Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Commissary Warehouse

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012

1. Commissary Warehouse Marker

Inscription.
The commissary warehouse, which stored the fort’s food supply, was located behind this sign. The commissary officer was responsible for food storage and preventing loss from theft and spoilage. Bars on the windows kept out enlisted men trying to supplement their meager daily rations.

In contrast to enlisted rations, the officers’ “mess,” as described by Captain Albert Barnitz in an 1867 letter to his wife, Jennie, sounds like a feast.

[W]e have good cooks, and the following is our bill of fare: French beef or buffalo meat roasted, boiled or fried. Potatoes – Eggs – ham – fresh peas (canned) – canned peaches, cherries and tomatoes etc.-canned – peach pies, fresh bread – stewed peaches – pickles – warm cakes, etc. etc…we have excellent coffee – ‘Java.’

Erected by Kansas Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 38° 51.794′ N, 99° 20.565′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker is on the grounds of Fort Hays State Historic Site, off US Hwy 163 Alternate. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1472 US Highway 163 Alternate, Hays KS 67601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. Time Capsule (a few steps from this marker); Monarch of the Plains (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hays (within shouting distance of this marker); Parade Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Enlisted Barracks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Officers' Row (about 300 feet away); Fort Hays - Fort Dodge Road Trailhead (about 300 feet away); Elizabeth Bacon Custer (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.

Also see . . .
1. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012

2. Commissary Warehouse Marker

Looking north

Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 329 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.