Fort Kearny Powder Magazine

A powder magazine is a magazine (building) designed to store the explosive gunpowder in wooden barrels for safety. Gunpowder, until superseded, was a universal explosive used in the military and for civil engineering: both applications required storage magazines. Most magazines were purely functional and tended to be in remote and secure locations. They are the successor to the earlier powder towers and powder houses. The powder magazine at Fort Kearny is an earthen structure, reconstructed in 1976. The magazine was rebuilt in 1986 due to the collapse of the first reconstruction.

The magazine was first identified on an unofficial plan in 1856. It was located in the southwest corner of the parade ground but later moved to the north of the parade grounds, was conical in form, covered with several feet of earth, and in good condition. In the June 1864 annual inspection report, it was noted that in January of 1864, a good and substantial magazine was constructed of cedar timbers, and the whole structure was covered with ground to the depth of seven feet. The building was twenty feet square on the inside, and arrangements were made for its safe and proper ventilation. The flooring was not yet completed, so a large amount of ammunition was stored in the post armory. Following the Indian Wars of 1864, additional precautions were taken to protect the ammunition magazine to the north of the barracks. A cannon was mounted in front of it and a guard stationed there day and night.

The location of the powder magazine is one of the most peaceful in the park. It is an excellent place to sit on one of the benches and reflect on the importance and history of Fort Kearny.

Mantor, Lyle E.. The History of Fort Kearney. Ph. D Dissertation. Published May 1st 1938.

Post Inspection, Fort Kearny, N.T. June 28, 1864.