Officers Row

Officers Row. . , Soldiers lived a rough life on the Texas frontier. Even though rank had its privileges, Fort Martin Scott offered few amenities. Private quarters and privies were the only noticeable luxuries officers enjoyed at the fort., There were six buildings for officers’ quarters. They were made of adobe, weatherboard or logs, and stood on the north side of the parade ground facing east towards the enlisted men’s barracks. Outdoor toilets, called privies, stood behind the row of officers’ quarters. Bachelor officers shared a single room together while a married officer lived alone with his wife and family. Army life on the frontier often meant traveling light, so furniture was crude and typically constructed at the post out of whatever material was available. When an officer was reassigned to another frontier post, he usually took only what he and his horse could carry., Most of the commissioned officers assigned to Fort Martin Scott were junior in rank – young captains and lieutenants. These junior officers commanded the infantry and dragoon companies stationed at the post. The duties of the officers at Fort Martin Scott included inspecting the enlisted troops, training them in horsemanship and tactics, leading patrols, and enforcing Army discipline.