Superintendents and Commandants of Springfield Armory

The Legacy of Springfield Armory’s
Superintendents and Commandants

The Superintendents and Commandants often exercised a degree of influence that brought marked changes to the Armory, the city of Springfield, the Nation, and the Industrial World. In the course of their tenure, these men did more than just lead the National Armory. Among them were inventors, social reformers, and dedicated citizens who wished to leave more than a balanced account book at the Armory. Many of their lasting gifts remain as visible features in Springfield and in modern precision manufacturing.

 

The Springfield City Seal

Image Credit: City of Springfield

The spirit and vision of these individuals are seen today as monuments, places of worship, public parks, and stately homes. In these ways, Springfield Armory brought cohesion to the ever-growing City of Springfield.

Recognition of the Armory’s importance to the community occurred in 1852 when Springfield officially became a city. That year, the image of the Main Arsenal (today, the Museum at the Springfield Armory NHS), standing proudly on the crest of the hill overlooking the city, was incorporated into the top of the city’s seal.

Growing Nation, City, and Armory

Operations at Springfield Armory began slowly in 1795 with 40 workers producing 245 flintlock muskets in its first year as the Nation’s first government-run armory. Steadily, the workers at the new Federal installation grew in confidence and experience.

Strong Commanding Officers, notably Roswell Lee and James W. Ripley, were inspired by a vision of the “Grand National Armory.” They saw the Armory as not only an out standing manufacturing facility, but as a symbol of the growing power and dignity of the national government. As this vision became reality, Springfield took increased pride in its Armory. The Armory, in turn, started Springfield on its path as a manufacturing center and the most important city of western Massachusetts.

 

Notable Commanding Officers: Major James W. Ripley (left) and Lt. Col. Roswell Lee

NPS Photo/Springfield Armory NHS Archives

Civilian and Military Officers

The Superintendent (civilian administrator), or Commandant (military administrator) of Springfield Armory maintained an efficient and cost effective arms production facility for the U.S. Government.

This goal was furthered by the replacement of civilian administration with military administrators, in the mid-19th century, in order to remove political influence and control. The position of Superintendent of the Armory was established in 1794 without definite parameters of authority.

The original legislation that created the position also named two additional appointments creating a system of checks and balances of authority. The Master Armorer and the Superintendent were tasked with overseeing the operation of the Armory. A third position, the Military Storekeeper/ Paymaster, was created to attend to the safe-keeping and distribution of the military stores at the Arsenals. After the War of 1812, the Superintendent became the single chief officer responsible for managing the National Armory.

 

Superintendents and Commandants of Sprinfield Armory

Springfield Continental Arsenal and Laboratory Lt. Col David Mason Jan. 1777 to Dec. 1780 Capt. John Bryant 1780-1794 Springfield Armory David Ames, Supt. 1794 to Oct. 1802 Joseph Morgan, Supt. Nov. 1802 to Oct. 1805 Benjamin Prescott, Supt. Nov. 1802 to Aug. 1813 Henry Lechler, Supt. Sept. 1813 to Jan. 1815 Lt. Col. Roswell Lee, Supt. June 1815 to Aug. 1833 John Robb, Supt. Nov. 1833 to April 1841 Maj. James W. Ripley April 1841 to Aug. 1854 Gen. James S. Whitney, Supt. Oct. 1854 to March 1860

Col. I.H. Wright June 1860 to April 1861 Capt. George Dwight April 1861 to Aug. 1861 Capt. Alexander B. Dryer Aug. 1861 to Oct. 1864 Maj. T.T.S. Laidley Oct. 1864 to May 1866 Maj. J.G. Benton Jun 1866 to Aug 1881 Lt. Col. A.R.B. Buffington Oct. 1881 to Feb. 1892 Col. Alfred Mordecai Feb. 1892 to Feb. 1898 Lt. Col Isaac Arnold, Jr. Feb. 1898 to May 1899 Lt. Col. Frank H. Phipps Jun. 1899 to Aug. 1907 Col. Stanhope E. Blunt Aug 1907 to Sept. 1912 Lt. Col. William Pierce Sept. 1912 to Jan 1918

Col. Jay E. Hoffer Mar. 1918 to Sept 1918 Lt. Col. Lindley D. Hubbell Sept. 1918 to April 1920 Col. Thales L. Ames April 1920 to Aug. 1923 Maj. Earl McFarland Aug. 1923 to June 1924 Col H.W. Schull June 1924 to June 1929 Col J.W. Joyes July 1929 to Dec. 1933 Lt. Col. T.J. Smith Jan. 1934 to Feb. 1938 Brig. Gen G.H. Stewart Sept. 1938 to June 1942 Col. Earl McFarland June 1942 to July 1943 Col. George A. Woody Aug. 1943 to Aug. 1944 Brig. Gen. Norman F. Ramsey Oct. 1944 to Nov. 1945

Col. Stephen H. MacGregor Nov. 1945 to Aug. 1947 Col. Morris K. Barroll Jr. Aug. 1947 to May 1950 Col. James L. Guion July 1950 to May 1953 Col W.J. Crowe Aug. 1953 to Aug. 1954 Col. D.G. Ludlam Sept. 1954 to July 1958 Col. O.E. Hurlbut Aug. 1958 to Sept. 1959 Col. C.L.P. Medinnis Sept. 1959 to July 1963 Col. W.J. Durrenberger July 1963 to Sept. 1865 Col. S.H. Sweeney, Jr. Sept. 1965 to Nov. 1967 Lt. Col. C.B. Zumwalt Nov. 1967 to April 1968 Springfield Armory Closes in 1968