UPPER HUDSON
Watervliet Arsenal
http://www.wva.army.mil/
SMC WV-1N-M BLDG 38
Watervliet Arsenal
Watervliet, NY 12189
Hours: The museum has closed. Please visit website for information.
Historical Description:
Watervliet Arsenal is the nation’s oldest manufacturing arsenal. It was founded in 1813 to support the military efforts of t the war of 1812. During the late 1880s the arsenal became America’s cannon factory and remains America’s sole manufacturing facility for large volumes of caliber cannon. The Arsenal now houses a museum as well as a manufacturing plant. The museum itself tells the story of the Watervliet Arsenal as well as explores the history of big guns and America.
The Site:
The Museum itself houses many one-of-a-kind guns collected over the past 400 years. In addition there are many new artillery weapons on display. The museum contains everything from 16th and 17th century cannons to the massive 16-inch guns of World War II battleship fame. The facility also houses a thorough library and research center containing thousands of historical publications, photographs, and other military history sources.