Springfield Armory consisted of numerous sites, and at the Hill Shops Building 19 stands an impressive 764 feet long! Learn more about the function of this building at Springfield Armory during it's operation.
Quarters 1 was built between 1845-1847 under the direction of Major James W. Ripley. The building housed numerous superintendents and commandants during the operation of the Armory and became a place where the Superintendent and their family could relax. In 1960, it was designated as a contributing building to the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and is listed in the National Historic Landmarks Register. In October 1974 it became a part of the National Park Service.
The Junior Officers Quarters, Buildings 5 and 6, situated on the southern corner of the Green were built under Superintendent J.G. Benton. The Junior Officers Quarters were built in the Second Empire Style with many architectural elements that reflected the Victorian Period influence, which was departure from the classical architecture, giving the South Green a unique look. The duplex provided housing to the officers and their families who came to work at Springfield Armory.
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 the tools of the American military.
The Main Arsenal is a defining feature of Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Built between 1847-1850, under the direction of Major James W. Ripley, it gave the Armory a military and commanding presence. 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.
The Water Shops, located on Mill River, were the main manufacturing center for the Springfield Armory. Using the power of water, various firearm parts were crafted before they were transported to the Hill Shops for final assembly, storage, and distribution. Since 1884, only the Upper Water Shop has remained providing vital service to the Armory. In 1968 the Water Shops would close with the Armory and it became privately owned.
