Hi everyone! I'm Ranger Scott with Springfield Armory National
Historic Site in Springfield, Massachusetts. We're coming to you on this rainy
day from the porch of the Commandant's House. The Commandant
was the person who was in charge of the overall operation of the
Springfield Armory. The Armory was running from 1794 to 1968,
and the primary purpose of this facility was to design and
produce small arms, so rifles and muskets mostly, for the US
military. It was run by the US Army for the 174
years. After it closed in 1968 we reopened as Springfield Armory
National Historic Site
in 1978. We're right in the middle of Springfield, Massachusetts. So
we're an urban park however we do have a pretty expansive
grounds as you can see. And we have a really great view of
Springfield. So the Armory was put in this location, in
Springfield, to be easily defensible on this hill.
As I walk around, sometimes I wonder what would this place
look like if the city hadn't grown around it. And so what
I'd like you to do is to think about writing a story in which a
city block or urban center has been retaken by nature and time
and what does that look like
now. We'd be happy to get a postcard or letter from you with
your story. Or you can share it to #WriteOut and let
everyone know. Thank you very much and we look forward to
hearing what you have to say.