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

Root House & Ice House

Provisions for the Troops

— Fort Atkinson State Preserve —

Root House & Ice House Marker image. Click for full size.

August 17, 2017

1. Root House & Ice House Marker

Inscription. On the outside of the stockade near the southeast corner of the fort, a path ran down to the bottom of the bluff. Here two small log buildings were built into the side of the river bank. One was used to store ice cut from the river in the winter and the other served as a root cellar. These buildings took advantage of the ground's natural insulation to preserve the perishables stored in them.

Erected by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

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

Location. 43° 8.69′ N, 91° 56.333′ W. Marker is in Fort Atkinson, Iowa, in Winneshiek County. Marker can be reached from 2nd Street east of 8th Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. 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. Powder House (within shouting distance of this marker); East Officers' Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); South Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Stockade & Main Gate (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Constructing Fort Atkinson

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(about 300 feet away); North Barracks (about 300 feet away); Fort Atkinson (about 300 feet away); Guard House (about 400 feet away). 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 82 times since then and 8 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 24, 2021. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.

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