Near Bowie in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Cavalry Mess Hall and Kitchen
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 8, 2017
1. Cavalry Mess Hall and Kitchen Marker
Inscription.
Cavalry Mess Hall and Kitchen. . Palatable food during the fort's early days was a constant problem; the soil was poor quality, lacking nutrients, and other sources of fresh food were distant. Though neighboring ranches supplied some vegetables and meats, they were still a day's ride or longer by wagon. There was no special designation for “cooks,” so they were picked sporadically from the ranks. , Sun-dried, pressed cakes of “desiccated vegetables” were boiled into soups or stews. One of these tasteless seven-pound cakes produced 42 gallons of soup. Cooks relied heavily on canned food for taste variety and less risk of food poisoning. , Enlisted men ate by-the-company on benches at long, bare wooded tables presided over by non-commissioned officers. By the late 1800s, white ironstone tableware replaced tin and iron utensils – a noticeable improvement.
Palatable food during the fort's early days was a constant problem; the soil was poor quality, lacking nutrients, and other sources of fresh food were distant. Though neighboring ranches supplied some vegetables and meats, they were still a day's ride or longer by wagon. There was no special designation for “cooks,” so they were picked sporadically from the ranks.
Sun-dried, pressed cakes of “desiccated vegetables” were boiled into soups or stews. One of these tasteless seven-pound cakes produced 42 gallons of soup. Cooks relied heavily on canned food for taste variety and less risk of food poisoning.
Enlisted men ate by-the-company on benches at long, bare wooded tables presided over by non-commissioned officers. By the late 1800s, white ironstone tableware replaced tin and iron utensils – a noticeable improvement.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 32° 8.681′ N, 109° 26.123′ W. Marker is near Bowie, Arizona, in Cochise County. Marker can be reached from Fort Bowie Trail, 1½ miles Apache Pass Road. Marker is located at the second Fort Bowie site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bowie AZ 85605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cavalry Barracks (within shouting distance
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2017. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 538 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.
