Mississippi Rifle

Description:

Physical Description

Model 1841 Mississippi rifle, .54 caliber.

General History

This gun derives its nickname of the "Mississippi rifle" from the Mississippi Riflemen led by Jefferson Davis. The Mexican-American War began in 1846. Davis looked favorably upon the war as the United States stood to acquire considerable land south of the Missouri Compromise line. It was an area in which Southern institutions could expand. Davis resigned his House seat in June and rejoined the army. On July 18, 1846 he was elected colonel of the First Regiment of Mississippi Riflemen. In September of the same year, he participated in the successful siege of Monterrey, Mexico. In June, the army offered him an appointment as brigadier general of a militia unit, but he declined. In traditional Southern style, he believed the appointment was unconstitutional. The United States Constitution, he argued, gives the power of appointing militia officers to the states, not to the federal government.

Date Made: 1849Associated Date: 1849

Maker: Whitney, Eli

Place Made: United StatesUsed: United States: Mississippi

Subject: FirearmsRelated Event: Mexican WarExpansion and Reform

Subject:

See more items in: Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military, Military, ThinkFinity

Exhibition: Price of Freedom

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Credit Line: U.S. Military Service Institute

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: AF.32808Catalog Number: 32808Accession Number: 69413

Object Name: rifleOther Terms: rifle; Firearms; Percussion Fire; .54 In; Rifled; Muzzle Load; Sa

Physical Description: wood (overall material)steel (overall material)Measurements: overall: 7 in x 50 in x 2 3/4 in; 17.78 cm x 127 cm x 6.985 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a2-104d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_414665

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