Post by KerryBraswell on Apr 7, 2003 22:08:15 GMT -5
Hi guys,
I'm new here and know little or nothing about the Illinois militia. I live on Rifle Range Rd. in Makanda, Illinois and have wondered about the history of the old rifle range located deep in the woods here. I understand from locals that the range was used by members of the Illinois militia after the civil war including my great, great grandfather. I wonder if this is true since i expect to find large caliber musket type bullets buried here and all i ever recover are what appear to be 30 cal. bullets. These are most commonly cylindrical bullets with a round nose or shorter tapered bullets with a sharp point. They are all lead bullets with a copper jacket. I have also found a couple of casings that appear to be 30 cal. This doesn't sound quite right to me for this time period, however i once again will say that i know little or nothing about any of this. Can anyone give me any leads on the history of this range, the weapons that might have fired these projectiles, and the military units that might have used the range? Any info would be appreciated as i have wondered about the history for many years.
I'm new here and know little or nothing about the Illinois militia. I live on Rifle Range Rd. in Makanda, Illinois and have wondered about the history of the old rifle range located deep in the woods here. I understand from locals that the range was used by members of the Illinois militia after the civil war including my great, great grandfather. I wonder if this is true since i expect to find large caliber musket type bullets buried here and all i ever recover are what appear to be 30 cal. bullets. These are most commonly cylindrical bullets with a round nose or shorter tapered bullets with a sharp point. They are all lead bullets with a copper jacket. I have also found a couple of casings that appear to be 30 cal. This doesn't sound quite right to me for this time period, however i once again will say that i know little or nothing about any of this. Can anyone give me any leads on the history of this range, the weapons that might have fired these projectiles, and the military units that might have used the range? Any info would be appreciated as i have wondered about the history for many years.
