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

Officers' Latrines

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013

1. Officers' Latrines Marker

Inscription.
In 1972 Minnesota Historical Society archaeologists excavated a row of latrines that stood behind the officers' quarters, in order to retrieve household articles disposed of during the post's active years. This excavation revealed that the officers ate a substantial quantity of beef, drank a good deal of beer and wine, obtained most of their durable goods from St. Louis, Missouri, and used many patent medicines.

Minnesota Historical Society
Fort Ridgely

Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the If You've Got to Go..., and the Minnesota Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.

Location. 44° 27.164′ N, 94° 44.021′ W. Marker is near Fairfax, Minnesota, in Nicollet County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Minnesota and specifically in the Minnesota River Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

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. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker: A Far Cry from Glory (a few steps from this marker); Officers' Quarters—A (a few steps from this marker); Officers' Quarters—B (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ridgely State Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Bakehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Garrison Life Was Like Clockwork (within shouting distance of this marker); Five Days and Nights on the River (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.

Also see . . . Officers' Latrines. Minnesota Historical Society. The Officers' Latrines at Fort Snelling, just outside of St. Paul, Minnesota. (Submitted on March 30, 2014.)

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013

2. Officers' Latrines Marker

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 25, 2013

3. Officers' Latrines Marker

Marker is beyond and left of the marker in the foreground.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 757 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 30, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.