"Bathing is promotive both of comfort and health; and where convenience for it are to be had, the men should be made to bathe at least once a week. The feet are to be washed at least twice a week."
1841 Army Regulations
This foundation, discovered by archeologists in 1971, is all that remains of one of Fort Scott's latrines. A washhouse, used for bathing, was attached to the left.
This latrine and washhouse served enlisted men living in the infantry barracks in front of you, which typically housed about 50 men. Officer would not have used this latrine. As one of the many privileges of rank, officers and their families enjoyed the privacy of latrines in their back yards.
In 1852 Post Surgeon Joseph Barnes praised the planning of Fort Scott's latrines and washhouses, stating that, "the necessary out-houses, are furnished with good drainage, preventing all accumulations of water and filth."
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