Cistern

The cistern collected water for use in the Officers’ Quarters

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Parade Ground

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Water is the most important necessity of life. For most of the fort's history, officers and their families did not have easy access to water. In 1869, the U.S. Army constructed a dome-shaped cistern (underground storage tank) next to the officers' quarters to make life easier. This allowed them to collect rain water from gutters installed on the roof.

Under the dome is a storage tank that is 22 feet deep and holds 55,000 gallons of water. It is one of three structures remaining from the second Fort Smith (1846-1871).