Prescott National Guard Armory

Completed in November of 1939 for the 158^th Infantry Company “M," this armory demonstrates the connection between late-1930s public works progress and military preparedness. Designed to support the company's current and future troops, this structure served as a headquarters and training facility for the National Guard until 1980, when the federal government turned the building over to the city of Prescott. Currently, the armory is used as a city park and recreation facility. The Prescott Armory Historic District comprises a cemetery, park and ball field, the Smoki Pueblo Museum, and this former armory.

During the Great Depression era, like other cities across America, Prescott, Arizona was immensely struggling. As a result, President Roosevelt implemented several programs to help Americans get back to work to feed their families. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was created in November of 1933 and provided infrastructure projects to help the unemployed.

The Prescott National Guard Armory was funded by the WPA and aimed to increase structure throughout the community. The armory consists of a large drill hall with two-story wings attacked on its sides. The back of the armory includes three truck garages that lead to the basement: the basement houses a pistol and rifle range, heating and ventilation, and another truck garage.

Along with the National Guard Armory, donations of land were given to improve the Ken Lindley Field and create the Smoki Pueblo Complex, a recreational field since 1908 and a complex for preservation and education of the Smoki Pueblo Native Americans. Altogether the National Guard Armory, the Smoki Pueblo Complex, and the Ken Lindley field make the Prescott Armory Historic District.

In 1980, the Prescott Armory was given to the city of Prescott by the Arizona National Guard. The large drill hall once used to house the 158^th Infantry Company “M” is now used for exercise programs, entertainment, sports activities, and community gatherings.

Prescott National Guard Armory, Historical Marker Project. October 18th 2014. Accessed July 1st 2021. https://historicalmarkerproject.com/markers/HMM3X_prescott-national-guard-armory_Prescott-AZ.html.

"Prescott Armory Historic District A National Register and Prescott Historic Preservation District." Historic Preservation Master Plan . , 11 sec, 11.1-11.9.

Kirchner, Bill. Prescott National Guard Armory, The Historical Marker Database. July 10th 2010. Accessed July 1st 2021. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=33136.