Close-order drill helped prepare soldiers for field marches and training.  Responding to commands, keeping in step, and performing column movements had a good disciplinary effect as well.  It also prepared the men for such post events as inspection, guard mount, dress parades, and retreat.

Continuing our tour of Fort Abercrombie, we will now proceed toward the Guardhouse.

The Guardhouse is the building standing alone in this area of the fort. It was originally built in 1862.  It is the most interesting building in the reconstruction.  The fort closed in 1877 and most of its buildings were sold off in 1878 by a public auction.  The guardhouse was moved to become part of a farmhouse in the vicinity.  The oak logs were later taken back, one at time, for reconstruction in 1938 and the missing parts were remade.  It is characteristics of most details of buildings at that time.  The logs were hewn, square, indented at the ends and laid on top of one another and pegged with wooden pegs, rather than nails to hold them together.  Just as you see now, the windows had metal bars on them to prevent prisoners from escaping.

Plans for the guardhouse show two small cells four feet by six feet in the northeast quarter of the building.  Across from the two cells was a larger confinement area.  The two small cells were used for those prisoners accused of more serious crimes.  The south half of the guardhouse was used by the officer of the day, corporal of the guard, and guards on duty.  The guardhouse or prison used a wood-burning stove for heat. 

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 James V. Acker, Pres.

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