Banner in Sheridan County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Sutler’s Store:
A Social Club with Eastern Delicacies
Even the most remote of frontier posts could not do without its Sutler Store. Fort Phil Kearny’s was established and built by John Kinney in partnership with others, including one Fenn Burnett. The building was 24 by 64 feet and constructed in a civilian style, having a shingled roof with overlapping log corners. The store was operated under a concession contract with the government and although these types of contracts were terminated in 1867, post commander Colonel Henry Wessells granted permission for continuing business at this location.
The store’s inventory provided a number of items not available from normal military supplies. Inventory items included canned fruits, vegetables, seafood, weapons, clothing, tobacco, liquor, and many other things a soldier felt he couldn’t live without. Although prices were to be controlled by a review board, there are records of many complaints by both the enlisted men and officers about the exorbitant prices. The store also became an area for socialization. The men would meet in off hours to play cards, reminisce about their homes and families, listen to Jim “Ole Gabe” Bridger tell tales of trapping and fighting Indians, and just relax. Here they could get away from their sergeants and forget the situation they were in.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 44° 31.965′ N, 106° 49.535′ W. Marker is in Banner, Wyoming, in Sheridan County. Marker can be reached from Wagon Box Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located inside Fort Phil Kearny. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Banner WY 82832, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Post Headquarters: (a few steps from this marker); The Band: (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Phil Kearny (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guard House: (within shouting distance of this marker); The Civilians: (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Cavalryman’s Quarters: (about 400 feet away); Officers Row (about 400 feet away); The Bozeman Trail (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Banner.
More about this marker. The left side of the marker contains a portrait of Sutler employee Fenn Burnett. Also on the marker are a map showing the location of the Sutler Store, and an artist conception of the interior.
Also see . . . Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. (Submitted on August 25, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.