During the period 1874-1880 there was a series of international long range match rifle competitions. The largest event of the time was "Championship of the World" planned as part of the United States Centennial Celebrations in 1876. Invitations to compete were circulated to Rifle Associations worldwide and the final line-up of nations accepting the invitation to compete for the Centennial Trophy were: Australia, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and United States of America.