Civil War Rifle

1861 Springfield Rifled Musket

It was commonly referred to as the "Springfield" because it was originally produced by the Springfield, Massachusetts Armory. However, it became so popular that the Armory eventually allowed 20 independent contractors to manufacture these rifles. One of those contractors was Colt Manufacturing of Hartford, Connecticut. In total over 1,000,000 Model 1861 rifles were produced.

This rifle’s popularity was attributed to its range, accuracy, and reliability.

The barrel is 40 inches long and the total weight is approximately 9 pounds. It is no “lightweight.”  Well-trained soldiers could fire as many as three aimed shots per minute, with accuracy up to 500 yards 

As noted on the buttstock, this rifle was carried into battle by Private George Bradley of Cheshire. George was born in Cheshire in 1844. His father, Harry Bradley, was a farmer. The excerpt below from an 1868 map of Cheshire shows the location of Harry Bradley’s farm, south of Cook Hill Road, near the Hamden border.

On March 3, 1863, the U.S. Congress enacted the Enrollment Act of 1863 (also known as the Civil War Military Draft Act) to provide fresh manpower for the Union Army. This law required the enrollment of every male citizen and immigrants who had filed for citizenship, between 20 and 45 years of age, unless exempted. According to the Draft Registration, above, George Bradley was registered in 1863 as an unmarried 19-year-old (even though other records indicate that he married Jane Ives in 1862).

George served in the 20th Connecticut Infantry Regiment, also known as the 20th Connecticut Volunteers. This Regiment was formed in July 1862 and disbanded June 13, 1865. They participated in the Battle of Chancellorsville, where they suffered heavy casualties.  On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 20th Connecticut was assigned to scout the movements of the enemy at Culp’s Hill and relay that information to nearby batteries, while staying in the woods overlooking the Confederate position. This was such an effective tactic that it is still being used today. After Gettysburg, the 20th Connecticut took part in the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman's March to the Sea, and the Battle of Bentonville. The regiment was mustered out on June 13, 1865.

One hundred sixty-eight men of the 20th Connecticut died during the Civil War — 80 died in battle and 88 died from disease.

After the War, George returned to Cheshire and resumed life as a farmer. By 1880, he and his wife Jane and their family had moved to Hamden and George continued to list his occupation as “farmer” in the 1880 and 1900 federal censuses.

George Bradley died at age 62 on May 26, 1906, and his service in the Civil War was well-recognized.

George and Jane Bradley are buried in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery.