Station Seven — The Spring
This hillside spring was the only reliable source of fresh water for the soldiers stationed at Fort Duffield during the winter of 1861–62. Every drop of drinking water, cooking water, and wash water came from this spot. Without it, the fort could not have functioned.
The Importance of the Spring
The spring flowed year‑round, even in freezing weather. Soldiers filled barrels, kettles, and canteens here before carrying the water up the steep military road to the fort above. The climb was exhausting, especially in winter mud and ice.
Water was rationed carefully. A regiment of hundreds required constant hauling to meet daily needs.
Listen: The Spring
Daily Water Routine
- Morning details assigned to fetch water
- Barrels filled and hauled by hand or sled
- Cooking kettles filled for breakfast and supper
- Canteens topped off before drill or guard duty
- Evening wash water collected before dark
Soldiers often joked that they spent more time hauling water than drilling. The spring was both a necessity and a burden.
Health and Hardship
Clean water was essential, but sanitation was difficult. The steep climb meant spills were common, and frozen paths made hauling dangerous. Illness spread quickly in winter camps, and contaminated water could be deadly.
Despite the challenges, the spring kept the fort supplied during one of the harshest winters of the war.
The Spring in 1861 vs. Today
- In 1861, the area was cleared of brush and trees
- Soldiers built crude steps and channels to access the water
- Today, the spring is shaded and surrounded by forest
- The flow remains steady, just as it did during the Civil War
Standing here today, you are looking at the same water source that sustained the men who built Fort Duffield.
Conclusion
The spring was more than a natural feature — it was the lifeline of Fort Duffield. Every soldier depended on it daily. The work of hauling water up the ridge was grueling, but without this spring, the fort could not have survived the winter of 1861–62.