The History of Springfield Armory

A Timeline of American Ingenuity

1777 – Revolutionary Roots

The Continental Congress designates Springfield, Massachusetts as a key military storage site during the American Revolution due to its strategic inland location.

1794 – The First National Armory

President George Washington formally establishes Springfield Armory as the first federal armory. Its mission: produce firearms for the U.S. military.

1812–1815 – War of 1812 Mobilization

The Armory expands production to meet wartime demand, marking its emergence as a major manufacturing force.

1820s–1840s – Birthplace of Mass Production

Springfield Armory pioneers the use of interchangeable parts—revolutionizing manufacturing and laying the groundwork for the American Industrial Revolution.

1861–1865 – The Civil War Years

The Armory becomes a critical supplier of rifles for Union forces, producing over 800,000 Springfield Model 1861 muskets, the most widely used rifle of the war.

1890s–1930s – Advancing Military Technology

Develops and manufactures advanced weapons including the M1903 Springfield rifle, used in World War I.

1936–1945 – World War II and the M1 Garand

Production of the legendary M1 Garand rifle begins—the semi-automatic rifle hailed by General Patton as “the greatest battle implement ever devised.”

1968 – Closure of the Armory

After nearly two centuries, the federal government closes Springfield Armory as a production facility. Its role in U.S. military manufacturing officially ends.

1974 – National Historic Site Designation

The U.S. Congress establishes Springfield Armory National Historic Site, preserving its history for future generations under the care of the National Park Service.