Students from Pine Bush High School’s Skilled Trades Academy recently toured the Watervliet Arsenal in Watervliet, New York. Established in 1813 to support the War of 1812, the facility is recognized as the nation’s oldest continuously operating arsenal and is often referred to as America’s “cannon factory.” Over time, the arsenal evolved from a 19th-century depot into a primary manufacturer of large-caliber weapons, including howitzers, mortars, and tank cannons. During World War II, the arsenal produced more than 49,000 cannons.
Skilled Trades Academy students participated in a guided tour that highlighted the arsenal’s transformation from a general facility to a specialized site employing advanced technologies such as robotics, rotary forges, and 3D imaging in cannon production. The students observed the manufacturing process and engaged with employees.
The students also learned about more than 200 civilian positions available within the military, in addition to employment and apprenticeship opportunities at the Watervliet Arsenal.
