1854 Austrian Lorenz Rifle
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1854 Austrian Lorenz Rifle Caliber: .54 Barrel length: 37 ½" The Lorenz rifle was imported from Austria by both Union and Confederate governments during the Civil War due to the shortage of weapons. This rifle was a muzzleloader that used a percussion cap for ignition. The bullets fired by this rifle were inferior to the mine ball and the barrels were inconsistent in quality making these poorly performing weapons. Private Henry Strong of the 12th Kansas Infantry who latter was stationed at Fort Smith disliked the Lorenz due to the poor and inconsistent quality of the weapon. Strong claimed he was glad when they replaced his Austrian rifle with a British Enfield.
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Did You Know?
The Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, (Muscogee) Creek and Seminole Indian tribes were forcibly moved to Indian Territory on what became known as the Trail of Tears. The Arkansas River served as a water route to Fort Smith where they received supplies before crossing the river into Indian Territory.