Metro Center in Springfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Military Presence
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 31, 2017
1. The Military Presence Marker
As a "military factory," Springfield Armory was a hybrid installation, never a typical military post. During and after the Civil War, the military presence increased, with junior officers taking more of a hand in supervising production and research. From 1877 to 1930 a small ordnance detachment was stationed here, providing increased security for the site.
The need for additional housing for junior officers led to the construction of this duplex dwelling in 1870. The building is the only one on the site displaying the French Second Empire architectural style. It has been described as "a grace note which lightens the severity of Armory Square."
Erected by National Park Service and Springfield Technical Community College.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 42° 6.417′ N, 72° 34.842′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden County. It is in Metro Center. It can be reached from Armory Street. Marker is near the south corner of Armory Square, part of the Springfield National Historic Site
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Massachusetts’ Knowledge Corridor and in Pioneer Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Legacy, Shared Future (within shouting distance of this marker); Innovation Continues at STCC (within shouting distance of this marker); Forging Arms for Our Nation (within shouting distance of this marker); Armory Fence (within shouting distance of this marker); Springfield (within shouting distance of this marker); Armory Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Arsenal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); From Arsenal to Icon (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 31, 2017
2. The Military Presence Marker and Former Junior Officers' Quarters
Also see . . .
1. Springfield Armory National Historic Site. (Submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Springfield Armory National Historic Site on Facebook. (Submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 414 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
