Wagon Road,” from Philadelphia to the mouth of the Shenandoah Valley near Winchester, to Southwest Virginia at Abingdon and through to the Cumberland Gap. Assembled from the collections of numerous long rifle owners and museums, “The Long Rifle in Virginia” will present a collection from early gunmakers to illustrate and differentiate the individuality of their work.
Wallace B. Gusler, renowned scholar on 18th-century firearms and retired Master Gunsmith, Curator of Furniture and Arms, and Director of Conservation at Colonial Williamsburg, noted that colonial American gunmakers controlled one niche of the gun market: rifle making. “The long rifle was the only gun made in numbers in America in the 1700s,” Gusler said. “During its time, it was the highest expression of the gunmaker’s art in this country.”
Explore the art and artistry of 18th and 19th century long rifle gunmakers throughout the Virginia backcountry in “The Long Rifle in Virginia,” on display at William King Museum of Art, April 1 – October 31, 2022.
Want to Learn more? Click here to register for the Long Rifle Symposium, coming October 14-15, 2022!
The Long Rifle in Virginia is organized by William King Museum of Art and is part of its McGlothlin Exhibition Series. Support for the exhibition has been provided by the Virginia Humanities, The Bank of Marion, the Kentucky Rifle Foundation, the American Society of Arms Collectors Foundation, and the Massengill – DeFriece Foundation Inc.
A special thanks is extended to the Kentucky Rifle Association for their loan of the two central gun cases and to Highlands Glass for their donation of the glass for the four surrounding gun cases.
The long rifle shaped the history of the state as an indispensable tool for survival on the 18th and 19th century Valley of Virginia frontier. In addition to “The Long Rifle in Virginia,” on display at William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, VA, April 1 – October 31, 2022, explore the settlement story of Virginia at several locations along the historic “Great Philadelphia Wagon Road” from the mouth of the Shenandoah Valley near Winchester, to Southwest Virginia at Abingdon, and on through The Wilderness Road to The Cumberland Gap. At each site, explore the impact of the long rifle on the 18th and 19th century settlement story of the Virginia backcountry through reenactments, exhibitions, demonstrations, lectures, and more!
Programming:
1. Wilderness Road State Park
8051 Wilderness Rd Trail, Ewing, VA 24248
• Powder Horns, Tomahawks and Rifle Gun Accouterments of the Virginia Frontiersman
When: May 14, 2022. Seminar held at 4:45 p.m. in the Visitor’s Center theatre
Join renowned expert Wallace Gusler for an in depth look into long rifle culture of colonial Virginia. Explore the powder horns, tomahawks and rifle accouterments of the legendary frontiersmen of the 18th century.
• The Long Hunt
When: August 13 – 14, 2022
In London, fashion is the focus of the elite. Beaver hats and doe skin gloves are symbols of wealth and social standing. These fineries of London, however, are imported from Virginia. Meet with Mr. Henry Skaggs as he returns from the western side of Brush Mountain and explore the art and business that is hunting the Virginia red deer.
• As The Hammer Falls
When: September 10 –11, 2022
The blacksmith is one of the most important tradesmen on the frontier. With ties to England severed, all imports to the American colonies have abruptly ended. Firelocks, swords, axes, and knives are now necessary but in short supply. Blacksmiths across Virginia are being called upon. Without their knowledge, skill, and willingness to serve, the hopes of Congress may be lost. Watch as the blacksmiths at Martin’s Station demonstrate their craft and talk about supplying a company at the onset of revolution.
• Virginia: America’s First Frontier
When: May 13 – 15, 2022. Friday 9AM – 5PM. Saturday 10AM – 5PM. Sunday 10AM . – 3PM.
Cost: $1000 per vehicle Friday and Saturday. $400 per vehicle on Sunday.
By May of 1775, men, women, and children were heading west, deep into the harsh wilderness. They follow a trace that leads them to a life of freedom. However, that freedom is often overshadowed by hardships, the likes of which many have never known. The further onto the western fringe they travel, the more important community becomes. Journey to Joseph Martin’s station, Virginia’s final point of rest and resupply, and walk amongst merchants and tradesmen. Meet those individuals who traveled the trace and the indigenous peoples they encountered along their journey. Come and immerse yourself in Virginia: America’s First Frontier.
• Martin’s Station: 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
When: April 9 – May 10: Saturday and Sunday only. May 11 – October 30: Wednesday through Sunday. (Closed Mon & Tues)
Wilderness Road State Park also features a working 18th century frontier gun shop located at Martin’s Station. Park guests can visit with skilled gunsmiths at various times throughout the year. We also provide flintlock weapons firing demonstrations.
2. Natural Tunnel State Park
1420 Natural Tunnel Pkwy, Duffield, VA 24244
• The Evolution of Rifled Guns in Colonial America
When: August 6, 2022, 1PM – 2PM
Throughout the 18th century, the “rifled gun” played a pivotal role in the settlement of Colonial America. From the early transitional era through the golden age, the American Long rifle served as a valued possession. These unique American masterpieces not only served as tools of survival, they perpetuated the idea of independence. Join us as we examine the evolution of the Long rifle and how it became the iconic symbol of the American Frontiersman.
• Museum Tours at the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center
When: Weekends April – October, 10AM – 6PM
• Blockhouse Tours at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park
When: Weekends April – September, 2 – 4PM
3. William King Museum of Art
415 Academy Dr NW, Abingdon, VA 24210
• “The Long Rifle in Virginia”
When: April 1 – October 31, 2022
Cost: Admission to the museum is FREE!
Where: William King Museum of Art, Abingdon, VA
• The Long Rifle: Documentation Day
When: April 2 2022, 1PM – 4PM
Where: William King Museum of Art, Abingdon, VA
Documentation conducted by Wallace B. Gusler, Colonial Williamsburg Master Gunsmith, retired.
• The Gunmaker’s Art: The Long Rifle and Associated Accessories in Virginia
When: October 15, 2022
Where: The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, VA
WKMA will host a symposium featuring a panel of distinguished firearms expert including historians, decorative arts scholars, historical interpreters, collectors, and craftsmen on antique firearms and the Virginia frontier. Keynote Speaker: Wallace Gusler, first master gunsmith, curator of furniture and arms, and director of conservation at Colonial Williamsburg (retired), noted scholar on the 18th century
long rifle.
4. O. Winston Link & History Museum of Western Virginia
101 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016
5. Frontier Culture Museum
1290 Richmond Ave, Staunton, VA 24401
6. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601
Click HERE to download and print The Virginia Settlement Trail Poster and Map.
