From the Archives revealed: Temporary military barracks

Photo from Purdue Libraries Archives and Special Collections Download image

Purdue was a military training location during World War I, and men from across the country traveled to West Lafayette before shipping out to other parts of the world. To accommodate the influx of so many new people on campus, many of whom stayed for just a few weeks before being replaced by the next group of recruits, the University constructed temporary military barracks on the north side of campus in what had been farmland.

This photograph looks south toward the barracks that sat on the site of the current Mechanical Engineering Building with the tower of Heavilon Hall visible in the background. The barracks were demolished shortly after World War I ended in 1918.

The "From the Archives" photo series from Purdue Today and Purdue Libraries Archives and Special Collections will continue to share a glimpse at Purdue’s past throughout the year. More on the military barracks and on other From the Archives features can be found on the Purdue Libraries blog.