Nearly two years ago, the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park commissioned craftsmen Richard Sullivan, Mike Miller, and Martin Station's own Andy Thomas to craft and build an authentic 18th century style Virginialongrifle. The rifle will be used as a fundraising opportunity for the Friends, with tickets currently being sold for $5 each. The rifle will be awarded to the lucky ticket holder at 7 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Raid at Martin's Station.
The project began at the 2010 Raid at Martin's Station with Sullivan forging the barrel. Over the next 18 months, Miller forged and sculpted pieces for lock and firing mechanism, while Thomas worked from the gunsmith's shop and the blacksmith's shop at the Station, dressed in period-correct clothing, and using the same tools and techniques as the original settlers used when building a colonial longrifle.
Mike Miller poses with completed rifle
During the building process, events were scheduled, designed to attract visitors from around the country.The project and the site was open for interpretation to educators, students of frontier history, re-enactors, and, of course, park visitors during crafting period.
The project was completed in October 2011 and the longrifle will be awarded to the lucky ticket holder whose name will be drawn during a special celebration at the Raid at Martin's Station at 7:00 pm on Saturday, May 12. 2012.
Tickets for this one-of-a-kind work of art is still available for purchase. Tickets are $5 each with proceeds to benefit the Friends of Wilderness Road, a support group for the park. For more information, please call the park office at 276-445-3065.
Come out for this special event May 11-13, 2012 at click here to learn more.