Rick Still, Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau display committee member, holds up the French Model 1728 ST ENTIENNE American Revolutionary war musket that is now on display at the Visitor Center, 200 East Main.
The Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau is celebrating the 4th of July this year by proudly displaying an actual American Revolutionary war musket in its main-floor display case. The displayed weapon is a French Model 1728 “ST ENTIENNE” musket. These flintlock muskets were of .69 caliber, with a monstrous 46 5/8” barrel length; making the weapon a total of 61 ½” long.
In addition to their use by the colonists in the American Revolution, the Model ‘28 musket was the weapon of choice by both French and Indians in the French-Indian War of 1754-1763. During intermittent peace times the Model ‘28 traveled down the Mississippi River to furnish arms for the soldiers and settlers of Louisiana and Texas. The Model ’28 was still a popular weapon for American troops in the War of 1812, and was undoubtedly among the weaponry of the Texas revolutionists in 1835-36. The usage of the Model ’28 was widespread, and some quite probably made it to the killing fields of the Civil War.
A model 1728 French Musket is a very rare and important weapon in early American history. This particular weapon has been completely restocked in a typical American fashion, which further enhances its provenance with the American independence movement and the westward expansion of our nation.
“We invite everyone to join us for Freedom Fest on Monday, July 4, and hope the community and visitors will stop by and take a closer look at this intriguing artifact that was extremely significant in our nation’s battles for freedom,” said Melissa Sanford, executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For more information about the exhibit, contact the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at (936) 564-7351. The Visitor Center is located at 200 East Main Street, and hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Be our friend on facebook @ See Nacogdoches.
