In this gallery, you can imagine actually "hearing" Patrick Henry, George Mason, James Madison, and Richard Henry Lee eloquently express their news regarding the metamorphosis of the Second Amendment. Follow the original resolution through to the final version we know today: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." Learn about the establishment of the National Arsenals and Armories, arming the militia, and "The Legacy of Lafayette: The First U.S. Pattern Arms."

Significant Firearms in Gallery IV:

• Founding of the National Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia)
• Virginia Manufactory of Arms Flintlock Rifle (1 of only 1,700 made)
• Graphic of Virginia Manufactory of Arms in Richmond, Virginia
• Early muskets and pistols from the armories of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Harpers Ferry, Virginia

The National Firearms Museum would like to thank the following for their contributions, making this gallery possible:
» New Mexico Gun Collectors Association
» Charles and Patti Knight - Colorado LogSystem