Whether we are talking about hunting shirts or what kind of firearm was carried there is often a mention that certain areas were where the "rifle culture" can be identified. In Virginia we tend to think of this as originating in the area west of the Blue Ridge or even west of the Valley of Virginia. In the mid-18th century this region was all part of Augusta County and extended into what are now the states of KY, OH, etc.
The population was largely Scotts-Irish (Using that term in its most general meaning) and Germanic. Many of the settlers moved there because of the availability of relatively cheap land. The economy based largely on farming.
When I ran across this letter, written by an Englishman traveling down the Ohio River in 1820, I thought it gave an intersting look at the mindset of the region's residents:
April 18th. Between Wheeling and Marietta, there is little worthy of the traveller's attention, except the mounds and fortifications on Mr. Tomlinson's farm at Grave Creek.
19th. Marietta is beautifully situated at the mouth of the Muskingum river, and has an appearance of neatness and regularity, which is not usual in the villages of the country.
We have just passed the Muskingum Island, and already the country seems to be much less mountainous though not less romantic. The prospect immediately below this island, is singularly picturesque and characteristic. The river, making a long stretch to the west, affords an uninterrupted view for several miles. On one side are seen several log-houses, surrounded by newly cleared fields, exhibiting the first stage of improvement; a little further on, a neat brick-house, with a numerous collection of fruit trees, just putting forth their blossoms, indicate a more advanced state of civilization, and mark the residence of a wealthier or more industrious citizen….
To-day our boat struck on a sand-bar, through the carelessness of the captain, who was asleep in the cabin. The boatmen jumped into the water with great alacrity, and attempted to "heave her off;" but being unable to effect it, we were obliged to procure a flat boat, to lighten, and hands to assist us. These were
readily and cheerfully furnished in the neighbourhood, and we suffered no other inconvenience than that of a few hours' detention. In the meanwhile, I took my fowling-piece, and scoured the forest on the Virginia side of the river. After shooting some squirrels, which were very abundant, I stopped at a farm house, where I was hospitably received. My arrival had been foretold, not like that of Fitz-James, by a "minstrel old and gray," but by the good man of the house, who said he had heard the report of a shot gun in the woods, and knew there were strangers about. He eyed my piece with a good deal of contempt, and wondered at my using it in preference to a rifle. Throughout the west, the fowling-piece is viewed rather as a toy for children than as a weapon for man. Hunting is here, as Scot describes it to have been among the ancient Highlanders, "Mimicry of noble war." The people scorn a weapon less deadly than the rifle, and practice has made them remarkably expert in the use of this national arm. "Luck's like a shot-gun, mighty uncertain," is a common saying, and indeed the poor shot-gun is a standing but for ridicule, and a common subject of comparison with every thing that is insignificant.
I'd be interested in reading any other accounts along these lines.
Gary
