In 1898, when President William McKinley called for volunteers for the Spanish–American War, local citizens formed the Buhl Independent Rifles. The unit trained for roughly 40 years. Though it never deployed as a company, it was the first independent unit to volunteer for World War I—and 85 of its 125 members ultimately served in the armed forces.
After years of drilling in rented halls, the Rifles commissioned a three-story armory on what is now Sharpsville Avenue. Designed by Sharon architect E. E. Clepper, the building was dedicated in 1905 with space for military drills as well as social and civic events.
A 1937 front addition preserved most of the original, castle-like character. A later alteration squared off the façade and brought it to the sidewalk, diminishing some of that distinctive presence.