~The FReeper Canteen Presents~ Road Trip: Watervliet Arsenal, New York 
The Watervliet Arsenal is an arsenal of the United States Army located in Watervliet, New York, on the west bank of the Hudson River. It is the oldest continuously active arsenal in the United States, and today produces much of the artillery for the army, as well as gun tubes for cannons, mortars, and tanks. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 1966.
 
The arsenal was founded on July 14, 1813 to support the War of 1812, and was designated as the Watervliet Arsenal in 1817. It occupies 142 acres of land, approximately 8 miles north of Albany, New York. The location is adjacent to the Hudson River. The site contains manufacturing, administrative offices and storage areas. It also houses the Army's Benét Laboratories, which does product development, improvement, research, and testing. 
Nearly 70 years after the arsenal produced its first products, it gained national prominence when it became the Army's first large caliber cannon manufacturer in the late 1880s. During this period, production changed from the manufacturing of saddles and gun carriages to cannons. Remnants of this period are still in operation today, as evidenced by the continued use of historic Building 110, "The Big Gun Shop," for manufacturing missions. This gun shop once produced 16-inch guns and many other weapons for the United States Army Coast Artillery Corps. 
Built in 1889, the quarter-mile-long 'Big Gun Shop' is the arsenal's oldest manufacturing facility. The building earned its name by being home to 16-inch seacoast and battleship gun production. The arsenal's big guns were used in every conflict from the Spanish American War through the Persian Gulf War. Major cannon work ceased during the drawdowns of the 1990s resulting in machines being removed and cannon work shifting to other buildings. Since then, the building has been primarily used for minor work including paint, preservation and composites. A large portion of the facility was left unutilized.
In response to increased workload demands, the arsenal is increasing production capacity making the 'Big Gun Shop' the perfect location to house new equipment on the 143-acre installation. The machines will perform a variety of manufacturing functions including turning operations, straightening and abrasive blasting. 
Learn More About Watervliet Arsenal HERE!!
FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.
Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. The Canteen is family friendly. Let's have fun! We pray for your continued strength, to be strong in the face of adversity. We pray for your safety, that you will return to your families and friends soon. We pray that your hope, courage, and dignity remain unbroken, so that you may show others the way. God Bless You All ~ Today, Tomorrow and Always | 
