Surgeon's Cottage. Doctors stationed at Fort Washita lived in this cottage, a short distance south of the new hospital. Army Surgeons not only graduated from medical colleges but also had to stand rigorous examinations before Medical Review Boards to obtain an appointment to the army. "Medical Reports" prepared by the Post Surgeon not only give statistics (cases of cholera, influenza, smallpox, tuberculosis, etc.) but also contain very good descriptions of the buildings and surrounding countryside. Included in their reports will be the availability of game, wild fruits, and fresh vegetables. The Surgeon routinely recorded weather conditions looking for a relationship between the climate and illness. Conditions recorded in 1854 are displayed in the interpretive center

Officers' Quarters. Senior Officers and those whose families were with them had private quarters. Families brought a welcome relief from the drudgery of day-to-day life on a military post. If the officer had servants he also had to provide living quarters for them. A married captain with several children might have to give up a three bedroom house to a newly arrived unmarried senior captain or major. Though seemingly unfair the practice reflected life in the army

Commanding Officer's Quarters. Officers had the "luxury" of private living quarters. The Commanding Officer received the best housing on post. This structure had four fireplaces and a detached kitchen. Surrounding the building was a fence. Other officers and their families were entertained here by the Commanding Officer's wife. Senior sergeants were occasionally invited for dinner also

Commanding Officer's Quarters