Eli Whitney's Flintlock Legacy: The 1812 Contract Musket

Welcome to the Episode Seven of my "Flintlock Friday" series! In this episode, I'll delve into the Eli Whitney Contract of 1812 Musket


00:00 Intro
04:52 Model of 1812
09:20 Eli Whitney - The Inventor
13:20 The 1812 Contract
26:25 Conclusion

Huge Thanks to the Sullivan Brothers Museum!

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, located in Waterloo, Iowa, honors the service and sacrifice of Iowa veterans from the Civil War to the present day, with a special focus on the story of the five Sullivan brothers, who tragically died together during World War II when their ship, the USS Juneau, was sunk in 1942. The museum is part of the Grout Museum District and offers an immersive experience through personal stories, interactive exhibits, military artifacts, and a comprehensive oral history collection. Its mission is to preserve the legacy of Iowans who served in the armed forces while educating the public about the cost of freedom and the importance of service.

Website: https://www.gmdistrict.org
(Specifically, Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum page)





The following Links will take you my recommended Reference books available on Amazon
U.S. Military Flintlock Muskets and Their Bayonets: The Early Years, 1790-1815
https://amzn.to/4ePIF7k (Amazon)
U.S. Military Flintlock Muskets and Their Bayonets; The Later Years, 1816 through the Civil War
https://amzn.to/4h20zoG (Amazon)
Springfield Armory Infantry Muskets 1795-1844
https://amzn.to/48bKTLC (Amazon)
American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period
https://amzn.to/4fqEbE7 (Amazon)
American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms
https://amzn.to/3BMymlT (Amazon)
Muskets of the Revolution
https://amzn.to/3YpOVNb (Amazon)

I'm a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. It doesn't cost you anything extra!"

Let me know if you'd like any further tweaks!
The Armory.

Established in 1799 by the fledgling United States government, the Harpers Ferry armory was strategically located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in present-day West Virginia. Its prime location provided easy access to raw materials and transportation routes, making it an ideal site for military production.

From its inception, the armory played a crucial role in the nation's defense. Initially tasked with repairing firearms and manufacturing small arms components, it quickly expanded its capabilities to include the production of muskets, rifles, cannons, and other military equipment. Under the leadership of skilled artisans and engineers, Harpers Ferry Armory became known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and technological innovation.

Throughout the 19th century, the Armory witnessed numerous milestones and innovations. One of its most significant contributions came in the form of the Hall Rifle, designed by John Hall and adopted by the U.S. military in the early 19th century. The Hall Rifle introduced revolutionary features such as interchangeable parts and a breech-loading mechanism, setting new standards for firearms design and production.

However, the history of the Harpers Ferry Armory is also marked by periods of turmoil and conflict. During the Civil War, the Armory became a strategic target for both Union and Confederate forces due to its importance in supplying arms to the military. In 1861, it was seized by Confederate troops, leading to its destruction to prevent its use by the enemy.

00:00 Intro
03:52 Inspection
07:12 History of the Contract
12:00 Militia Act of 1808 & Contract
16:50 Contract Failure?
18:45 Harpers Ferry Pattern Copy
22:35 Closing

Sources:

Gluckman, A. (1959). United States muskets, rifles and carbines. Stackpole Co.

Moller, G. D. (2011). American Military Shoulder Arms (Vol II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period). University of New Mexico Press.

Schmidt, P. A. (2006). U.S. military flintlock muskets and their bayonets: The early years, 1790-1815. Andrew W. Mowbray, Inc.

Smith, M. R. (2005). Harpers Ferry Armory and the new technology: The Challenge of Change. ACLS History E-Book Project.