Quartermaster Repair Shops

Quartermaster Repair Shops. Four Centuries: City Point, Virginia 1613 A.D.. , The Quartermaster Department was responsible for the transportation of the Army, storage and transportation of supplies, clothing, camp and garrison equipage, horses, forage, fuel, maintenance of buildings and repair of equipment., Captain Edward J. Strang was in charge of the repair shops, located nearby, which employed more than 1,600 blacksmiths, wheelwrights, carpenters, saddlers, teamsters, laborers and clerks. These men were responsible for the maintenance and repair of army equipment. Quarters were built next to the repair shops to house Strang’s employees., Captain Strang’s wharf was located below the intersection of Pecan Avenue and Water Street on the James River. The wharf extended along 190 feet of the waterfront and covered 26,344 sq. ft. A one story frame store house was constructed on the wharf., [Captions:] , Workshop, Quartermaster Department, west side, January, 1865., City Point had more than its share of sutlers' outlets catering to the needs of civilians and soldiers alike. Sutlers were basically small businessmen who obtained lucrative contracts from the army to sell food, clothing, writing materials, and other goods to the soldiers. City Point not only had the traditional sutlers but restaurants, eating houses, and even a hotel. On the southwest corner of Water Street and Pecan Avenue stood several eating establishments. Fresh oysters were a particular attraction. Army-built steps led up to more buildings and tents belonging to sutlers. The building to the left of the stairs was the post office.