Grounds surrounding the Main Arsenal Building

When in operation, Springfield Armory was spread out over two locations. The two-block site now occupied by Springfield Armory National Historic Site and Springfield Technical Community College was known as the Hillshops. The complex consisted of 22 buildings that were used as warehouses, offices, barracks, officers’ quarters, and finishing and assembly facilities. The actual manufacturing plants, known as the Watershops, were situated a mile south on the Mill River. Water power was needed to run the machines up until the mid-1800s when steam power took over, and even when electricity was installed in the early 1900s, production continued at the Watershops. Though not part of the National Historic Site, visitors are welcome to view the exterior of the buildings located at 1 Allen Street.

Satellite view of the Watershops

When Springfield Armory closed in 1968, most of the buildings were immediately turned over to Springfield Technical Community College. Springfield National Historic Site was created a few years later in 1974, but only incorporated two buildings and a small portion of the original Hillshops property. The Main Arsenal Building is the focus of the park, and it is here where you will find the Visitor Center and the large Springfield Armory Museum. The only other building within the park boundary is the Commanding Officer’s House, but it is not open to the public.

Springfield Armory Map

Springfield Armory National Historic Site boundary

While the museum will certainly make up the bulk of any visitor’s experience, guests are welcome to step outside and take a walk around the grounds of both the park and the college. A logical first stop is at the Commanding Officer’s House located just a short walk northwest of the Arsenal. It was built in 1845 by Major James W. Ripley. He had the existing officer’s house torn down and the Arsenal Building constructed on its spot between 1847 and 1850. Ripley was eventually accused of extravagant spending on the new house and was even tried before a military court, but he was found innocent of all charges against him.

Commanding Officer’s House

If you wander over to the college campus side of the parking lot, the large field you see is the former Armory Square, a green space around which the armory buildings were constructed. Today it is used by the college for sports and events.

Armory Square

A few of the buildings have information panels out front that tell their history, but most of those on the campus are not identified. One exception is the building next to the parking lot. This was a duplex used for junior officer housing that was built in 1870.

Junior Officers’ duplex

Whichever path you take, be sure to walk around the back of the Arsenal Building to see what it looks like from the other side. Without being able to see its iconic clock tower, the building is hardly recognizable.

Backside of the Main Arsenal Building

Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes walking around the immediate grounds of the Arsenal, and more time if you walk the entire Springfield Technical Community College campus. The grounds are open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM.

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