Last updated: May 17, 2021
Place
Junior Officer's Quarters
Photo Credit: NPS Digital Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Springfield, Massachusetts
Significance:
Springfield Armory was established as the Nation’s First Federal Arsenal. The Armory was a leader in the development of interchangeability, the technological innovations of firearms, the mechanization and specialization in precision manufacturing, and the production of small arms. Springfield Armory had numerous cultural, geographic and economic impacts on the City of Springfield and surrounding communities. The Junior Officers Quarters became a defining feature of the Springfield Armory Complex.
Designation:
The Junior Officers Quarters is a contributing building to the Springfield Armory National Historic Site which is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
3 listed
Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot
Situated on the southern corner of the Green, atop a hill overlooking the city of Springfield, sits the Junior Officers Quarters (Buildings 5 and 6).
Superintendent J.G. Benton submitted a request for funds for the Junior Officers Quarters in 1867, which was denied. Two years later in March of 1869, he submitted new plans and estimates which were approved. The plans this time, included the duplex design incase as Benton stated, if there was ever a need for another officer at the Armory, along with a new location on the old fire engine site (old guard house) on the southern corner of the Green. The estimated cost for the buildings was around $15,000.
In 1869 the construction of the duplex began with the masonry structure completed in 1870. The Junior Officers Quarters was built in the Second Empire Style with many architectural elements that reflected the Victorian Period influence, a departure from the classical architecture that was used in many of the other Hill Shops. This departure gives the Junior Officers Quarters and the southern corner of the Green a distinctive look and feel.
The duplex was built with utilities that were typical for the time which included gas lighting, plumbing, copper boilers to heat water, and hot-air furnaces! With multiple stories, modern utilities and elaborate interior design elements, the building provided much comfort to the officers and their families. Even with all the modernization, people were still traveling by horse! Along the road is an elevated brown stone step that allowed residents and visitors to easily jump onto their horse or step into their carriage.
As new families moved in and there was new leadership at the Armory, the Junior Officers Quarters underwent many renovations that included enlarging the parlors, added windows, the addition of a one-story ell and a two-story addition to Quarters 5. By the close of the Armory, the quarters that were built identical were completely different reflecting the needs and desires of the various occupants.
The Junior Officers Quarters were listed in the Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources and in 2017 the building underwent major restoration including rebuilding portions of the foundation and historic chimneys as well as repointing the brickwork.
In 1960, it was designated as a contributing building to the Springfield Armory National Historic Landmark and is registered in the National Historic Register of Historic Landmarks. With the close of the Armory in 1968, the building ownership was transferred to the State of Massachusetts to Springfield Technical Community College. Today while the building is not occupied, it still brings to remembrance the activity and families of the Armory.
Superintendent J.G. Benton submitted a request for funds for the Junior Officers Quarters in 1867, which was denied. Two years later in March of 1869, he submitted new plans and estimates which were approved. The plans this time, included the duplex design incase as Benton stated, if there was ever a need for another officer at the Armory, along with a new location on the old fire engine site (old guard house) on the southern corner of the Green. The estimated cost for the buildings was around $15,000.
In 1869 the construction of the duplex began with the masonry structure completed in 1870. The Junior Officers Quarters was built in the Second Empire Style with many architectural elements that reflected the Victorian Period influence, a departure from the classical architecture that was used in many of the other Hill Shops. This departure gives the Junior Officers Quarters and the southern corner of the Green a distinctive look and feel.
The duplex was built with utilities that were typical for the time which included gas lighting, plumbing, copper boilers to heat water, and hot-air furnaces! With multiple stories, modern utilities and elaborate interior design elements, the building provided much comfort to the officers and their families. Even with all the modernization, people were still traveling by horse! Along the road is an elevated brown stone step that allowed residents and visitors to easily jump onto their horse or step into their carriage.
As new families moved in and there was new leadership at the Armory, the Junior Officers Quarters underwent many renovations that included enlarging the parlors, added windows, the addition of a one-story ell and a two-story addition to Quarters 5. By the close of the Armory, the quarters that were built identical were completely different reflecting the needs and desires of the various occupants.
The Junior Officers Quarters were listed in the Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources and in 2017 the building underwent major restoration including rebuilding portions of the foundation and historic chimneys as well as repointing the brickwork.
In 1960, it was designated as a contributing building to the Springfield Armory National Historic Landmark and is registered in the National Historic Register of Historic Landmarks. With the close of the Armory in 1968, the building ownership was transferred to the State of Massachusetts to Springfield Technical Community College. Today while the building is not occupied, it still brings to remembrance the activity and families of the Armory.