Commanding Officer's Quarters, Watertown Arsenal, building in Massachusetts, United States
The Commanding Officer's Quarters at Watertown Arsenal is a brick building in the Italianate style built in 1865 in Massachusetts. The house spans over 40,000 square feet (3,700 square meters) and features decorative brackets under the eaves, tall windows, and intricate brickwork throughout.
The building was commissioned in 1865 by Captain Thomas J. Rodman, a noted artillery inventor, but was never used as a residence since Rodman was transferred before its completion. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and later became part of a larger historic district at the arsenal.
The building's name reflects the military hierarchy and the status of those who commanded the arsenal. The careful design and furnishings show the importance these officers held in the community.
The building sits north of the Charles River in Watertown as part of the larger arsenal complex with parking and walkways nearby. Access is possible but visitors should check ahead since it now houses offices and museum exhibitions.
The house was the subject of controversy over its high construction costs, criticized by Congress, reflecting debates about military spending during the Civil War. This dispute made it a symbol of financial scrutiny in military construction of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
