Fort Atkinson in Winneshiek County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

South Barracks

Educational Teaching

— Fort Atkinson State Preserve —

South Barracks Marker image. Click for full size.

August 17, 2017

1. South Barracks Marker

Inscription. The south enlisted men's barracks was a two-story log structure with raised stone platforms in the center of the foundations to help support the wooden floors. This building also served as a schoolroom for the officers' children and as a church on Sundays. Many small objects were found during the excavations such as children's clay marbles, a fragment of a slate and a slate pencil which was probably used for school lessons. Also a fine-toothed comb made from cow horn was recovered which was probably used to remove lice, something that plagued everyone at the fort.

Photo caption:
In order to occupy themselves during the down time the officers would take up music on the jaw harp or play dominos made from bone. Both of these items were found during excavations of Fort Atkinson.

Erected by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 43° 8.709′ N, 91° 56.376′ W. Marker is in Fort Atkinson, Iowa, in Winneshiek County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of 2nd Street and 8th Avenue when traveling south. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 2nd St, Fort Atkinson IA 52144, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. East Officers' Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); North Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Powder House (within shouting distance of this marker); Guard House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Block House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Atkinson (within shouting distance of this marker); Constructing Fort Atkinson (within shouting distance of this marker); Root House & Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Atkinson.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2021. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 7 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 24, 2021. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.

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