On a recent trip to Martin's Station/Wilderness Road State Park I stopped in to view a new rifle exhibit at the
William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, Virginia. Although not surprisingly heavy on "Golden Age" rifles, there are a few early standouts that rifle aficionados will recognize from the RCA series, including the brass barreled rifle and a substantial amount of knives, horns and accessories. The "Virginian ^ A rifleman" image from Richard St. George's 1777 sketches is also on view. As an aside, the William King museum's other galleries were very enjoyable, including some southwest Virginia early decorative arts, and overall it is a great example of a successful adaptive reuse of an early 20th century school building. Well worth the trip to Wolf hills, and the exhibit runs until October, 31 2022.
The Long Rifle in Virginia
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.
In addition, there is a
symposium on October 14th and 15th 2022.
