There were not many buildings within the fort walls. A couple of soldiers’ barracks, an officers barracks and mess, two blockhouses, and two ammunition magazines.
The blockhouse on the left, is one of the two located in the fort. It is a two story log building. Clapboard is put on over the logs to keep them drier. There are no windows on the lower level, only slots to fire small arms and small artillery pieces through. The upper level has a few windows and more “loopholes” for firing at the enemy. Notice the ladder to the second level. It was expected that the enemy would come from the one direction and this would be the back entrance. The building to the right was re-built in 1986 to replace a previous junior officers barracks called the Blue Barracks.
The inside of these barracks buildings was very basic, wood bunk beds and a table with benches for eating. That was about all. The Block houses above were also used as a barracks.
This brick building was used to keep the powder dry. It was a safe place to save the ammunition and charges for the cannons. There is a second one made of stone. There is a glimpse of it as the guard marches past it in the previous post.
There is a big difference in the standard of accommodation for the officers.
This is a big upgrade from the bare wood bench and table in the soldiers barracks.
What would a fort be without a few cannons in the battery.
There is one building I almost missed, I think it is just there for the tourists.
Oh, these images remind me of my college days. I would had a handful of friends who lived on base and we would regularly attend events at both the NCO Club and the Officers’ Club.
I thought you were going to say you were one of the historical actors. 😉
Thanks for the additional information on the Fort.
Thanks Roy. I cannot match the wealth of information the web has on this place.
The buildings at the fort are so interesting and so well preserved. What a great opportunity to experience living history! Thank you for the photographs and the stories, Doug!
I think a better description would be restored than preserved. Maybe even rebuilt.
What a great history lesson through photos!
Thanks Martha. It might spark someone to go online to learn more.