A million dollars. That’s how much it cost to build Drum Barracks. Can you imagine the scale of that project in 1862?
Drum Barracks stands before you a testament to the Civil War’s reach. This wasn’t just some small outpost. It was the Union Army’s headquarters for Southern California Arizona and New Mexico. Nineteen buildings sprawled across sixty acres. Another thirty-seven acres lay near the waterfront. Think of the bustling activity. Soldiers drilling. Supplies arriving. This was a vital hub.
The need for Drum Barracks was born from a crisis. Southern California leaned Confederate. There were fears of a takeover. Native American unrest threatened settlements. And turmoil in Mexico posed a border threat. Drum Barracks was the answer. A powerful military presence to maintain Union control.
Construction took place near San Pedro Bay. It was strategically located. Union sympathizers donated the land. The project cost was enormous a million dollars. It was money well spent to secure the region. The barracks even served as a terminus for camel pack trains. This was a short-lived experiment though. The camels eventually were sold.
The name honors Richard Coulter Drum. He supervised the construction. He only visited once. Major Bennett the post commander later tried to change the name to Fort Drum. His request to Washington went unanswered.
Drum Barracks played a critical role. It housed numerous soldiers. It was the jumping off point for military expeditions. The famous California Column marched from here. It was a 2000 strong force sent to fight Confederates in Arizona and New Mexico. Imagine the long arduous journey across harsh terrain.
The barracks witnessed the arrest of Confederate sympathizers. Newspaper publisher Henry Hamilton was arrested. He was held then sent to San Francisco. Undersheriff A.J King and former Attorney General EJC Kewen also faced arrest. Their pro-Confederate views led to detention. They all eventually swore allegiance to the Union.
After the war Drum Barracks remained active for a time. It saw action in the Indian Wars. By 1870 it was deactivated. The buildings were auctioned off. Phineas Banning and Benjamin Davis Wilson the original donors bought back some.
Today the junior officers’ quarters stand. It’s the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum. You can step inside. You can feel the history. It’s a chilling and captivating story. A tale of conflict loyalty and the enduring spirit of a place that played a pivotal role in American history. The ghosts of soldiers linger some say. They are a testament to this tumultuous period.