Fort Dodge in Ford County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Enlisted Men's Barracks
Three barracks were completed in 1867, two built of stone and one of adobe. For about eighteen months, until the permanent buildings were finished, the men lived in seventy dugouts at the river bank. Each dugout accommodated four men, had bunks carved out of the earth, and was heated with a fireplace.
Each of the new stone buildings provided quarters for eighty-eight men, had good ventilation, and was heated by wood stoves. Wells behind the buildings provided drinking water of excellent quality, while water for washing was carried from the river. Latrines were 30 yards away behind the buildings.
At Fort Dodge we secured a few supplies such as fresh milk and baker's bread-sweet and delicious. The water was good and refreshing.
Mrs. Frank D. Baldwin
September, 1867
In the early 1930's, as a WPA project, the adobe barracks was removed and the two stone buildings were linked together into one with the center addition of office and day room space.
Not Open to the Public
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1867.
Location. 37° 43.871′ N, 99° 56.151′ W. Marker is in Fort Dodge, Kansas, in Ford County. Marker is at the intersection of Sheridan Street and Pershing Street, on the right when traveling south on Sheridan Street. Marker is on the grounds of the Kansas Soldiers' Home. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Dodge KS 67843, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Commanding Officer's Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Storehouse (about 500 feet away); Hospital (about 500 feet away); Sutler Store (about 600 feet away); Fort Dodge (about 600 feet away); Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wagnor Memorial Fountain (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Fort Dodge (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Dodge.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Dodge. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on May 11, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Fort Dodge. Kansas Cyclopedia (1912) (Submitted on May 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Kansas Soldiers' Home, Fort Dodge. Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs Office website entry (Submitted on May 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 425 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 19, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.