Stable
Animals including horses, mules and oxen were important for moving soldiers, weapons and supplies throughout the frontier. Officers and cavalry soldiers rode horses to move rapidly from place to place. In addition, horses or mules hauled cannons. For heavy tasks, draft horses, mules and oxen pulled the wagons that brought supplies to the fort.
All these animals required care in order to keep them healthy for work. Hay and grain to feed the animals needed to be gathered and stored. Horses, mules and even oxen needed to be shod to protect their hooves. Saddles, harnesses and ox yokes needed to be repaired and maintained in good working order.
The largest stable at the fort was 160 feet long and 25 feet wide. It was made to hold up to 80 horses. Unfortunately, most of the remains of this building eroded into the river.
Soldier wearing a stable frock
The stable frock was a white canvas
garment that a solder wore over his
uniform while he cared for his horse.
Wearing the stable frock helped the
soldier keep the rest of his uniform
clean. This soldier is holding a curry
comb
this page online
Soldiers cared for and fed their horses
before they had their own breakfast
and also before their evening meal.
Erected by State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Forts and Castles • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 46° 26.744′ N, 96° 43.165′ W. Marker is in Abercrombie, North Dakota, in Richland County. It can be reached from Broadway (County Road 4) near Abercrombie Street. Located in Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 935 Broadway N, Abercrombie ND 58001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Red River Valley and in Greater Fargo Area. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hospital / Lieutenants Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Commissary Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Headquarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quartermaster Storehouse (about 400 feet away); Fort Abercrombie (about 400 feet away); Guardhouse (about 400 feet away); Barracks (about 500 feet away); Carpenter Shop (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abercrombie.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 6, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
