Water Shops Armory

The Water Shops Armory is a manufacturing complex beside Mill River in Springfield with brick and stone buildings arranged below a dam. The site includes several connected structures that were designed to harness water power for production.

The facility was founded in 1794 and initially used three waterfalls on Mill River for production operations. In 1857 it was reorganized and consolidated into a single unified location.

The site shaped how firearms parts were made in America by relying on water power and mechanical innovation. The manufacturing approaches developed here influenced industrial practices across the region.

The site is visible from Allen Street and Watershops Pond nearby offers outdoor recreation for visitors. The exterior grounds are accessible and provide good views of the industrial buildings and waterside setting.

The site was equipped with 300-horsepower water turbines driven by a specially engineered canal system. This sophisticated water management system raised the level of Watershops Pond to ensure consistent operating power throughout the year.

Location: Springfield

GPS coordinates: 42.09700,-72.56330

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:46