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Fort Snelling in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
 

Enlisted Barracks

Reconstructed (Original about 1822-1904; Long barracks rebuilt in stone 1845)

 
 
Enlisted Barracks Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Connor Olson, August 31, 2024
1. Enlisted Barracks Marker
Inscription.

These barracks were built to house more than 250 soldiers.

By the late 1800s, half that number of soldiers lived here. Because few stone masons were available, the original long barracks was built from wood.

In the 1880s, the 25th Infantry, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, was the last regiment to occupy the original barracks in the old fort. Many members of the 25th stayed in the Twin Cities after leaving the Army.

Captions:
New infantry barracks on Taylor Avenue, 1905. Photograph by A. C. Bosselman and Company
These modern barracks housed more than 500 soldiers. Completed by the late 1800s, they were the post's first buildings with steam heat and indoor restrooms.
African American 25th Infantry sergeants and musicians pose with a musician from the 4th Light Artillery, about 1885. Courtesy Hennepin History Museum

 
Erected by Minnesota Historical Society Museum.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
 
Location. 44° 53.588′ N, 93° 10.839′ W. Marker is in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It can be reached from Tower Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Tower Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55417, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. 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, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers.
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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Working Women of Fort Snelling (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sutler Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Officers’ Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Commanding Officer’s House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Schoolhouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gatehouse and Guardhouse (about 300 feet away); Flagpole (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Snelling.
 
Enlisted Barracks Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Connor Olson, August 31, 2024
2. Enlisted Barracks Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2024, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2024, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
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Jun. 29, 2026