Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Grounds of the Armory at Sunrise.

NPS Photo/Dani Beekman

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, technological innovations of firearms, 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 Main Arsenal stored firearms and became the defining feature of the Armory.

Designation:

Springfield Armory National Historic Site which is registered as a National Historic Landmark.

Amenities

16 listed

Automated Entrance, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Baby Changing Station, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Theater/Auditorium, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Wheelchair Accessible

Established during 1794, under George Washington it operated as the Nation's First Federal Arsenal. For the next 174 years it provided the U.S. Military with firearms until it's close in 1968. Designate as a National Historic Landmark in 1960, the site tells the story of technological innovation, firearm development, and of the workers who helped define the nation. 

When the Armory first opened it employed 200-300 workers, making just over 200 firearms a year. By World War II, it employed over 14 thousand workers with over 5 thousand of them being women, producing thousands of arms a year. 

Aside from being a site of firearm production, Springfield Armory pioneered technology development in transition from handcraft production to machine production and interoperability. During the War of 1812, American forces faced supply shortages and difficulty in repairing and replacing muskets that were slowly, individually crafted in Springfield. As a result of the lessons learned from the setbacks of the War of 1812, the Springfield Armory pioneered new manufacturing methods using interchangeable parts and modern techniques, effectively modernizing tools of the American Military.