In 1887, Hudson resident Colonel Adelbert Mossman, an American Civil War Union veteran, formed the town's first unit of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (MVM): also known as the Hudson Light Brigade. Since then, National Guard units from Hudson have fought and served in the 1916 Pancho Villa Expedition, WWI, WWII, and the Iraq War. 

When originally constructed the building included a two-lane bowling alley in the basement, showers, an 80-foot-long indoor rifle shooting range, a mess hall capable of seating 300 people, and a bar for non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Prior to 2019, The Armory was inactivated as a military facility and acquired by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Designed by Boston Architects James E. McLaughlin and John J. Mulcahy to house an entire military unit, the building is a stunning example of early 20^th century architecture. The pair also designed armories in Hingham, Natick, and Newton, MA. Two years later, McLaughlin went on to design Fenway Park, America’s most beloved and oldest active ball park.