Early Fort Structures

Several of the fort's early structures stood behind the present-day sandstone barracks.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Larned, KS

Amenities

2 listed

Cellular Signal, Wheelchair Accessible

Stop 1 - Adobe Barracks, Laundress Quarters, Hospital Steward's Quarters, Old Adobe Hospital

In this grassy area behind both of the sandstone barracks were several structures from the fort's early days. These structures included the adobe enlisted barracks, the adobe hospital, the laundress quarters and the hospital steward's quarters.

The adobe barracks stood behind the east barracks building and was replaced by the two sandstone block barracks in 1867.

The laundress quarters were located behind the west barracks. Though these women were often the wives of the enlisted men, their position was unique in that they were Army employees rather than "camp followers" as were other relatives of soldiers. Their duties included mending and washing men's clothes, as well as making their own soap and maintaining their equipment.

The remains of the original, adobe hospital used until 1871 and the hospital steward’s quarters are now covered by the dike in front of the tour sign post.