Lawmakers Adopt 19th Century Rifle As State's Official Rifle

Last updated on Thursday, March 8, 2012

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Lawmakers have adopted an early 19th century rifle as the state’s official rifle. The rifle was made by a man who later became Indiana’s first sheriff.

The House took the final vote Tuesday on a bill that included the rifle provision, passing it on a 78-2 vote. The bill now goes to Governor Mitch Daniels for his consideration.

The weapon, called the Grouseland Rifle, joins the list of official state emblems such as the state flower, tree, river and seal.

The rifle is named after Grouseland, which was the Vincennes home of President William Henry Harrison. The weapon has pierced silver and brass inlays and was made between 1803 and 1812 by John Small, who later became the first sheriff in the state.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

Click here to go back to previous page