A 132-year-old rifle was recently found leaning against a tree in a remote area of a national park in Nevada.
Often referred to as the “gun that won the West,” the Winchester Model 1873 is an icon of America’s westward expansion. The gun was given the name because of its popularity between 1873 and 1916.
The gun has sparked international interest, from as far away as China and Italy, as many people try to figure out what exactly happened to this gun’s owner, and why it was left in such a ponderous position.
Eva Jensen, the cultural resource program manager of the Great Basin National Park and a part of the group who found the gun, told KNPR’s State of Nevada the gun and how it was found has kindled people's imaginations.
"I think everybody feels a connection and everybody loves a mystery," Jensen said.
So far, Jensen has not found any concrete information about the gun besides the type of weapon it was. She said she has found newspaper advertisements but nothing about a possible owner.
Jensen said the gun is not the only artifact they have found in the vast wilderness of the park.
Stone arrowheads, pieces of pottery and items from the mining and ranching industries all have been found inside the park, painting a picture of Nevada’s colorful recent and ancient history.
Guest:
Eva Jensen, cultural resource program manager, Great Basin National Park
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