Construction began on Officers' Quarters No. 1 in 1842 and was completed in 1844. The building consisted of a white, wooden duplex (two separate living quarters) of two and one-half stories. The buildings provided living quarters for officers and their families from Second Lieutenant to Brevet Major during their tour of duty at Fort Scott.

Officer's Quarters No. 1 continued to be occupied by the military until abandoned in 1853 and purchased for $350.00 dollars by A. Hornbeck in 1855 and operated as the Fort Scott Hotel until 1863. The building was closed and reopened several times from 1863 until 1870. Judge William Margrave lived in the structure until 1904. It was acquired by Ralph Richards until purchased by the city of Fort Scott in the 1930's. From 1945 until 1970, it housed the Fort Scott Museum which was operated the Women Business and Professional Association. It remained in city ownership until acquired by the National Park Service in 1978.

Construction began on Officers' Quarters No. 2 in 1845 and was completed in 1848. This building was essentially the same in material and architecture as Officers' Quarters No. 1.