Abercrombie in Richland County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Quartermaster Storehouse

Photographed by Connor Olson, June 14, 2021

1. Quartermaster Storehouse Marker

Inscription. Above is a drawing of what Fort Abercrombie's quartermaster storehouse may have looked like. It was constructed sometime between 1866 and 1868. The quartermaster storehouse held things such as tools, clothing, footwear, kitchen utensils, and other non-food supplies.

The quartermaster storehouse, along with the commissary storehouse, sat next to a road that ran along the north side of the fort. Supplies were brought to the fort on this road. You are standing next to the old roadbed. If you look to your right, you can see where the road went through the west gate and headed on to Fort Totten. If you look to your left, you can see where the road went through the east gate and descended to the ferryboat crossing over the Red River.

In the sketch to the left, you can see the label pointing to the quartermaster storehouse. You are standing where the tip of the label is pointing.

Calvary Quartermaster Sergeant

This cavalry quartermaster sergeant wears the typical short uniform jacket used by mounted troops in the 1860s. Notice the red sash that hangs on his left hip. This sash would be worn by senior noncommissioned officers as a symbol of their rank. He carries a curved saber and has a carbine sling running from his left shoulder to his right hip.

The quartermaster department did several important jobs at a frontier army fort including:
• Distribution of non-food supplies.
• Supplying fuel for heating and cooking.
• Operating and maintaining supply wagons.
• Providing feed and forage for horses, mules and oxen.
• Overseeing the construction and upkeep of fort buildings.

Erected by State

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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 1866.

Location. 46° 26.723′ N, 96° 43.083′ W. Marker is in Abercrombie, North Dakota, in Richland County. It can be reached from Broadway North (County Road 4) south of 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.

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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Carpenter Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Commissary Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Guardhouse

Site of Quartermaster Storehouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Connor Olson, June 14, 2021

2. Site of Quartermaster Storehouse

Marker can be seen center-right

(within shouting distance of this marker); Cannon Bastion (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Abercrombie (within shouting distance of this marker); Hospital / Lieutenant’s Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Ferry Crossing (within shouting distance of this marker). 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 13, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.