The National Rifle Association (NRA) was formed in 1871. The first year of the NRA existence passed by quietly. Real progress began in 1872 when, under President William Church and Secretary George Wingate, the New York Legislature was induced to appropriate $25,000 for the purchase of a range near New York City, the Association agreeing to raise $5,000 on its part. After a protracted search for a suitable piece of land at a reasonable price, the NRA was able to purchase a plot owned by the Central and North Side Railroad of Long Island. Seeing that the Association's plans were likely to stimulate rail travel, the railroad company had agreed to sell the seventy acre plot at low cost. This farmland had formerly been owned by the Creed family. The gentleman credited with naming the new range was Colonel Henry Shaw, a member of the range committee of the NRA. On arriving at Creed's Farm and observing the open, desolate field, with coarse scanty grass and brambles he declared it a veritable moor, Creed's Moor. Hence by a happy inspiration and coincidence "Creedmoor" became the name of the new range. It was essentially used as a training ground for the NY Natioanl Guard, however a few individuals formed the Amateur Rifle Club of New York purely for the purpose of recreational target shooting. In 1873 Ireland beat, for the first time, England and Scotland in a 'home countries international match' for the Elcho Shield. Flushed with success they challenged the riflemen of America to competition. The Amateur Rifle Club accepted the challenge and the match took place at Creedmoor in 1874 before an audience of 5,000 spectators. Shooting was at 800, 900 and 1000 yards. America won. There was a return match in Ireland in 1875 (again won by the US) and 30,000 spectators turned up!! Some reports say even more.... As part of the Centennial Celebrations of 1876 an international competition took place at Creedmoor. America beat Australia, Canada, Ireland and Scotland. In 1877 America beat a Great Britain team at Creedmoor. This was the last of the short series of international target rifle matches held at Creedmoor. An American team came to Ireland in 1880, where they again won, but an unofficial team then going on to Wimbledon, England, were badly beaten. In 1882, at Creedmoor, and 1883, at Wimbledon, were two military rifle matches. Both of these were won by Great Britain. Public interest eventually waned and the matches went into decline, until in 1890 Creedmoor was deeded back to the state of New York and the NRA became dormant. Activities were not revived again until 1900. Creedmoor range remained in use until the opening years of the 20th Century, with shooting ceasing c1910. In 1908 Creedmoor State Hospital acquired the site, and in 1912 opened the Farm Colony of Brooklyn State Hospital with thirty-two patients. Today it is the site of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. I am always interest in reports of shooting events at Creedmoor rifle range and anything at all associated with the Amateur Rifle Club of New York. I am also building a library of biographies of International Riflemen and always on the look out for data. David ... in the UK --------------------------------- ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun!