Near Fairfax in Nicollet County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Powder Magazines
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013
1. Powder Magazines Marker
This original log powder magazine, and another one similar to it, stood across the road in front of you when Fort Ridgely was an active military post. These buildings were used for storing ammunition and unused weapons. During the 1862 battles, a detail of soldiers left the security of the fort's main square and crept out here to successfully retrieve supplies from the magazines.
Fort Ridgely
Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 44° 27.247′ N, 94° 44.111′ W. Marker is near Fairfax, Minnesota, in Nicollet County. Marker can be reached from County Highway 30, 1.1 miles west of State Highway 4, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in Fort Ridgely State Park; fee area – a Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 72404 County State Aid Highway 30, Fairfax MN 55332, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Ridgely (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Ridgely Closes
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Magazine (artillery). Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on February 14, 2014.)
2. Fort Ridgely State Park. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. (Submitted on February 14, 2014.)
3. Autobiography of Capt. Richard W. Musgrove. Page 161; Fort Ridgely. "...the magazine, strange as it may seem, was still farther removed from the center, being perhaps twenty rods out on the prairie at the northwest — a safe position in case of fire in the fort, but in a dangerous place in case of attack." (Submitted on February 15, 2014.)
Additional keywords. U.S.-Dakota War of 1862
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013
2. Powder Magazine and Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013
3. Fort Ridgely Powder Magazine
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 481 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
