Gathering of 1850's & '60's Muzzle Loading Plainsmen

[Ohio Joe]

For some time I have wondered why we don't have gatherings (at least any that I'm aware of) for those of us who enjoy this era of history?

When you think about it, it makes perfect sense.  Bringing the Hawken style muzzleloading rifle into use with the cap and ball revolvers of the time.

I know we have access to the 'Cowboy Action Shooting' though that is IMHO no way even close to authentic other then in the eyes of the 'Hollywood Western' entusiest...

Muzzle Loading Plainsmen gatherings would be very similar to what we know as Rendevous today, although its theme would be that of the 1850's & 60's...

Who knows, it could be and event(s) that could spark some interest and growth in traditional muzzle loading, an event marriage between the cap-n-ball revolver's and the Hawken style Plains Rifle???

Any thoughts?

[Dispatch 510]

I like that idea Ohio Joe. I would be willing to participate in such an event.

[Ohio Joe]

Dispatch 510  

I wonder if we should kind'a take a pole here to see what interest there is, and create some ideas for such an event?

[Mitch]

I've often thought this was a lost era in re-enacting/fun events...would really "fit" some of the sites "out West" and could open up a whole new door for Traditional Muzzleloading!!

[mike rumping]

I love it, but ain't got the money to travel far.

[Uncle Russ]

I think there is room for just such an event in the world of muzzle loading / shooting....and, it sounds like a whole bunch of fun!

Many interesting things happened "out west" after the last Rendezvous in 1842, and it seems the evolution of firearms was at a very ripe stage.

And, like Mitch said, "it has been a lost era in re-enacting/fun events".....

[Ohio Joe]

Years back at Fort Robinson State Park (3 miles west of me) we had a similar event called a, "Black Powder Camp" for the purpose of celebrating the Fort's 125th Anv.

It was a huge success which saw all groups of reenactments come together.  No group felt left out, and the tourist loved it.  So did the Cavalry that showed up in all their 1870's regalia.  It was a good time!

Our Plainsmen Event would not cover such a wide era as to see cartidge firearms.   That would be left to the later Plainsmen of the 1870' - '80's...

I think the eastern states could also benefit from such an event as well.  Afterall, it was also the 1850's - 60's east of the Missouri as well,  and I'm sure some extrodinary times in history took place back there, not including the Civil War, bit not leaving the Civil War out either.

I think the potential is here for such an event.  We just need some starting places.  I'm sure I could come up with one.

[Shawnee Gene]

I have been waiting for this to catch on for years! Count me in and please keep us posted.

[faithtreker]

Hey Joe I like it! I don't know if you know it or not but I wrote the official song of SASS "Ballad of the Single Action Shooter" [you can find it on Utube}
Point is, I play at a lot of SASS events. I know most of the big SASS guys. I believe they could be convinced to sponsor such and event somewhere.
Return to Lonesome Dove would be a good selling point with them!

[Riley/MN]

At our Mille Lacs rondy one year we opened up to "cowboy shooters" and civil war re-enactors. There were a few guys that showed up with the cap-n-ball wheel guns, but the big civil war group that was supposed to show up and set up a camp never showed, and we never heard from 'em again.

I think it was a good idea that just didn't quite work out...

[rollingb]

Joe,... I think that's a great idea. :cry:  :rt th

[BIG SKY TRAPPER]

Central Montana allready has such an outfit...http://The Montana Plainsmen. http://geocities.com/mtsnake@sbcglobal.net/club  
Just a basic BP shooting group,  Were kinda of a all lumped together bunch of guys and gals who like a little history and a lot of BP.  Interest range from the RMFT to just shy of the cartridge revolution.  

We do hold a plains style "rondy" every year near Fort Benton Mt on the misssiouri river every year. (this years is the last weekend in Aug/first weekend in sept.

And during hunting season we have one mountain ranch and one plains ranch that allow club members exclusisive use of their properties for only Bp hunting.

[Uncle Russ]

Like you guys say, I have always though of this as a very colorful time in American history.

I am absolutely clueless as to how this era could have slipped into something of obscurity with such little attention. To me it seems that time frame was a very interesting time with the Gold Rush, the Buffalo herds, and the settling of the Plains.

Faithtreker, thanks for bringing this back up.  
Uncle Russ...

[Roaddog]

You can count me in. What do we do next?

[Uncle Russ]

BST....I didn't see your post when I last posted! :rt th

Uncle Russ...