A Little History

Established around 1925, the St. Marys Armory served as a pivotal facility for the Ohio Army National Guard for nearly a century. Beginning with Company I, 11th Infantry Regiment (Nieberg Guards) in 1877, the armory hosted various units over the years. Notably, Company K, 2nd Infantry Regiment was deployed to France during World War I as part of the 37th Infantry Division.

In World War II, elements stationed at the armory, including Company K and HQ Company of the 148th Infantry Regiment, fought in the Pacific theater, with soldiers participating in campaigns across the Northern Solomon Islands, Luzon, and the Philippines. The armory's military role concluded in 2020 when the National Guard relocated to Lima, citing the building's age and maintenance challenges.​

To commemorate the armory's military significance, a National Guard Memorial was established in Memorial Park, St. Marys. The monument replicates the armory's façade and honors the various units that served there over 143 years. It includes bronze plaques listing deployed units and the names of soldiers from St. Marys who were killed in action during World Wars I and II, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered.

The building remained vacant for nearly five years until a local family purchased The Armory in July of 2024 and began transforming the facility into what it is today. As part of its revitalization, The St. Marys Community Armory, a nonprofit organization, now operates out of the building, offering programs and services to local veterans and youth. Events booked at the venue directly support this mission, helping fund meaningful initiatives that give back to the community.