Eddystone Rifle Plant
Eddystone, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Built to make P14 Enfield rifles for the UK in 1914, the factory was the nation's largest during WWI. It produced a modified version of the firearm after the US entered the war, designated the Model 1917. It was the most common rifle issued to US soldiers and more than half were made here. Employing 15,000 workers, 20% of which were women, the plant fabricated over a million rifles, accounting for 47% of total US wartime production.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
When the guns of the First World War fell on Europe in 1914, an arms plant rose on the Delaware River at Eddystone to turn out Enfield rifles for Britain. After the United States entered the war, the factory retooled to make the American Model 1917 — and became the single largest rifle producer in the nation, employing some 15,000 workers, a fifth of them women. Its lines fabricated more than a million rifles, nearly half of the country's entire wartime output.
Why it matters
Eddystone shows how the Philadelphia region's factories and workforce, women included, powered America's rapid transformation into an industrial arsenal during World War I.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer11.6 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House11.7 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial11.7 mi away
- Congress Hall11.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall11.8 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall11.8 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Commandant's Quarters9.1 mi away
- American Bandstand9.5 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo10.8 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge11.0 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck11.1 mi away
- Rocky Steps11.1 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden11.6 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily11.6 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon11.6 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill11.6 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut11.6 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe11.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City11.1 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City11.1 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites11.1 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn11.2 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express11.2 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City11.4 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related events
- · World War I
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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