Following the Dorr Rebellion in 1842, several independent military organizations around the state built new armories. They had two notable exemplars, both from the 1830s: the Greek Revival Newport Artillery Company (
NE79) and the Gothic Revival Benefit Street Arsenal (
PR79). Warren chose to follow the Gothic lead, while Warwick, Bristol, and East Greenwich followed the Greek. Of the four, this is the most elaborate, with two Doric columns in an inset porch—technically a distyle in antis portico. From this hobnailed portal one expects the march of the toy soldiers rather than a serious military force.