SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield Armory was the nation’s first armory and it played a decisive role in the American Civil War by producing most of the weapons used by Northern troops.

Its rich history dates back to 1777, when George Washington scouted and approved the site for the armory on the recommendation of his artillery chief, Henry Knox.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, the armory celebrated its 50 years as a National Historic Site with a daylong festival featuring guided tours, live music, a birthday cake, free ice cream, vendors and food trucks.

The armory is located on the campus of Springfield Technical Community College. The museum is in the building with the very 16

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large United States flag on top of the clock tower.

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