Laundresses Quarters
On later maps of Fort Abercrombie, these log buildings are listed as laundresses quarters. "Suds Row" was a slang term to describe the part of the fort where the laundresses lived.
Laundress
Laundresses were a common part of frontier army forts. These working-class women lived at the fort with permission from the commanding officer. They were hired to do the laundry for the soldiers living at the fort. Laundresses set their own fees with each individual soldier. It was hard work, but a good laundress would often make more money than the soldiers she served.
Laundresses often were married
to one of the noncommissioned officers
or enlisted soldiers. In this case,
the soldier could move out of the barracks
and into the quarters like the ones shown
on the sketch to the left.
Erected by State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 46° 26.637′ N, 96° 43.113′ W. Marker is in Abercrombie, North Dakota, in Richland County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hospital (a few steps from this marker); Sutler / Post Trader (within shouting distance of this marker); Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); Surgeon’s & Chaplain’s Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Abercrombie (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Guardhouse (about 400 feet away); Headquarters (about 400 feet away); Barracks (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abercrombie.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
