12. OLD GUARDHOUSE.
Facing the shallow stream, which is all that modern irrigation reservoirs have left of the rushing Laramie River, are the stone walls and barred windows and doors of the guardhouse, or prison, built in 1866. The upper floor was used largely by the post guard contingent, while prisoners, regardless of the degree of their offense, languished in the basement room where remains of a solitary cell suggests the probable harshness of military penal discipline. Bricked-up windows and doorway are evidences of later use of this structure for ordnance storage.
13. SITE OF BARRACKS.
The long, low mound on the southeast side of the parade ground marks the site of another two-company barracks behind which were kitchens and messhalls. These also were built in 1866.
Barracks for five companies and the new guardhouse viewed across the parade grounds about 1889. Courtesy U. S. Signal Corps.
14. NEW GUARDHOUSE RUINS.
At the east angle of the parade ground stands the walls of a guardhouse erected in 1876 to improve the lot of both guards and prisoners. To the right are the foundations of the general sink, and, to the left, the barracks foundations described under [No. 5].
The administration building at Fort Laramie shortly after its completion in 1885. Courtesy U. S. Signal Corps.