Taylor Barracks (Kentucky) facts for kids
During the American Civil War, Taylor Barracks was an important military center in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a place where new soldiers joined the Union Army, especially African-American soldiers. After the war, during a time called Reconstruction, it continued as a United States Army base for both black and white troops.
Contents
Building Taylor Barracks
Why and Where It Was Built
Planning for Taylor Barracks started in early 1864. The goal was to create a place for new volunteers joining the Union Army. The barracks were built quickly with many wooden buildings. They were located on the southern edge of Louisville, near Third and Oak streets. The base was named after former President Zachary Taylor.
Who Joined Here?
Many enslaved people chose to join the Union Army. When they served, they gained their freedom. Many also wanted to help end slavery completely. Soldiers came from far away, even from New York City and Boston. By March 1864, more than 100 new men were arriving every day.
What Was Inside the Barracks?
Taylor Barracks grew to cover about four city blocks, which is about 16 acres. It had fresh water from the nearby Ohio River, brought in through city pipes. The base had many important buildings:
- A jail for soldiers who left without permission.
- A hospital for sick or injured soldiers.
- A reception hall for new arrivals.
- Stables for horses.
- Storehouses for supplies, managed by the quartermaster (the person in charge of supplies).
- Kitchens and a bakery for food.
- Quarters for officers.
- Workshops for repairs.
- A small library.
- A firehouse with a fire engine.
Health Challenges
Like many military camps built near wet, marshy areas, Taylor Barracks faced health problems. Diseases were a constant danger. Soldiers often got sick with typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and rheumatism. Sadly, soldiers who died at Taylor Barracks were buried at Cave Hill Cemetery.
Later Years of Taylor Barracks
Colonel Oliver Hazard P. Cary was in charge of the barracks from early 1865 until September of that year. Most of the main activities at Taylor Barracks stopped after June 1866. However, the army kept the base open for several more years. During this time, it was used to recruit and train Buffalo Soldiers and other black troops. Much later, during World War I, another large military base was built south of Louisville. It was called Camp Taylor and was a major training center for white troops.
