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

Powder House

Precious Cargo

— Fort Atkinson State Preserve —

Powder House Marker image. Click for full size.

August 17, 2017

1. Powder House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The sturdy structure in the southeast corner of the fort was used to store gun powder and ammunition. These materials were very dangerous so the building has double walls and a vaulted stone roof which were designed to contain an explosion in case of an accident. The double walls have air vents in order to keep the interior from overheating. However, the vents on the inside walls do not line up with the vents on the outside walls in order to prevent rain and stray sparks from being drawn into the building--damaging the powder or causing an explosion.

Erected by Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

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

Location. 43° 8.705′ N, 91° 56.331′ 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 east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Root House & Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); East Officers' Quarters

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Stockade & Main Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); South Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Constructing Fort Atkinson (within shouting distance of this marker); North Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Atkinson (within shouting distance of this marker); Guard House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Atkinson.

Powder House image. Click for full size.

August 17, 2017

2. Powder House

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2021. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2021. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.