Commissary Storehouse
The commissary storehouse held Fort Abercrombie's
food supply. It was a long, single-story structure
built of hewn logs and covered with clapboard
siding. A storehouse was typically one of the first
buildings constructed at a frontier fort. Why?
Because it was important to protect the food supply
from the elements as soon as possible. Notice
the wider doors used for unloading supplies. This 1862 sketch of Fort Abercrombie shows the commissary storehouse to the left of the flagpole. Food that was stored in the commissary storehouse would include things such as salted pork or beef, flour, peas, rice, beans, coffee, tea, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. To supplement these basic food items, soldiers were often encouraged to grow gardens. The addition of fresh vegetables added some variety to the soldier's diet and also helped to prevent diseases such as scurvy.
Infantry Sergeant
The commanding officer appointed a sergeant to supervise the day-to-day work in the commissary storehouse. The sergeant's work included keeping track of the amounts and types of food that were stored there and supervising the distribution
this page online
This sergeant wears the typical dress
uniform for a foot soldier in the 1860s.
The sky-blue trim on his frock coat and
the hunting horn insignia on his hat
indicate that this sergeant serves
in the infantry. On his left hip is
a noncommissioned officer's sword,
used more as a symbol of his rank than as a weapon.
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 1862.
Location. 46° 26.727′ N, 96° 43.12′ W. Marker is in Abercrombie, North Dakota, in Richland County. Marker is on Broadway North (County Road 4) near Abercrombie Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 935 Broadway N, Abercrombie ND 58001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hospital / Lieutenant’s Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Quartermaster Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Abercrombie (within shouting distance of this marker); Stable (within shouting distance of this marker); Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Guardhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Barracks (within shouting distance
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
