Staff Row and Old Post Area-Fort McPherson

Approx. Time: 2 hours
Activity Level: Easiest

Fort McPherson, one of the most picturesque installations in the South, has been an important military post since its inception in 1889. The fort was named for Union General James McPherson who was killed in the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. It has had a variety of missions, including serving as a convalescence center during the Spanish-American War and World War I, and as a processing center during WWII. The buildings in the northeast corner of the property constitute Staff Row and Old Post Area. Built from 1891 to 1910, this district includes a parade field and 40 buildings, including officers' quarters.

All of the buildings retain their original red brick walls and white wood trim. The majority have a common bond brick pattern, arched windows, gabled roofs with wood decking, and hand-seamed metal roofing. A few, such as Buildings 5 and 10, have circular walls with domed roofs. Almost all of the buildings along Staff Row (Buildings 1-20) have intricate brickwork on the chimneys and trim. Classical details are also found in the roof trim with dentilled entablatures. Building 10 stands out most prominently in the district. Designed in the Queen Anne style, it has a rambling plan with several turrets with small-paned windows. It also employs classical elements, including Doric columns. Today, Fort McPherson serves as the Headquarters of the U.S. Army Forces Command.

Text courtesy of The National Park Service. For more information on the Fox Theatre Historic District and the National Register Travel Itineraries, click here.