Main Arsenal - Springfield Armory - Springfield, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 06.451 W 072° 34.895
18T E 699956 N 4664544
This sign is located next to one of the buildings of the Springfield Armory states the importance of this building to the city and tries to explain the difference between Armory and Arsenal.
Waymark Code: WMC02G
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 07/09/2011
Views: 4
In Springfield, there is the Springfield Armory, one of the most important industrial locations in the country. On the grounds that contains several buildings, there are historical signs explaining various features. This one explains one building that currently houses the National Historic Park museum. This sign states:
"Main Arsenal
The massive Main Arsenal (199 by 69 feet) was constructed between 1847 and 1850, during Col. James W. Ripley's tenure as commanding officer of Springfield Armory. With its dominating location the Main Arsenal became the symbol of the Armory and was incorporated into the city seal when Springfield became a city in 1852.
In the hundreds of years since they entered the language, the terms 'armory' and 'arsenal' have had varied - and often interchangeable - meanings. When Congress established Springfield Armory in 1794 weapons were manufactured in an 'armory' and stored in an 'arsenal.' This distinction was maintained at Springfield, but was not applied consistently elsewhere."
There is also a pen and ink drawing of the Armory and an image of the city seal of Springfield.
The building now houses the National Historic Park museum on the site. This museum has two parts. One part covers the manufacturing that took place at this location and its importance in precision manufacturing for industry in general. The second part is a collection of firearms of all kinds. See the National Park Service web site for details.
Agency Responsible for Placement: National Park Service
Agency Responsible for Placement (if not in list above): N/A
County: Hampden
City/Town Name: Springfield
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
Year Placed: Not listed
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