National Shooting Competition at Camp Perry, Ohio, 1907

DateAugust 25,1907

MediumPaper

Dimensions3 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (9.5 x 6.4 cm)

ClassificationsAdornment

Catalog number1999.28.231

DescriptionPanoramic photo of the National Shooting Competition at Camp Perry, Ohio in August 1907. (This specific image was taken on August 25 by G.A. Bash of Canton, Ohio.)

This photo shows a firing line with prone marksmen that stretches from left to right across the center of the image. Most of the numerous people in the photograph are in uniform - probably Army, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard and Naval Militia members are represented. Aside from the marksmen (prone and otherwise), the people in the photo appear to be involved with numerous activities - service members observing/recording the progress of the competition, support personel, other participants, spectators, and others. Although difficult to see, the long rifles in use appear to be the military model known as the Krag-Jorgensen rifle. (This type rifle was produced at the federal goverment's Springfield Armory in the 1890s to early 1900s.) Many of the people in the photo appear to be looking at or toward the camera as the photo was taken.

In the background of the photo can be seen rows of large, square targets at different distances. Also evident in the distance are other firing lines. In the middle distance to the far right are a group of tents, people (probably mostly military personel), and horse-drawn wagons.

This was the first year of this national marksmanship competition held at Camp Perry, Ohio. Camp Perry is located near the west end of Lake Erie along the coast between Sandusky and Toledo, Ohio. It was a training area for the Ohio National Guard and became the location for the national marksmanship competitions after they were moved from Sea Girt, New Jersey. The competition was held annually (with some exceptions) up to the present day, and involves military and non-military personel in these events.

Chris Sigala was most likely a member of the Arizona National Guard team this year (1907). Sigala was an expert marksman who represented the Territory (and probably State from 1912) for many years as a member of this team. This photo was likely a souvenir purchased by Sigala to commemorate this event.

This photo is in poor condition but is very important with regards to the subject matter and its connection to Chris Sigala during his many years of service in the Arizona National Guard.

Status

Not on view