Blairsville Armory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Blairsville Armory
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 119 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Wilkins, W.G. & Co.; Et al. |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| MPS | Pennsylvania National Guard Armories MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 89002069 |
| Added to NRHP | December 22, 1989 |
The Blairsville Armory is a historic building located in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. It was once a training center and storage place for the National Guard. This special building was designed by architects from Pittsburgh, W.G. Wilkins & Co.
It was built in 1909 and looks a bit like a castle. The armory is important because it shows us what buildings from that time looked like. It also reminds us of the role the National Guard plays in our communities.
What is an Armory?
An armory is a building where soldiers, like those in the National Guard, train and store their equipment. It's like a base for local military units. They might practice drills, learn new skills, and keep vehicles or supplies safe there.
The Blairsville Armory was built to serve this purpose. It provided a dedicated space for the National Guard to prepare for their duties. These duties include helping during emergencies or supporting the regular military.
Design and Style of the Armory
The Blairsville Armory has a unique design. It is a two-story building that looks like the letter "T" from above. The front part of the building has a flat roof. This section was used for offices and administrative tasks.
Behind the front section is a larger part with a sloped roof. This was the drill hall, a big open space where soldiers could practice. The building's style is called Romanesque Revival. This means it looks like old Romanesque castles and churches.
Castle-like Features
You can see the castle-like features in its design. The front of the armory has a large arched entrance. This grand doorway welcomes you into the building. On the right side, there's a special five-sided window that sticks out. It goes up two stories, adding to its fortress-like appearance.
The strong, solid look of the building was common for armories built around that time. It made them look important and secure.
Why is it Historic?
The Blairsville Armory is considered a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This is a list of important buildings, sites, and objects in the United States.
Being on this list means the building has special historical value. It is recognized for its architecture and its connection to the National Guard. Protecting these places helps us learn about the past. It also ensures they are preserved for future generations to see and understand.
