Infantry Barracks - Fort Sill, OK
N 34° 40.193 W 098° 23.239
14S E 556132 N 3836606
Restored 1875 Infantry Barracks
Waymark Code: WMM14C
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 06/30/2014
Views: 5
Infantry Barracks
This building was originally constructed in 1870 to serve as the commissary storehouse. It is unique among all the historic buildings, having started as a horizontal, log structure resting on a stone foundation over 200 feet in length. By 1872, the increasing numbers of Infantry on post needed additional space, and a new commissary was erected southeast of the quadrangle, freeing this facility for use as a barracks.
Subsequent remodeling saw the replacement of the log walls with more durable limestone. A basement extended half the building's length which was used as a shooting gallery during inclement weather. Soon a full-length front porch was added and a new rear wing which accommodated a mess hall and kitchen. A separate stone building was constructed behind the barracks which functioned as a wash house for the 90 soldiers living here. Among the many Infantry units which occupied the barracks were the all-black, 24th and 25th Infantry and also the 11th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 18th, and 20th Infantry Regiments.
When the "New Post" was constructed farther west in 1909-11, the old Infantry barracks was used as housing for the ordnance personnel and Detachment "I" o the Field Artillery School. The NCO's quarters were relocated from the center of the building (two center doors) to the extreme east and west at this time. A barber shop was also set up in the southwest corner of the barracks.
Much of the old post was used for “spill over” activities after WWI, and the barracks became a warehouse for various organizations. In the 1950’s, the former barracks were eventually converted to a Childcare Development Center for “Little Troopers.” This new function brought about more alterations to the building such as enclosing the front porch, installing several wood and concrete ramps, and a completely equipped playground.
Today, the old barracks has been returned to its 1875 appearance.
County: Comanche
Record Address::
438 Quanah Rd
Fort Sill, OK USA
73503
Rate the Site: 
Date Erected: unknown
Sponsor (Who put it there): Fort Sill Museum
Web site if available: Not listed
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