Metro Center in Springfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Armory Fence

Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Photographed by Don Morfe, May 22, 2013

1. Armory Fence Marker

Inscription. James W. Ripley, who had such a lasting influence on the Armory’s development, was also responsible for the east-iron fence which extends well over a mile around Armory Square. Partly decorative, the fence also had a security function, being intended to keep out angry townspeople antagonized by Ripley’s policies.

Money was tight, so work on the fence proceeded slowly; begun in 1852, it was not completed until 1861. Ripley reduced some of the cost by using recycled iron from obsolete cannons. Today, the fence defines the boundary of the National Historic Site.

Originally, the main gate to the armory was on State Street, directly ahead. When the grade of State Street was lowered in the 1870s to accommodate horse-drawn cars, the entrance was transferred to the corner of State and Byers Streets. The octagonal guard house shown in the picture was built around 1875 and replaced by the present structure in 1908.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 42° 6.383′ N, 72° 34.85′ W. Memorial is in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden County. It is in Metro Center. It can be reached from Federal Street. The marker is

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

on the property of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. The entrance is now on Federal Street. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 339 State St, Springfield MA 01105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Massachusetts’ Knowledge Corridor

and in Pioneer Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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: Innovation Continues at STCC (within shouting distance of this marker); Forging Arms for Our Nation (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Legacy, Shared Future (within shouting distance of this marker); The Military Presence (within shouting distance of this marker); Springfield (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Armory Square (about 400 feet away); Main Arsenal (about 500 feet away); From Arsenal to Icon (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Photographed by Don Morfe, May 22, 2013

2. Armory Fence Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,084 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on June 10, 2013. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.