Living the Life

  • Current Projects

    54cal Trade 2-2

    54cal Trade 1-1

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  • Istrouma Post

    Istrouma Post

    Istrouma Post is located in Livingston Parish, LA, 20 miles from the Historic Istrouma Bluff on the Mississippi River, which became the city of Baton Rouge.  It is not a re-creation of any particular site, but rather “new” construction following the pattern of the French Colonial Post system used throughout the region from the Gulf Shores to Canada.  In its infancy now, the crew is hard at work clearing land and sawing timber.  Upon its completion, Istrouma Post will be a fully functional, self-sustaining, colonial Post.  With its gardens and stock, it will provide food for the inhabitants, while its trade shops, blacksmith, rifle shop and tannery will specialize in the manufacturing of the goods necessary for living well in a hard environment.  A sutlers store will be on site as well as a chapel for services.  Living quarters for guests will be of the barracks type used by La Marine with a large camping area to handle the many that are expected for our twice yearly Living History Events.  It’s our goal to see Istrouma Post grow into a gathering place for the men and women who make the world of “Living History” possible, as well as for those who simply wish to enhance their knowledge of their own history, their country and the region.

     

    We’ll be keeping this page up to date with photos and information as it progresses so check back regularly.  Can’t wait to see you there!

     

    -Will

     

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  • Events

    Fort Jean Baptiste on December 7-8, 2012.

     

    February- Jamestown, Kentucky. "Mel Hankla Gun Show."

     

    May- Tennessee. Bledsoe's Colonial Event.

             Virginia. Martin's Station.

     

    August- Lexington, Kentucky. CLA Show.

     

    November- Natchez Rendezvous.

                     Arkansas. Thanksgiving Deer Hunt.

     

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  • News/Articles
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  • Past Projects
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  • Videos
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  • Services
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  • About Us

    Sitting behind a trade blanket outside Ft. St. John Baptiste in Natchitoches, LA in 1992, I sold a man a trade musket that I had built.  On the blanket was a small collection of sashes, powder horns and bag straps that I had woven, a few knives I had built and some deer hides I had tanned.  My daughter, Stephanie, was somewhere in the Fort, helping out and hanging out with all the other kids.  She and her little gang of rascals would run by every little bit, just to say “Hi” and check on me.  This was my first venture into the world of “sales” and this was where and when Red Jacket Muzzle Loading was truly born.


    Everyone follows a different path into black powder weapons, some simply want to extend their hunting season, for others, it’s the historical aspect of the weapons, for others, it’s more of a life style.  While there are many aspects within the overall sport/hobby of black powder firearms, for me, the heart of it is the “immersion”, the historical as well as the family aspect of it.  Looking back, it seems my best days where those spent with an old flintlock in my hands, my kids somewhere nearby bustling around and a group of friends beside me.  My kids and I have been involved in the Living History community for 20 years now.  From large events at State Historical Sites, to small, private “treks” or outings, to just my kid and I tossing a pound of lead at a pine cone while we sort out world peace and high school dating issues.  These are the very best days of my life.


    Within the black powder community, the folks who gravitate towards the flintlocks tend to go “all the way”.  Well, I’m as guilty of that as any and more so than most.  The purpose of RJM, is simply to provide goods and services to those folks within the community who simply want the best available.  While doing so, I want to create a “home” for some of the top artists and craftsman in the country.  My greatest goal is to keep these skills alive and set the stage for the next generation of craftsmen.  While hard to believe, there are just not that many men who can take a slab of wood, a weight of iron and create a firing work of art.  It’s my deepest conviction that the skills of our forefathers be preserved and passed on, and it’s my intention to do everything possible for just that.


    Red Jacket Muzzle Loading, as a company, is in its infancy.  Over the next several months, you’ll see it grow, both with its “stocking inventory” as well as with individual, handcrafted items from the top artists in the country.  While we will offer “commercially produced” firearms, the weapons that come from our in-house Rifle Shop are hand built, using the tools and techniques of the 18th century.  I earnestly believe there’s just no other way to get it “right”.  Welcome, to the sport, the hobby, the lifestyle…Welcome to Red Jacket Muzzle Loading.

     

     

    -Will Hayden-

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