Post Surgeon's Quarters (1875)

The Post Surgeon's Quarters on a sunny winter day.

NPS/Clayton Hanson

Quick Facts

Location:

Fort Laramie, WY

Amenities

3 listed

Audio Description, Fire Extinguisher, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Constructed in early 1875, this building is typical of the mid-1870s double Officer’s Quarters. From 1875-1890, this building housed the Post Surgeon. The Post Surgeon was the keystone of medical care at the post. While his position carried many responsibilities, the surgeon had little authority on base. He was charged with keeping the health of all the officer, their families and servants as well as the enlisted men and civilian employees which included the laundresses at Fort Laramie. In 1880, the Surgeon treated over 529 medical issues at this post. The Surgeon was also in charge of daily weather records, collected and prepared a variety of scientific specimens, and supplied information requested by such institutions as the Army Medical Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. As surgeons were often the most educated at the post, they were held in high esteem.