Picatinny Arsenal | Base Overview & Info (2024)

On September 6, 1880, the War Department issued Special Order No. 189 which established the Dover Powder Depot. Four days later, the post was renamed the Picatinny Powder Depot. The Army's first powder factory was constructed here in 1907. Later that year, because of its expanding activities, the post became Picatinny Arsenal. When World War II started, Picatinny Arsenal was the only plant in the United States capable of making ammunition larger than that for small arms. Today, Picatinny Arsenal serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center and employs highly skilled technicians, scientists, and engineers engaged in the full range of armament research and development.

Where did Picatinny get its name? Some of the earliest residents where the Lenni-Lenape Indians who named their hunting grounds "Picatinny". Initially spelled "Piccatinny", the word has been translated as the "peak with broken rocks and cliffs", or "water by the hill". Records indicate the name is a combination of Lenape and Pequot Indian Languages. "Pikka" in Pequot literally means "rock rent asunder", while "tinny" in Lenape represents landmark or hill. Please visit the Picatinny website at: https://www.pica.army.mil/Picatinny

• 100 military
• 354 family members
• 6,000 civilian employees

Newark International Airport

Newark has long been on the forefront of aviation history. Opening in 1928, it is the nation’s oldest airfield and home to the nation’s first commercial airline terminal. In fact, in 1935, Amelia Earhart led the dedication of this landmark terminal building. (Only London’s Croydon Aerodrome predates the Newark terminal.) Located partly in Newark and partly in Elizabeth, Newark is located only 14 miles from Manhattan, serving a critical role for the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. Newark Liberty continues to build on its heritage of innovation with leadership roles in congestion mitigation and the campaign for Next Gen technology.

General Contact Information:

• Newark Liberty International: 973 961-6000
• John F. Kennedy International: 718 244-4444
• LaGuardia: 718 533-3400
• Stewart: 845 564-7200

USO assistance is not available at Newark International Airport.

Airport Shuttle Service

Royal Coachman, Air Brook, Annmarie's and Minuteman offer service to and from Picatinny Arsenal. Drivers accept Visa, Master Card and American Express. Mention Picatinny Arsenal for Discount rates.

Contact Royal Coachman at 267-310-5466 or 973-400-3204 for more information or visit their website.

Other Limousine services available to the Picatinny Arsenal:

• Air Book Limousine: 800-800-1990
• Minuteman II Limousine and Car Service: 973-252-7662
• Annmarie's Limousine: 973-398-0395 or 973-202-4761

There are plenty of hotels within 5 miles of Picatinny Arsenal for your convenience. Just mention Picatinny Arsenal for government rates.

Traveling from I-80 West

1. Exit 34B (New Jersey) to Route 15 North
2. Proceed to first traffic light.
3. Turn right at Picatinny Main Gate Entrance (300 ft past traffic light)

Traveling from I-80 East

1. Exit 34 bearing right onto Main Street.
2. Proceed past shopping mall on the right to the second traffic light (Route 15 North).
3. Turn right at Picatinny Main Gate Entrance.

From Newark International Airport (EWR):

1. From the airport, bear left at main exit to I-78 westbound (follow signs to I-78 westbound).
2. Exit I-78 westbound to Route 24 westbound.
3. Exit Route 24 westbound to I-287 northbound.
4. Exit I-287 northbound to I-80 westbound.
5. Exit I-80 westbound at Exit 34 to Route 15 northbound (Sparta & Picatinny Arsenal).
6. Go through traffic light, bear right to Picatinny Entrance (up small hill) before underpass.

From JFK International Airport (JFK)

1. From the airport, exit to Nassau Expressway westbound.
2. Exit Nassau Expressway westbound to Shore Parkway (Belt System) westbound.
3. Exit Shore Parkway westbound to I-278 westbound to Verrazano Narrows Bridge.
4. Exit I-278 westbound to I-95 northbound.
5. Exit I-95 northbound to I-78 westbound.
6. Exit I-78 westbound to Route 24 westbound.
7. Exit Route 24 westbound to I-287 northbound.
8. Exit I-287 northbound to I-80 westbound.
9. Exit I-80 westbound at Exit 34 to Route 15 northbound (Sparta & Picatinny Arsenal).
10. Go through traffic light, bear right to Picatinny Entrance (up small hill) before underpass.

South Jersey (South)

1. Take the New Jersey Garden State Parkway - North.
2. Exit I-280 westbound to I-80 westbound.
3. Exit I-80 westbound at Exit 34 to Route 15 northbound (Sparta & Picatinny Arsenal).
4. Go through traffic light, bear right to Picatinny Entrance (up small hill) before underpass.

North Jersey (North)

• Take the New Jersey Garden State Parkway - South.
• Exit I-280 westbound to I-80 westbound.
• Exit I-80 westbound at Exit 34 to Route 15 northbound (Sparta & Picatinny Arsenal).
• Go through traffic light, bear right to Picatinny Entrance (up small hill) before underpass.