Fort Myer, Commissary Sergeant's Quarters, Washington Avenue between Johnson Lane & Custer Road, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia

Significance: The Commissary Sergeant's Quarters at Fort Myer (Building No. 42) was constructed in 1877 to a standard plan issued by the Quartermaster General's Office in 1876, possibly designed by the Quartermaster General himself, Montgomery C. Meigs. The unusual construction method, in which 3-1/2" x 12" horizontal planks are secured by corner notching and wooden dowels with the planks extended at the edges, is probably a response to a ban on construction of "permanent" buildings at military posts in the aftermath of the Civil War. The simple, one-story, two-room cabin design represents an early and imaginative attempt to provide acceptable housing for non commissioned officer families during this period. It was used at a few other posts as well. Side and rear additions made in the late 19th and early 20th century have partially obscured but have not destroyed the original design, and the house is in fair condition. The Commissary Sergeant's Quarters is included in the Fort Myer Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Survey number: HABS VA-1253-A
Building/structure dates: 1877 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1890 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1893 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1927 Subsequent Work
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 72001380