While researching this week’s episode of the Muzzle Blasts Podcast, we came across this article from the Art of the Capital Website with some great information on where the Liberty Cap is seen in art and architecture.
"It's Important that somebody remembers" | The Story of the Liberty Cap | Muzzle Blasts Archives
Of all of the interesting headgear associated with the American Revolution, one of the simplest forms, so simple in fact that no regular Continental units ever adopted it as an official hat, was the "Liberty Cap." During the Revolution this was generally a wool or cotton cap with the word Liberty or Liberty or Death embroidered across its front in an opposing color. A few battalion infantry and numerous light infantry units wore miters with this legend emblazoned across their fronts (Congress being another legend), light infantry miters sometimes saying Liberty or with a skull and cross bones replacing Death, the words requiring more room than the shorter light infantry miter could afford, the skull and crossbones being more easily squeezed into the space.
Demonstrating Muzzleloading Barrel Rifling with Rice Barrel Co.
Rice Barrel owner Jason Schneider demonstrates ‘old school’ rifling on a vintage style rifling machine owned by the NMLRA. This demonstration was part of the 2018 TN Muzzle Loading History Banquet.
Rice Barrel Co is a longtime NMLRA Commercial Row Vendor and has supplied muzzle loader builders with fine barrels for years. Find out more on their website ricebarrels.com
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OWL Trekking Checklist - Suzanne Thomson of the Outdoor Wilderness Ladies
Today we wanted to share a great resource from contemporary living historian Suzanne Thomson. Originally developed for her website “The Outdoor Wilderness Ladies”, this checklist lets you plan accordingly for your next trek!
Developing your Historic Persona - Suzanne Thomson of the Outdoor Wilderness Ladies
Today we wanted to share a great resource from contemporary living historian Suzanne Thomson. Originally developed for her website “The Outdoor Wilderness Ladies”, this document walks you through the ins and the outs of developing a historic persona.
Over the Falls by John Curry | Muzzle Blasts Except April 2020
Benjamin Quearry, Gunmaker's Hall Chairman, shares some advice on keeping busy during COVID 19
As I write this the governor of Indiana has closed down the state due to the COVID-19 virus. Many businesses are closed. Schools are closed. Right now, we are at home, doing our civic duty to prevent the spread of this terrible virus. This is scary stuff. Without my faith in God even I’d be nervous.
The Revolutionary War: Animated Map from the American Battlefield Trust
We’d like to thank the American Battlefield Trust for sharing this great resource with everyone on the internet.
Follow along as this production takes you through the American War for independence with animation, live action footage, and informational narration.
We at the American Battlefield Trust are re-releasing our Animated Battle Maps with newly branded openings. Enjoy learning about our nation's Revolutionary War against Great Britain, the conflict that gave birth to the United States of America. Our collection of animated maps bring battles of the American Civil War to life, complete with troop movement animations, narratives, reenactment footage and more.
A map of the British empire in America with the French, Spanish and the Dutch settlements
Top 10 Movies with Muzzle Loaders to watch during Covid 19
Please note, this article is the author’s opinion and does not reflect the official views of the NMLRA. Thank you.
Last of the Mohicans (1992)
“Three trappers protect the daughters of a British Colonel in the midst of the French and Indian War.”
For me personally, this movie is a classic. I’ve heard there are some discrepancies in terms of historical accuracy, but we all live with those when it comes to Hollywood.
Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
A mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by the Crow tribe, and proves to be a match for their warriors in single combat on the early frontier.
The Patriot (2000)
“Peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son.” IMDB
“Aim Small Miss Small”, I mean who can beat that as an instructional phrase!
While famously not super accurate, this is still a fun ride.
The Revenant (2015)
A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team
Based on the story of Hugh Glass, with some Hollywood alterations, this almost 3 hour epic is a wild ride for any fan of the frontier.
Drums along the Mohawk (1939)
Newlyweds Gil and Lana Martin try to establish a farm in the Mohawk Valley but are menaced by Indians and Tories as the Revolutionary War begins.
Johnny Tremain
Johnny Tremain is drawn into the Revolutionary War, and becomes a patriot fighting to free the colonies from England. Along the way he learns about life and about himself.
The Big Sky
The success of the journey focuses on keeping the Indian girl alive as well as themselves to complete trade with the Blackfeet.
Master and Commander
During the Napoleonic Wars, a brash British captain pushes his ship and crew to their limits in pursuit of a formidable French war vessel around South America.
Unconquered
Intrepid frontiersman Chris Holden foils the political and personal ambitions of renegade Martin Garth in the Ohio Valley following the French and Indian War.
Wheel Gun Wednesday | Black Powder Revolvers
Thank you Buck Buchanan for sharing this beauty for #wheelgunwednesday Pietta “Shooters Model” NMA .44 revolver shot at Friendship at the fall national 1993. Scored a 99-5X at 25 yards in the “As Issued” Aggregate.
Did better in the Caplock Aggregate. Took 1st Place in the Expert Class with my Yazel .36. Agg score 290-13X/300. Shot a 93-2X at 50 yards. Beat the national champ and 43 master competitors. On “cloud 9” that year.
“Been busy with a different shooting sport and hadn’t done much with my black powder pistols in a long time. Dug them out today to dry fire them and now I’m itching to get them back out to the range some day. Wanted to share this revolver. A fantastic shooter. Helped bring me three revolver championships in a row as well as a national record. Good times. Can’t wait to visit friendship again some day.” Thank you Jason Gregoire for sharing this with us.
Now Or Never: Yorktown Campaign of 1781
Don’t miss this video from George Washington’s Mount Vernon! This nearly 30 minute movie covers everything you need to know about the Yorktown Campaign of 1781.
George Washington's Continental Army has fought for five long years to drive the British from American soil. Now, with the aid of French land and naval forces, that time may be near. Washington and his allies have surrounded the British at Yorktown, Virginia. The dream of American independence hangs in the balance
Top 10 Videos with Muzzle Loaders to watch during COVID 19
Surviving Quarantine in the 18th Century
Dodge's March by Mike Phifer
It was June 21, 1834, and the expedition was headed into what is now southwestern Oklahoma for the Pawnee Picts village. There they were to make a show of force and to meet with the Comanche, Kiowa, and the Pawnee Picts (this latter tribe was also called Taovayas and were a branch of the Wichitas) who had yet to make a treaty with the United States.