Plumley Armory

It took Norwich University more than 30 years to name the now-familiar armory for 1896 alumnus, 15th NU president, and eventual U.S. Congressman, Colonel Charles A. Plumley. Construction began in 1928 on this cavernous gymnasium designed for military training and physical education. At 248 feet long and 107 feet wide, it included a basketball court, elevated running track, and stage. Still in use for athletics—the basement houses a fitness center and practice mats for wrestling—it also serves as the headquarters for Naval ROTC and the NU International Center. Once the venue for commencement, the expansive interior converts into an elegant space that holds as many as 4,000 for present-day events such as the Todd Lecture Series, Colby Symposium, and even a governor’s inaugural ball. At the Founder’s Day Convocation in 1962, Colonel Plumley’s name officially became part of what had been known, up to then, as “The Armory.” Plumley Armory endures today as a steadfast fortress on the north end of campus.