Fall at the Springfield Armory NHS, MA
October 2025
Springfield Armory NHS, from Arsenal to Academia
Just over the border in Springfield, Massachusetts, we visited the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Even though the museum and visitor center were closed, it was still possible to stroll around the site. Not really a problem, since the fall colors were absolutely spectacular against the crisp blue sky, making the site even more charming.
Starting in the late 18th century, military small arms, including muskets and rifles, were produced on this site, then known as the United States Armory & Arsenal. The ingenuity involved was remarkable; the manufacturing practices used at that time included innovative mass-production and interchangeable parts techniques, which greatly contributed to America’s industrialization later on.
The site closed in 1968, was designated as a National Historic Site by Congress in 1974, and became a unit of the National Park Service in 1978. So thankfully, the Armory’s buildings, its industrial & military heritage, and terrain have been wonderfully preserved and/or repurposed for us to admire today.
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The dominating building that became the Armory’s symbol was the Springfield Armory’s Main Arsenal, where all those manufactured weapons were stored. Today, it is a museum with the world’s most extensive collection of American military firearms (which, as mentioned, we were unable to see).
We also saw other beautifully preserved buildings, like the houses of the officers and their families, for whom the Springfield Armory was also their home. Today, students of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) live in the historic Armory buildings, and, like the officers’ children, use the grounds as a playground again.