THE ARMORY / FIRST CORPS OF CADETS

Boston, MA

When visiting cities, I like to browse the urban neighborhoods looking for unique architecture as sketching opportunities. I found this building just a few blocks from our hotel. Its castle-like demeanor demanded attention, but was peculiar in that it had no sidewalk presence, no front door, no indication of inner life. Now knowing its purpose, to store weapons, its inaccessible disposition makes sense. 

This four-story granite structure was designed by William Preston in the Romanesque Revival style. Although a Boston architect, Preston’s second home was Savannah, where he designed over 20 buildings. The armory served as the headquarters for the First Corps of Cadets of the Massachusetts Militia and was also quarters for the cadets, a drill hall, a library and a military museum. It was still in use in 1965, serving as headquarters for two Massachusetts national guard units: the 220th Infantry and the 114th Medical Battalion. From 1967 to 1974, UMass occupied the building as their library. Today, the Armory is used as a space for traveling exhibitions and for business events. The Armory was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on 22 May 1973.