Last updated: August 1, 2021
Place
The Main Arsenal
Photo Credit: NPS Digital Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Springfield, MA
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:
The Main Arsenal is a contributing building to the Springfield Armory National Historic Site which is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Amenities
17 listed
Accessible Rooms, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Baby Changing Station, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Internet/WiFi Available, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Theater/Auditorium, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Wheelchair Accessible
The dominating feature of Springfield Armory National Historic site is the Main Arsenal (Building 13) with its clock tower and overview of the Armory Grounds. Springfield Armory was established as a Federal Armory in 1794 under George Washington.
As Springfield Armory underwent the transition from an Arsenal to an Armory after the American Revolution, the Armory began expanding as it was no long just storing firearms, but manufacturing them. Additional buildings were added to the Hill Shops, the Water Shops were built and development occurred at Federal Square to aid in the production of firearms.
Constructed between 1847-1850 under Major James W. Ripley, the Main Arsenal faced scrutiny during its construction; it cost $86,066 to build the Arsenal. It was built to be centered between the Paymasters Residence and the Master Armorer's Residence, making it just askew from the walkway to the Administration building across the Green. Ripley would plant trees to make it less obvious. The Main Arsenal was built to reflect the power of the United States Military and it expressed an authoritarian and practical nature ensuring the building would command the Green and the Armory complex, as it does today.
The Main Arsenal, with its expansive interior, was used to store firearms. A unique feature of the clock tower is the self-supported spiral staircase that goes up six floors to the base of the flagpole. The staircase has no central support column, but rather the supports for the staircase are built into the walls. Before automobiles, the main entrance allowed for horse-drawn carriages to drive through the tower where Armory workers would load and unload firearms. In 1941 the wood doors were shortened when a loading dock was added to allow delivery by trucks.
In 1960 the Main Arsenal was designated as a contributing building to the Springfield Armory Historical Landmark and in October 1974 it became a part of the National Park Service as Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Today the Main Arsenal serves as a museum which tells the story of the workers, technological innovation, the evolution of firearms, and the impact the Armory had on Springfield, the surrounding communities, and the United States.
In 1852, when Springfield became a city, the Armory was incorporated into the city seal. While the City has built up around the Armory, the impact and significance of the Armory remains firmly rooted, which can be seen by gazing upon the Main Arsenal as it sits atop the hill overlooking the City of Springfield.