The Haunted Drum Barracks, Wilmington, California
Nestled in the Wilmington district of Los Angeles, California, stands a historical landmark steeped in both tangible history and ethereal lore: The Haunted Drum Barracks. Often overlooked in accounts of the Civil War, California played a significant, albeit less direct, role in the conflict. The Drum Barracks, originally established as Camp San Pedro in January 1862, served as a crucial military installation during this tumultuous period. This article explores the history of this significant site and delves into the ghostly legends that have become intertwined with its very walls.
Initially designated as a five-company post, Camp San Pedro was strategically positioned to address the Union government’s concerns regarding California’s allegiance. With sympathies in the state divided, particularly in the southern regions around Los Angeles, where pro-secession sentiments ran high, the Union sought to establish a firm military presence. In December 1863, the post underwent a name change, becoming Camp Drum in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Drum, the assistant adjutant general of the Department of California. It quickly evolved into what became known as The Haunted Drum Barracks, a name that hints at more than just its historical significance.
The construction of the post was ostensibly intended to provide troops to combat Native Americans, despite the scarcity of conflict with indigenous populations in the immediate area. More likely, the post was constructed to ensure that California would not secede from the Union. The expenditure of over a million dollars, an exorbitant sum at the time, resulted in an elegant complex of buildings completed in 1863. These structures, impressive to the local populace, were strategically situated on 60 acres of land, with an additional 37 acres located near the harbor, underscoring its logistical importance. The layout was designed to accommodate approximately 500 soldiers and stables for up to 300 horses. The hospital, barracks, and laundress’ quarters were thoughtfully arranged around a large central parade ground, reflecting the structured military life that unfolded within its boundaries.
The Haunted Drum Barracks rapidly transformed into the central hub for staging, training, and supplying military operations throughout the Southwest. Throughout the Civil War, an estimated 17,000 Californian soldiers passed through its gates, en route to the battlefields of the East to fight for the Union cause. This pivotal role solidified the Drum Barracks’ importance as a vital cog in the Union’s war machine, facilitating the movement of troops and resources across vast distances.
A significant event in the Barracks’ history occurred on April 13, 1862, when Colonel James Henry Carleton led approximately 2,300 California Volunteers through Arizona and New Mexico toward the Rio Grande Valley. This arduous journey, considered the longest and most challenging march of the Civil War, was undertaken to confront Confederate armed forces invading from Texas. Ultimately, the troops from California successfully secured the territories of present-day Arizona and New Mexico for the Union, a testament to their resilience and the strategic importance of the Drum Barracks in supporting their mission.
Following the Union victory in the Civil War, Camp Drum continued to serve as a military outpost, dispatching soldiers to participate in the Indian Wars throughout the Southwest. This transition reflects the evolving role of the military in the post-Civil War era, shifting from internal conflict to engagement with Native American tribes. The Haunted Drum Barracks remained a significant military presence, adapting to the changing needs of the nation.
However, the post’s active military life eventually came to an end. In November 1871, the Drum Barracks was officially decommissioned. Remarkably, the hospital, recognized as the best-equipped medical facility west of the Mississippi River, continued to provide care for wounded soldiers for an additional two years, highlighting its enduring value and contribution to the well-being of military personnel.
After the hospital’s closure, the land was returned to its original owner, and the buildings were auctioned off for a mere $6,357.00. While some structures were relocated, others remained in place, including the junior officer’s quarters. This building underwent a series of transformations, serving as a high school, a private residence, and even a boarding house, reflecting the evolving needs of the community.
By the early 1960s, only two original buildings remained: the powder magazine and the junior officer’s quarters. These historic structures were slated for demolition in 1962, a fate that would have erased a significant chapter of California’s Civil War history. Fortunately, community groups rallied to their defense, successfully preserving these tangible links to the past.
In 1987, after extensive restoration, the building was reopened to the public as the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum. Situated in Wilmington, California, near the Port of Los Angeles, the museum stands as the only major American Civil War landmark in Southern California. Today, the museum serves as a vital educational resource, commemorating California’s contributions to the Civil War and hosting reenactments and events throughout the year. The old powder magazine also remains standing at the corner of Opp and Eubank streets, a silent witness to the passage of time.
Beyond its historical significance, The Haunted Drum Barracks has gained notoriety for alleged paranormal activity. Over the years, museum staff and visitors alike have reported a variety of unexplained phenomena, contributing to the building’s reputation as a haunted location. These accounts have woven a tapestry of ghostly legends into the very fabric of the Drum Barracks.
Reports include hearing inexplicable noises, the chilling sound of chains being dragged, and disembodied footsteps echoing through the building when no one is present. These auditory experiences contribute to the atmosphere of unease and intrigue that surrounds the Drum Barracks, fueling speculation about the presence of unseen entities.
Furthermore, numerous individuals claim to have witnessed the apparition of a woman, often referred to as "Maria," who is said to appear wearing a hoop skirt and emanating a strong fragrance of lavender and violet perfume. Others claim to have seen the apparition of a man dressed in an 1800s officer’s uniform, who apparently enjoys smoking a pipe, as the distinct aroma of pipe tobacco is frequently detected throughout the museum.
The Model Room is considered the most active area within the Drum Barracks, with many visitors and staff reporting encounters with tobacco and perfume odors, the sounds of objects being moved, and the sensation of footsteps approaching them from behind. These experiences suggest a concentration of paranormal activity within this specific room, making it a focal point for those interested in the Drum Barracks’ haunted reputation.
The Drum Barracks’ ghostly tales have captured the attention of authors and television producers, leading to its appearance in books and television shows dedicated to paranormal investigations. This exposure has further amplified the Drum Barracks’ reputation as a haunted location, drawing in ghost hunters and enthusiasts eager to experience its alleged paranormal phenomena firsthand.
Contact Information:
Drum Barracks Civil War Museum
1052 Banning Blvd.
Wilmington, California 90744
310-548-7509
Drum Barracks Civil War Museum Website