Gathering place, site of ceremonies and parades, training ground - the drill field was the focal point of daily life at Fort Yellowstone.

Each day began early with a bugler sounding Reveille. Gradually, the fort came to life and another bugle call brought horse-mounted soldiers trotting onto the field for the flag-raising. Assignments were announced, and the troops headed out to patrol the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces or other nearby attractions. Those remaining behind assumed the never-ending task of caring for the post's horses.

At dusk, the bugler called all troopers back to the field for the lowering of the flag, and the day was concluded with a cannon firing from the top of Capitol Hill. Taps was played as lights winked out and quiet settled over the fort.

Information Provided by the National Park Service.