Director

More Info

One of the oldest Armories in Ohio, the Hardin County Armory was completed in 1894 and dedicated by then-governor and future President Wiliam McKinley. The building served as a place for troops to train with spaces like a shooting gallery in addition to a hardwood auditorium which allowed it to also serve as a center for community events. Today, after extensive renovations, the buildings is once again available for community events and can be rented for private events such as weddings.

The Hardin County Armory

Admin

<h2>History of the Hardin County Armory</h2>The Hardin County Armory is the oldest and most unique Armory in Ohio. Its architecture represents the Late Victorian,Richardsonian Romanesque Style. Construction began in 1893. The cornerstone was laid, complete with a parade, onAugust 2, 1894. The cornerstone ceremony had an estimated attendance of over 25,000 people, which included GovernorWilliam McKinley, soon to be president. The new Armory was formally dedicated on April 15, 1895, with a grandiosemilitary ball. Some of its interior attributes included a shooting range, plunge and steam baths, a hardwood auditoriumfloor, and a balcony that encircled the auditorium.The Hardin County Armory also laid host to three US Presidents: William Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, and WilliamMcKinley. Any event of worth and recognition was held within these walls, so it’s only right to add yours to thisextensive list. You are renting a historical building erected over a hundred years ago; therefore, it is not a new facility.Although our volunteer organization strives to present the best facility it can, there will always be imperfections.

One of the oldest Armories in Ohio, the Hardin County Armory is a beauty to behold. This building, which once housed troops and equipment during the world wars and was used as a recreation center for the community. Today, after hard work to restore the building, it is now used as a rental venue for weddings, meetings, and other community events!

The Hardin County Armory

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information