Gillespie Rifle

Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Description: The famous war-era rifle that was built by the Gillespie Family, including 2 brothers, James and John Gillespie

History: The famous Gillespie Rifle, originating from East Fork, NC, is a rifle that was built by the Gillespie Family and even used during wars. 2 Gillespie Brothers, John and James Gillespie, migrated to Union and Towns Counties from East Fork, NC in the early 1800's. Here in Union County, they would set up a gun-making shop where they continued to build the famous, family-made guns. Some of the guns made by the family even come with initials that will let you know which of the Gillespie gun-makers made the specific guns that you are looking at. Today, these guns are considered to be rare to find and if you have one then you are considered to be one of just a lucky few. A Gillespie Rifle can now be found on display in the Atlanta History Center.

Fun Facts: 1. The Gillespie Rifle is on display in the Atlanta History Center in the Folk Life section of the museum. 2. Famous American pioneer and frontiersman, Daniel Boone, is said to have owned and carried a Gillespie Rifle in the crook of his arm when he headed to North Carolina from Pennsylvania. https://hendersonheritage.com/iron-forge-and-gillespie-rifles/ 3. The design of each rifle is not the same as each rifle was built and constructed in the specific ways of the different Gillespie rifle-making family members. 4. Some rifles made come with specific initials from the different rifle-makers. 5. The Gillespie Brothers moved to Union and Towns Counties from East Fork, North Carolina.