Magazine

Magazine. . A magazine is a building used to store gunpowder and ammunition. This drawing shows what Fort Abercrombie's magazine may have looked like in the mid 1860s. Fort Abercrombie's first magazine was a brick building 14 feet wide and 34 feet long. During its history, Fort Abercrombie had two different magazines. This was the site of the first magazine. The magazine used later at Fort Abercrombie sat behind the guardhouse.

At a typical frontier fort, the magazine was placed some distance away from the other buildings. Locating the magazine away from other buildings reduced the risk of damage or injury in the event of an accidental explosion. Magazines were often designed with thick walls made of brick or stone and had lightweight wooden roofs. If there was an explosion, the force of the blast would be directed upward through the roof rather than outward.

Ordnance Sergeant , The ordnance sergeant was responsible for all weapons, ammunition, and military stores kept at a military fort. His position was unique because there was only one ordnance sergeant assigned per military post. His assignment was usually permanent. Unlike other troops that might transfer from one fort to another, ordnance sergeants often served their remaining years in the army at one fort.

The ordnance sergeant's uniform is trimmed with crimson. His rank is indicated by three chevrons with a star above. As a senior noncommissioned officer he is entitled to wear a red sash. On his hat is a flaming bomb insignia.