The Sutler’s Store:

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.