Some historians believe that Britain's rise to empire waslargely accomplished by the efficiency of the English archers.If they had been less proficient with this weapon, we, inAmerica, might be speaking Spanish or French. This is onlyone of the many political destinies that may have been in-fluenced by the bow.
Since the early part of the 17th century, firearms, in thecivilized nations, have driven the bow into discard exceptas an implement for sport.
The first organized archery club in America was foundedin 1828 and was known as The United Bowmen of Philadel-phia. It is still a going concern. The National Archery Asso-ciation was founded in 1879 and has enjoyed a continuousexistence and growth. The Annual Archery Tournament,sponsored by this association, is one of America's most color-ful sporting events; but, having no commercial affiliations, itdoes not have the ballyhoo of baseball and prize fights.
