Residence 12 was originally a storehouse and armory. It had a manually operated elevator lift inside for moving supplies between floors. Rations issued to soldiers included rice, and salt beef or pork. COL George Croghan reported in 1844 that “There is perhaps no post in the country at which the soldiers live better”. They had opportunity to garden and trade or sell rations or produce with New Orlean’s market people.
In 1887 all the brick buildings were whitewashed, probably to give them a clean look with the added benefit of reflecting heat and damp. A soldier writing in the Army and Navy Journal in 1893 noted: “The barracks look better than ever, not a day older, with fresh paint everywhere; and improvements her and there that add to comfort, and yet leave it – this pleasantest of post – just the same, for general appearances to eyes that seek it again and again.”
Residence 12 “Storehouse” on right, 1870s
In the 1930s the storehouse was converted to a single-family residence by the Works Progress Administration renovations of the 1930s. The side veranda and courtyard were added during these renovations.
Nelsie Copelin Pugh, wife of COL Phillip Pugh, Jr, and their daughter Jane in front of Residence 12 around 1940. COL Pugh was a lawyer by trade and served in both World Wars.