From Arsenal to Icon
The massive building ahead served as Springfield Armory's Main Arsenal, a storage facility for the weapons manufactured here. Constructed between 1847 and 1850 during the term of Commanding Officer James W. Ripley, the building dominated the site and quickly became so iconic that Springfield integrated it into the city seal when it became a city in 1852.
You can explore the interior of the Main Arsenal building, which now houses a museum featuring the world's largest collection of American military firearms. The museum's collection began as a technical reference library for armory workers and engineers.
[Background illustration caption reads]
The Main Arsenal remains Armory Square's largest and most memorable building.
[Photo captions, from top right, read]
This building served as the main storage area for the weapons produced here at Springfield Armory.
Today, the Main Arsenal building serves as a visitor center for the historic site.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 42° 6.455′ N, 72° 34.896′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Main Arsenal (here, next to this marker); Armory Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Springfield (within shouting distance of this marker); Master Armorer's House (within shouting distance of this marker); A "Magnificent Mansion" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Military Presence (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Legacy, Shared Future (about 400 feet away); Innovation Continues at STCC (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Also see . . .
1. Springfield Armory National Historic Site. (Submitted on August 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Springfield Armory National Historic Site on Facebook. (Submitted on August 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
