Last updated: March 19, 2021
Place
The Water Shops
Photo Credit: Springfield Armory NHS
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 Water Shops were the main manufacturing center for the Armory and the location of where many of these developments occurred.
Designation:
The Water Shops are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
Amenities
2 listed
Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot
With the opening of Springfield Armory in 1794, there was a need for an increased power source and the Water Shops were built along the Mill River. By 1798, the Lower and Middle Water Shops were built.
Using iron water wheels to harness the current of the Mill River, trip hammers, grindstones, and polishing discs shaped steel and iron into the necessary firearm parts. The Water Shops were shaping wooden gun stocks, locks, forgings and barrels. After the pieces were crafted, they were set to the Hill Shops, just a mile up Walnut Street, for shaping/fitting by hand, assembly, final inspection, storage and distribution.
In 1801 and 1805 the wooden buildings were replaced with brick and stone due to fires and the Upper Water Shops were built to increase production. In the 1830s the Water Shops received investments to increase their production which included new water wheels, forges, and milling machines.
In 1843 Springfield Armory purchased its first steam engine as waterpower wasn’t always reliable due to droughts or frozen ponds in winter. By 1884 the Lower and Middle Water Shops were closed, and the Upper Water Ships were enlarged and became a state-of-the-art facility. The dam was built to increase the water fall to 35 feet to provide more power. During the Civil War gas lighting was added which allowed for a night shift and increased production.
In the early 20th Century the Water Shops were expanding, and efficient water turbines powered the machines along with steam engine and eventually electricity. During World War I to ensure the security and protection of the shops and the production of firearms, soldiers were brought in to provided extra security and they were housed in barracks that were built near the Water Shops and Hill Shops.
Not only were firearm parts produced Water Shops, but it was also used to test some firearms and ammunition as engineers had a range of up 2,000 yards from the dam to the Water Shop Pond. The Water Shops would continue to produce weapons until the close of the Armory in 1968. In 1980 the Water Shops received the designation as a National Historic Place with significance relating to the United States.
Today the Water Shops are privately owned manufacturing sites. While you are unable to view the interior of the buildings, you are able to view the exterior. Take note of how while it is a mile away from the Armory, it echoes the commanding feeling with is brick structure and clock tower.
Using iron water wheels to harness the current of the Mill River, trip hammers, grindstones, and polishing discs shaped steel and iron into the necessary firearm parts. The Water Shops were shaping wooden gun stocks, locks, forgings and barrels. After the pieces were crafted, they were set to the Hill Shops, just a mile up Walnut Street, for shaping/fitting by hand, assembly, final inspection, storage and distribution.
In 1801 and 1805 the wooden buildings were replaced with brick and stone due to fires and the Upper Water Shops were built to increase production. In the 1830s the Water Shops received investments to increase their production which included new water wheels, forges, and milling machines.
In 1843 Springfield Armory purchased its first steam engine as waterpower wasn’t always reliable due to droughts or frozen ponds in winter. By 1884 the Lower and Middle Water Shops were closed, and the Upper Water Ships were enlarged and became a state-of-the-art facility. The dam was built to increase the water fall to 35 feet to provide more power. During the Civil War gas lighting was added which allowed for a night shift and increased production.
In the early 20th Century the Water Shops were expanding, and efficient water turbines powered the machines along with steam engine and eventually electricity. During World War I to ensure the security and protection of the shops and the production of firearms, soldiers were brought in to provided extra security and they were housed in barracks that were built near the Water Shops and Hill Shops.
Not only were firearm parts produced Water Shops, but it was also used to test some firearms and ammunition as engineers had a range of up 2,000 yards from the dam to the Water Shop Pond. The Water Shops would continue to produce weapons until the close of the Armory in 1968. In 1980 the Water Shops received the designation as a National Historic Place with significance relating to the United States.
Today the Water Shops are privately owned manufacturing sites. While you are unable to view the interior of the buildings, you are able to view the exterior. Take note of how while it is a mile away from the Armory, it echoes the commanding feeling with is brick structure and clock tower.