Residence 4, on right, c1870s
To save on construction costs the back wall of these buildings also served as part of the enceinte or perimeter defensive wall. As a result, the first floor had no windows and was dark and poorly ventilated. In the 1930s, Works Progress Administration projects removed the original wall and renovated all the historic quarters to add kitchens and baths. Residence #4 has one of the few remnants of the original 12’ enceinte still standing.
This building is believed to have been the home of Colonel Josiah Vose, commander of the 4th Infantry Regiment in 1845. Vose died suddenly on his porch in full view of his unit, which was assembled on the parade ground. The incident is mentioned in the memoirs of Ulysses S Grant, who served as quartermaster of the unit and likely lived in Residence 3. Each floor had 4 rooms about 18 feet square. The first floor held the kitchen and dining rooms while the second was living space.
The drainage ditch seen in front of #4 is one of the unique features of the post. Sandwiched between the river and swamps to the north, with no natural drainage, the engineers had to design some way to keep the garrison dry. The parade ground was built up about 30 inches and brick lined ditches installed along each side to carry water to the rear of the post. There were no sewers. An 1870 surgeon general’s report noted “slops, offal and excreta” were dumped into the river.
