Mammoth in Mammoth Hot Springs in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
A Soldier's Life
A typical day began at 5:30 am, at the stable, just behind the barracks where the horses were fed. From that time until almost noon, soldiers groomed their mounts, inspected their equipment, and fed and watered the horses at least one more time.
The rest of the day might be spent patrolling the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces to prevent visitors from chipping away souvenirs, practicing on the firing range, or participating in ceremonies and demonstrations for visiting dignitaries.
At the Post Exchange (structure to the left of you) a soldier with free time could spend it in the gymnasium or bowling alley, or could play cards, drink beer, and buy sundries.
If this entertainment became too stale, he might walk five miles to the town of Gardiner, Montana. There he could drink, gamble, and visit the "houses of ill repute." Of course, after the fun, the five mile hike uphill to the post was a stern reminder of the "wages of sin."
Upper left photo caption - Interior view of cavalry barracks, circa 1910.
Lower right photo caption - Interior view of the Fort Yellowstone Post Exchange, circa 1900 (this structure was replaced by the present building in 1905).
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 44° 58.531′ N, 110° 41.9′ W. Marker was in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, in Park County. It was in Mammoth. Marker was on Officer's Row, 0.1 miles Mammoth Street, on the left when traveling south. This marker is directly in front of the barracks building, which is along an unnamed side street off Officer's Row. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Yellowstone National Park WY 82190, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named A Soldier’s Life (a few steps from this marker); The Post Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker); Life in the Fort (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); From Soldier to Ranger (about 400 feet away); Crime in Wonderland (about 500 feet away); Fort Yellowstone National Historic Landmark (about 500 feet away); Fort Yellowstone (about 500 feet away); The Parade Ground (about 600 feet away).
More about this marker. This marker was removed and replaced with another marker nearby, also called A Soldier's Life.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2011, by Rich Pfingsten of Forest Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 560 times since then and 5 times this year. Last updated on September 10, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2011, by Rich Pfingsten of Forest Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on September 10, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.