Picatinny Arsenal Historical Society

06/18/2026

06/16/2026

📍 Marking history where it all began!

the significance of Army's official historic birthplace marker in Philadelphia?

Located near the intersection of Chestnut and South 6th Streets, this (new) marker recognizes Philadelphia’s legacy as the birthplace of the U.S. Army, which was established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775.

Here is to 251 years of defending freedom.

This We'll Defend! 🦅🇺🇸

📸: U.S. Army photo by Mr. Shawn Morris, 99th Readiness Division Public Affairs

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day and Happy Birthday to the US Army 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
On June 14 in 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the first enlistment of riflemen to establish the US Army.
On June 14 in 1777, the Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution stating: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_Day_(United_States)?wprov=sfti1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Army_Birthdays?wprov=sfti1

06/13/2026

On This Day, June 12, we honor Women Veterans Day and celebrate the generations of women who have answered the call to serve our nation.

Why do women have their own Veterans Day?

Well, the fact is they weren't always allowed to serve in a contiguous member, fully acknowledged by the US government.

This date marks the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, the landmark legislation that granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the United States Armed Forces. The law was a milestone in a journey that had already been shaped by thousands of pioneering women who proved their value in times of war and peace.

Among those trailblazers were the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II. More than 1,100 women earned their wings and flew military aircraft in support of the war effort, ferrying planes, towing targets, testing aircraft, and training pilots. Though they served their country with distinction, they did so without military status and often without the recognition they deserved.

The courage and determination of the WASP helped pave the way for future generations of women in uniform. Their legacy lives on in every woman who has worn the nation's cloth and served with honor.

Today, we remember the WASP and all women Veterans, past and present, whose dedication, sacrifice, and service have strengthened our Armed Forces and our country. We thank you for your contributions, your perseverance, and your enduring example of leadership and patriotism.

Any female Veterans out there?

06/11/2026

—The Ford Mansion Through Time
Did you know that the Ford Mansion has served many roles since General George Washington made it his headquarters during the winter of 1779–1780?
Originally the home of the Ford family, the mansion later became the property of the Washington Association, which operated it as a museum before ultimately donating it to the National Park Service.

This historic photograph, taken in 1901, captures the mansion during its time under the Washington Association's care. Visitors could explore exhibits featuring Revolutionary War artifacts, including cannons, muskets, period clothing, furniture, and even the sword believed to have been worn by George Washington at his inauguration.
Today, the Ford Mansion continues to tell the story of the American Revolution. The interior can be explored on a guided tour, offering visitors a glimpse into the place where Washington planned military strategy and led the Continental Army through a pivotal chapter of the war.

🏛️ Guided tours are available Thursday–Monday, on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free tickets can be picked up in person at the museum.



📸: Library of Congress
Image Description: A black-and-white photograph of the Ford Mansion in 1901. The white Georgian-style house with dark shutters stands behind a flagpole, a cannon, and several leafless trees, offering a glimpse into how the historic site appeared more than a century ago.

06/10/2026

The foundation of the area's rail network was the Wharton & Northern Railroad (later succeeded by the Jersey Central), which was laid through the heart of the installation's valley beginning in 1887 under a 99-year lease. This main route connected the various railroads in the Wharton area to the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway at Green Pond.