Begun as a major arsenal by General George Washington early in the Revolutionary War, the first national armory began manufacturing muskets in 1794. Within decades, Springfield Armory had perfected pioneering manufacturing methods that were critical to American industrialization.

Reopened in 1978 as the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, the original 1840?s arsenal houses the world?s largest collection of American military firearms. Year-round public programs, exhibits, and special events are hosted on the grounds of the National Historic Landmark.