The Squadron A Armory is a former United States Army armory and was the home base of Squadron A. It took up the whole block between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue, between 94th and 95th Streets, in Manhattan, New York City, New York. It was therefore also known as the Madison Avenue Armory. A surviving part of the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Madison Avenue Facade of the Squadron A Armory and is a New York City landmark.
A stone plaque with the squadron's cry "Boutez en avant!", translated variously as "Press forward!" or simply "Charge!", is located on the wall at Madison Avenue.
History
The building was built in 1895 by a New York City contractor named John F. Johnson. () It was constructed with red bricks, featuring massive walls with towers. It also included about 100 horse stalls to house Squadron A's horses.
The building was partially demolished in the 1960s; however, an emergency action from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, which designated it a landmark, stopped the demolition of the Madison Avenue facade. That facade was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. When the eastern building was rebuilt, it was done in a style similar to the original. +List of units stationed at the Squadron A ArmoryUnit(s) stationedYearsTroop A1889–1894Squadron A (Troops 1 and 2)1895Squadron A (Troops 1, 2, and 3)1896-1897Troop A, New York Volunteer CavalrySpanish American WarSquadron A (Troops 1, 2, and 3)1899–1906Squadron A (Troops 1, 2, 3, and 4)1907–19101st Cavalry (1st Squadron)19111st Cavalry (Troops A, E, F, and G)19121st Squadron (Troops A, B, C, and D)1913Squadron A1914–??
Usage
Today, the eastern and central parts of the site are used by Hunter College High School and Elementary School as the schools' main campus. The outline of some of the former walls is lined with trees.
See also List of armories and arsenals in New York City and surrounding counties Seventh Regiment Armory List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 59th to 110th Streets National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan from 59th to 110th Streets
References
External links
Squadron A Armory Ruins and Hunter College High School The City Review