Salem Armory

• The Salem Armory was located on the block of Essex and Brown Streets, directly across from the Peabody Essex Museum.
• The Salem Armory was constructed for the Second Corps of Cadets, a unit of the Mass. National Guard between 1890 and 1908. In 1890, the Second Corps purchased the home and property of Colonel Francis Peabody. The home was adapted to serve as Cadet headquarters. The drill shed, now occupied by the Salem Visitor Center, was erected at that time. In 1908, the former residence was torn down and replaced with a new head house designed by John C. Spofford. This massive brick and stone castle-like structure had many typical features of Gothic revival armory architecture.
• The armory was also an important social gathering place for the citizens of Salem. Because the halls in the armories were often the largest halls built in urban areas, they hosted large gatherings. Salem Armory frequently served as a civic function hall, hosting dinner, dances, fairs and other gatherings. The Salem Cadet Band under the director Jean Missud often played there.
• In 1982, the head house of the Salem Armory was destroyed by fire. The drill shed survived, and in 1994 it was converted into the Salem Visitor Center, which is operated by the National Park Service. In 2002, the Peabody Essex Museum created Armory Park on the site of the head house.
• The Essex County Armed Services Memorial was erected in this location. It is dedicated to the citizens of Essex County who served in the United States Armed Forces. There is also an 1801 Revere Bell as part of the instillation.
• Salem was designated birthplace of the National Guard in 2010 by Gov. Deval Patrick, as Salem had an active militia since at least 1629. The country's first muster took place on the Salem Common in 1637. Maj. Gen. Joseph Carter, the adjutant general of the Mass. National Guard was there with Gov. Patrick to sign the bill into law on Aug. 19th, 2010.
• Prior to this large armory that was built in 1890, they used other locations. The Second Corp of Cadets purchased the Peabody mansion for use as an armory from S. H. Holbrook, physician. This mansion was built in 1819. It was razed for the erection of the new state armory.
• They also used the third floor of the Franklin building at one point.

Cadet Armory, Salem

See Also

• Postcard photograph courtesy of CardCow.com

• Vertical File in Salem Collection- Armory (Salem)

• Vertical File in Salem Collection - Armory Park

• Vertical File in Salem Collection - National Park Service Visitor's Center

• Salem Armory Visitor Center National Park Service website
• Architecture in Salem by Bryant F. Tolles, Jr., p. 73.
• Essex County Armed Services Memorial Salem Visitor's Center Memorial
• "New tourist center to be a window on Essex County" Boston Sunday Globe, Jun 19, 1994, p. N16
• "Veterans want to save the armory" Salem Evening News, Apr. 2, 1999, p. A1
• "Museum won't save the armory" Salem Evening News, Apr. 15, 2000, p.A1
• "The battle behind the wall; Armory facade a legal maze of conflicting interests" Salem Evening News, Apr. 27, 2000, p. 1
• "Battle rages over armory in Salem" Boston Sunday Globe, Apr.30, 2000, p. N 1
• "The Armory wall is history; judge denies bid to halt demolition in Salem, Salem Evening News, May 4, 2000, p. 1
• "Cultural and economic benefits seen flowing from museum project" Boston Sunday Globe, Dec. 3, 1995, p. N 1
• Park honors those who served (Armory Park Dedication)" Salem Evening News, May 3, 2002, p.1
• "Gov. designates Salem as birthplace of National Guard during visit" Salem Gazette, Aug. 27, 2010, p. 7