The Henry rifle was the first repeating firearm rifle produced by the New Haven Repeating Arms Co. The New Haven Repeating Arms Co. was originally the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. which was founded by Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson in 1855 but the Volcanic was not popular as the special self contained cartridge was not liked.

Oliver F. Winchester was a successful clothing manufacturer who had invested in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. eventually bought out Smith's and Wesson's interests in the company. Winchester reorganised the company and held onto the Chief foreman Benjamin Tyler Henry.  

Henry improved the design of the Volcanic rifle and by using the new .44 rim fire self contained copper cartridge this new repeating rifle was named after Benjamin Henry. The famous Henry rifle became famous and more than 14,000 were produced during the American Civil war.