White Plains Armory

The White Plains Armory, located at 35 South Broadway, White Plains, New York, is one of three military structures remaining in Westchester County. Designed in 1909 by Franklin B. Ware, the White Plains Armory is an example of castellated style of architecture.

Besides its architectural significance the White Plains Armory also has historical importance. The Armory is built on the location of the first courthouse in White Plains. (1) This courthouse was where the New York Provincial Congress met on July 9, 1776, to approve the Declaration of Independence, making this location the birthplace of New York State. The New York Provincial Congress was meeting in White Plains was because the New York City, its usual meeting place, was under threat by British forces. (2)

The Armory's front section is two stories high, painted yellow beige, and has rock-faced red sandstone. The drill hall is one hundred or one hundred and fifty feet and is eight bays long. If you go to the Armory's entrance you will see the words "NGNY" written in sandstone. (2)

In 1977 the White Plains Armory was vacated to the Armory Plaza, and in 1982 it became a senior citizen housing and senior center. The White Plains Armory was added to the National Registers of Historical Places in 1980. (3).

1. Williams, Gray. Jackson, Kenneth T.. Picturing Our Past.
2. Haynes, Wes. White Plains Armory. . Published April 16th 1980.
3. White Plains Armory, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center. Accessed March 11th 2020. https://dmna.ny.gov/historic/armories/WhitePlains.html.
4. White Plains Armory Photo, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Center. October 25th 2012. Accessed March 17th 2020. https://dmna.ny.gov/historic/armories/WhitePlains_photos.html.
5. Armory Plaza, Regan Development. Accessed March 17th 2020. https://www.regandevelopment.com/new-york-new-jersey-real-estate-developers/armory-plaza/.