**Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House**
**Definition:**
The Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House is a historic military structure located in Arkansas, originally serving as a security checkpoint and administrative building for the Arkansas Ordnance Plant during World War II. It is recognized for its role in the wartime industrial complex and its architectural significance as a representative example of military guard houses from the era.
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## Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House
### Introduction
The Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House is a notable historic building associated with the Arkansas Ordnance Plant, a major wartime manufacturing facility established during World War II. The guard house functioned as a security checkpoint and administrative hub, controlling access to the plant and ensuring the safety and security of the site. Today, it stands as a preserved artifact of the United States’ wartime industrial efforts and military infrastructure.
### Historical Context
#### The Arkansas Ordnance Plant
During World War II, the United States rapidly expanded its industrial capacity to support the war effort. The Arkansas Ordnance Plant was one of several government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) facilities established to produce munitions and ordnance materials. Located in Arkansas, the plant was part of a nationwide network of ordnance plants designed to supply the U.S. military with essential weaponry and ammunition.
The plant was constructed in the early 1940s, reflecting the urgency and scale of wartime production. It employed thousands of workers, including many women and minorities, contributing significantly to the local economy and the national defense effort.
#### Role of the Guard House
The guard house was a critical component of the plant’s security infrastructure. Given the sensitive nature of the materials produced and the strategic importance of the facility, strict access control was necessary. The guard house served as the entry point for employees, visitors, and deliveries, where identification and authorization were verified.
In addition to security functions, the guard house often housed administrative offices for security personnel and served as a communication center. It was typically staffed around the clock to maintain continuous surveillance and control.
### Architectural Description
#### Design and Construction
The Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House is a modest, utilitarian structure designed to meet the functional needs of security personnel. It is typically constructed of durable materials such as brick or concrete block, chosen for their fire resistance and longevity.
The building’s design reflects the architectural trends of military and industrial facilities of the 1940s, emphasizing simplicity, efficiency, and durability. It often features a small footprint, with a single or double-room layout, windows for visibility, and a sheltered entrance or canopy for protection from the elements.
#### Features
– **Size and Layout:** The guard house is generally compact, with enough space to accommodate security staff, communication equipment, and administrative functions.
– **Windows and Visibility:** Large windows on multiple sides provide guards with clear sightlines to monitor approaching personnel and vehicles.
– **Security Elements:** The structure may include reinforced doors, barred windows, and other security features to protect personnel and sensitive information.
– **Communication Equipment:** Originally equipped with telephones or radios to coordinate with other parts of the plant and military authorities.
### Operational History
#### World War II Era
During the height of World War II, the guard house was a hive of activity. Security personnel worked in shifts to maintain strict control over the plant’s perimeter. The guard house was the first point of contact for thousands of workers entering the facility daily.
Security protocols included checking identification badges, inspecting vehicles and packages, and maintaining logs of all entries and exits. The guard house also played a role in emergency response, coordinating with plant management and local authorities in case of accidents or security breaches.
#### Post-War Period
After the war, many ordnance plants were decommissioned or repurposed. The Arkansas Ordnance Plant’s operations were scaled back or ceased, and the guard house’s role diminished accordingly. Some guard houses were preserved as historical sites, while others were demolished or repurposed for civilian use.
The Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House remains a tangible reminder of the wartime industrial mobilization and the security measures that supported it.
### Preservation and Significance
#### Historical Recognition
The guard house is recognized for its historical and architectural significance. It represents the broader story of the United States’ industrial and military mobilization during World War II and the infrastructure that supported it.
Preservation efforts have focused on maintaining the structural integrity of the guard house and interpreting its role within the context of the Arkansas Ordnance Plant and the war effort.
#### Educational and Cultural Value
As a preserved historic site, the guard house serves as an educational resource, providing insight into wartime security practices, industrial history, and military architecture. It offers visitors and researchers a glimpse into the daily operations and challenges faced by security personnel during a critical period in American history.
### Related Structures and Sites
The Arkansas Ordnance Plant complex included numerous buildings and facilities, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, administrative offices, and worker housing. The guard house is one of the few remaining structures that illustrate the security and administrative aspects of the plant.
Other related sites include similar ordnance plants across the United States, many of which have guard houses or security checkpoints with comparable designs and functions.
### Conclusion
The Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House stands as a significant historical artifact, embodying the security and administrative functions essential to the operation of a major wartime industrial facility. Its preservation allows for continued study and appreciation of the United States’ World War II home front efforts, highlighting the intersection of military necessity, industrial production, and architectural design.
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**Meta Description:**
The Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House is a historic World War II military security building in Arkansas, notable for its role in protecting a major wartime ordnance manufacturing facility. It exemplifies mid-20th-century military architecture and industrial security practices.