During the 19th Century, the Watertown Arsenal, begun by Capt. George Talcott in 1816, established a national reputation for its work in the development of cast-iron guns. Its fame in the field of metallurgy was particularly enhanced by Major Thomas Rodman, the Arsenal's commanding officer from 1859 to 1865. With the onset of the Civil War, the Watertown Arsenal quickly mobilized toward the war effort. 

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Shortly after the Civil War, accusations were brought before the Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War that Major Rodmanhad mismanaged the Arsenal and that he was disloyal to the Union. Among the many charges levied against Rodman was the accusation that the new quarters being constructed for him were excessively extravagant for the commanding officer. Opponents of the residence (Quarters 111) estimated that costs would be as high as $100,000 to $150,000. The actual cost was slightly less than $64,000. Major Rodman survived the charges and was reassigned to Illinois where he developed Rock Island Arsenal.

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The Bracketed Style (or Italianate) mansion exhibits intricate details, from paneled brickwork to a Victorian veranda supported by cast-iron lace-like arches and Corinthian columns. Captain Thomas French, an Arsenal employee and Watertown Selectman, was the master mason. An outstanding feature of the interior is the abundant use of fine woods, such as chestnut and black walnut, in the polychromatic floors and built-in cabinets in the library and dining room. The interior is ornamented with 11 marble fireplaces, ceiling medallions and patterned moldings in its 27 rooms. 

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Activity at the Arsenal rose and fell depending on the peacetime or war. In the 1880's it became a center for the study and testing of metals. World Wars I and II brought increased demand for ordinance supplies. Over 5000 men and women were employed at the Arsenal's height of activity in WWI and over 10,000 in WWII. By 1947 only 1,000 workers were left.

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The final closure of the Watertown Arsenal was directed by the 1988 Base Relocation and Closure Commission. The closing ceremony for the Watertown site was held on September 29, 1995. The Arsenal Functioned as a mall for many years and was recently transformed to be the "Arsenal Yards". Though the space looks very different and many new buildings were added, many of the historical buildings were kept, though the insides were gutted out and replaced with modern functions such as Nike or Frank Pepe's. The Commander's Mansion has remained, for the most part, the same. 

 

The Commander's Mansion now hosts private corporate events and weddings. In addition, the team at the mansion manages all community events for the city of Watertown.  

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