Our history lesson today on the street names of Palmetto Bluff takes us to River Road - back to the days of the American Revolution.
Located in the River Road neighborhood of Palmetto Bluff, Musket Road is named for muzzle-loading rifles that were popular among settlers in North America and used extensively in the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
Although developed at least 300 years earlier, muzzle-loading rifles became widespread in the 16th century. Soldiers who were armed with muskets were called “musketeers,” and the 17th century French musketeers became famous for not only their rambunctious behavior but also their skill as riflemen.
Muskets remained in use until the late 19th century when breech-loading (a much faster method of reloading) was invented.