Fort Snelling in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Gatehouse and Guardhouse
Reconstructed (original about 1825-80)
Photographed by Connor Olson, August 31, 2024
1. Gatehouse and Guardhouse Marker
Access to the fort was controlled in these buildings. They also functioned as a police station and fire department.
Guards were divided into three shifts each day. They protected the post and formed bucket brigades when fires broke out. Musicians assigned to the guard played songs that told soldiers when to eat and work, among other things.
The guardhouse contained prison cells, typically used for soldiers awaiting court martial or serving a sentence. Civilians were sometimes imprisoned here, too, including Native Americans and enslaved people.
Captions
The gatehouse and rear of the guardhouse. Published in Harper's New Monthly Magazine, March 1858
New guardhouse behind headquarters on Taylor Avenue, 1941. Minneapolis Star-Journal and Tribune photograph
During the Civil War, a new prison was built outside the fort's walls. The last guardhouse, shown here, was built in 1891.
Erected by Minnesota History Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 44° 53.552′ N, 93° 10.9′ W. Marker is in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It can be reached from Tower Avenue. Touch for map
this page online
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 Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Schoolhouse (a few steps from this marker); Three Sisters Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Flagpole (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); DAR Commemorative Plaques (within shouting distance of this marker); The Round Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peters Agency (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sutler Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Snelling.
Photographed by Connor Olson, August 31, 2024
2. Gatehouse and Guardhouse Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2024, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 15, 2024, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
