Springfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Forging Arms for Our Nation
Springfield Armory National Historic Site
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
In 1795, Springfield Armory began manufacturing muskets for the United States Military, on a site where General George Washington authorized weapons to be stored during the Revolutionary War. Within decades, Springfield Armory became the nation's primary armory, and manufacturing methods that were critical to the development of American industry were perfected here.
After nearly two centuries producing muskets and rifles for America's armed forces, the armory closed its gates in 1968. The site reopened in 1978 as the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and features the world's largest collection of historic American military firearms.
Today, the National Park Service and Springfield Technical Community College jointly manage the grounds, now a lively urban park and community resource.
[Captions:]
For nearly two centuries, the Springfield Armory buzzed with workers producing arms for the United States.
In the museum, marvel at the "Organ of Muskets." This double rack was one of many built in the 1830s to hold about 1,100 manufactured muskets.
Take part in a special event at this vibrant park that serves the community.
School groups are welcome at Springfield Armory. A variety of programs and teacher resources help connect students and visitors with the history of innovation at this national historic site.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1795.
Location. 42° 6.404′ N, 72° 34.85′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden County. Marker is about 200 feet SSE of the Armory building, on the Springfield National Historic Site and Springfield Technical Community College campus complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: One Armory Street, Springfield MA 01105, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Innovation Continues at STCC (here, next to this marker); Historic Legacy, Shared Future (here, next to this marker); The Military Presence (within shouting distance of this marker); Armory Fence (within shouting distance of this marker); Springfield (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Armory Square (about 300 feet away); Main Arsenal (about 400 feet away); From Arsenal to Icon (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An identical marker stands elsewhere on campus.
Also see . . .
1. Springfield Armory National Historic Site. (Submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Springfield Armory National Historic Site on Facebook. (Submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Springfield Technical Community College. (Submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Additional keywords. innovation
Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 223 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.