Near Fairfax in Nicollet County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Stone Barracks

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013

1. Stone Barracks Marker

Inscription.
The immense stone barracks was the most impressive building at Fort Ridgely. Measuring 235 feet by 40 feet and two stories high, it could house as many as 400 enlisted men. Its two-foot-thick walls were made of rectangular granite blocks set in mortar. When settlers poured into the fort seeking protection during the 1862 U.S.-Dakota Conflict, they were housed in this building. Here soldiers fired through the rear windows at Dakota warriors emerging from the northeast ravine.

Minnesota Historical Society
Fort Ridgely

Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 44° 27.203′ N, 94° 44.047′ W. Marker is near Fairfax, Minnesota, in Nicollet County. Marker can be reached from County Highway 30, 1.1 miles west of State Highway 4, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in Fort Ridgely State Park; fee area – a Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 72404 County State Aid Highway 30, Fairfax MN 55332, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8

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other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Garrison Life Was Like Clockwork (a few steps from this marker); Who Lived in the Barracks? (a few steps from this marker); Bakehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ridgely Closes (within shouting distance of this marker); Attack from the Northeast (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ridgely State Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Women (within shouting distance of this marker); Log Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.

Also see . . . Fort Ridgely. Minnesota Historical Society website entry (Submitted on March 10, 2014.)

Additional keywords. U.S.-Dakota War of 1862

Stone Barracks Ruins and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013

2. Stone Barracks Ruins and Marker

Stone Barracks Ruins image. Click for full size.

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013

3. Stone Barracks Ruins

The ravine, mentioned on the marker, is to the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 512 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 10, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.