[1] The range was established after the New York Legislature and the newly formed National Rifle Association of America (NRA) collaborated in 1872 to acquire 70 acres of farmland from Bernardus Hendrickson Creed (1811–1889)[2] for long-distance rifle shooting and the holding of shooting competitions.
[6] The Central Railroad of Long Island established a railway station nearby, with trains running from Hunter's Point, with connecting boat service to 34th Street and the East River, allowing access from New York City.
[7] In 1873, the NRA and the Creedmoor range benefitted greatly from the substantial publicity created when the Irish Rifle team, in that year the British champions having won the Elcho Shield, challenged the 'Riflemen of America' to a match at Creedmoor the following year.
[8] In 1874, the Leech Cup was presented to the Amateur Rifle Club by Major Arthur Blennerhassett Leech, Captain of the visiting Irish Rifle Team and is thus the oldest trophy offered today in competitive target shooting in the United States.
[11] International competitions, organized by the NRA, were held annually at the range until 1891, after which a decline in interest and support caused them to be moved to the range at the National Guard Camp, Sea Girt, New Jersey under the auspices of the New Jersey State Rifle Association.