Montana State Arsenal, Armory and Drill Hall - Helena, MT - Art Deco - Art Nouveau on Waymarking.com

In 1885 the Montana Territorial Legilature authorized the organization of the National Guard. Within three years its nine companies were headquartered in the territorial capital at Helena. Since that time Montana Guard personnel have been called up for State Active Duty to assist with riots, strikes, natural disasters, law enforcement, search and rescue and other emergencies. Montana citizen soldiers mustered into federal service for military actions including the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippine Insurrection in 1899, WWI France, throughout WWII's Pacific Theatre, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Kuwait, and Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

After earthquakes destroyed the old 1890s armory, Helena architect Norman DeKay designed this facility of poured concrete and steel. The interior included garage space for 70 trucks, US Army supply storage areas, a rifle range, and a 73x102-foot drill hall. The unique drill hall floor was constructed of hand laid two-by-fours set on end 18 inches deep in a contrasting desgin so that vehicles could be driven on its surface. Since WWII, the drill hall served as a community social center, dance hall, and sports facility. In December 2001, the Montana National Guard headquarters relocated from this site, but the landmark building continues to be a bold reminder of the Montana National Guard's contributions both at home and abroad.

Style: Art Deco Structure Type: Government Architect: Norman DeKay Date Built: 1942 Supporting references: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   06/15/2013 ZenPanda visited it 04/25/2012 teamhelena visited it

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