Barracks

Barracks. . , The Soldier's Home , In 1843 and later, four new barracks to house one hundred men each were constructed, two each on opposite sides of the parade ground. The lower story was a stone basement that contained a mess hall, kitchen, and pantry. Tow stone fireplaces were used for cooking on the lower level and heat in the rooms above. The upper story was built of logs and contained a large room to quarter the men and a smaller room at one end for a noncommissioned officer. The logs were covered with clapboards painted light blue. , A Soldier's Day , Fort Towson's soldiers established and maintained a military presence to keep peace on the frontier. They patrolled along the Red River, the international border first with Mexico and then Texas. They built and maintained a road network connecting Towson with Fort Smith in Arkansas, Fort Washita in Indian Territory, and Fort Jessup in Louisiana. They protected the Chickasaw and Choctaw after their removal to Indian Territory.