Redstone Arsenal  In-depth Overview

Redstone Arsenal is a U.S. Army installation located in Alabama, close to Huntsville and located in a wetland area serviced by the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Redstone Arsenal is listed as a census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama and is also named as a part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Redstone Arsenal serves as the host for a variety of tenant commands and also the Marshall Space Flight Center operated by NASA.

Important Redstone Arsenal units and missions include US Army Materiel Command, Army Aviation and Missile Command, the Defense Department’s Missile Defense Agency, plus the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Originally, Redstone Arsenal was created to build chemical weapons; since those days the installation is known for Army rocket and space projects. 

The original arsenal combined two adjoining arsenals into one post in 1941 to make conventional ammunition and toxic chemicals during World War II. Redstone was first designated the home of Army missiles in 1948. It dropped from a peak WW II employment of more than 19,000 to a little-used post of a few hundred workers. Because of the large available space, empty buildings, and ease of access to rail, highway, and water traffic, the Army chose Redstone as the place to consolidate its newly formed rocket program. Redstone Arsenal has served for 50 + years as the Army's center for missile and rocket programs. Numerous federal organizations have named Redstone Arsenal as "home".  

The area is rich in history from prehistoric beginnings to modern times and every town has its own unique story.  For more information, contact the city's chamber of commerce or the Alabama Tourism Department. 

Huntsville is located in the counties of Madison and Limestone and serves as the Madison County seat with a population over 373,000. Huntsville is one of the most up and coming recognized cities in the Southeast and is consistently named as one of the best places to live and work by a variety of national publications. Technology, space, and defense industries have a major presence here as well as several Fortune 500 companies.

Redstone Arsenal has approximately 800 active duty soldiers and 40,000 plus civilian and contract employees. 

Redstone Arsenal's 38,248 acres are bordered by Huntsville, Alabama, on the north and east with the Tennessee River forming Redstone's southern boundary. The arsenal is ten miles from north to south and three miles from west to east.  Huntsville is located in the northwest area of Alabama in Madison County. Redstone Arsenal is the largest employer in the area employing over 44,000 people.  Access to recreation opportunities and services is easy and convenient. Local attractions will keep your family busy while you can also enjoy the ease of traveling to other metropolitan areas such as Birmingham, Alabama (100 miles), Atlanta, Georgia (246 miles), Chattanooga, Tennessee (103 miles), Nashville, Tennessee (125 miles), and Memphis, Tennessee (216 miles). 

Airport

Huntsville International Airport is located five miles from Redstone Arsenal at 1000 Glenn Heard Road. Several major airlines arrive and depart daily. Public transportation includes taxies, shuttle services and rental cars. To reach Redstone Arsenal from the airport, go straight on Glenn Heard Road to the intersection of I-565. Turn right toward Huntsville and look for the exit sign for Gate 9.

Have current military or Department of Defense issued identification (military, retired military or Department of Defense employee or contractor) to show the gate security to obtain access to post. Department of Defense vehicle stickers are currently not required to access post. All others, stop by Gate 9 Visitor Centers for more information. 

Gate information and closures can be viewed on the Digital Garrison App downloaded on I Phone or Android phones. 

Redstone Arsenal does not provide taxi or shuttle services on post. When requesting an off post taxi or Uber, they must to be able to access post. 

The Redstone Arsenal automated attendant may be reached at (256) 876-2151.  This is an automated system so please listen to all options available.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the Gate 9 Visitors Center at (256) 876-7738.