18th century School of the Soldier

US Park Ranger Jeffrey Edel reported to Historic City News that special flintlock musket training has been planned for Saturday, May 21st.x

“We are accepting names for this Historic Weapons Program training class,” said Edel, who is Historic Weapons Supervisor at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. “There are still places available.”

Things to learn about flintlock muskets include a little history — on the 18th century battlefield, as now, keeping a weapon cleaned, oiled and in working order was essential; after all, it literally could make the difference between life and death.

Few supplies were available at that time, compared to the cleaning materials used today; generally soldiers cleaned their muskets by urinating down the barrel then scrubbing it out with a piece of rag or tow attached to the end of a ramrod.

If you are interested in registering for this class, call the office at (904) 829-6506 x233

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer