Welcome to Drum Barracks

Located in Wilmington, California, Drum Barracks Civil War Museum is housed in the last remaining original wooden building of the 22 structures built as a military post during the Civil War in the Los Angeles area. Drum Barracks, named after Lt. Col. Richard Coulter Drum, Adjutant General of the Department of the Pacific in San Francisco, served as the Union Army headquarters for Southern California and the Arizona Territory from 1861-1871. Please enjoy exploring our past and our present.

Library

The third largest Civil War library in California!

The McDowell Library is available to researchers, requires an appointment, so researchers may be assisted in utilizing the wide variety of resources that comprise the collections. To inquire about using the library, please call the Museum at 310-548-7509.

The collection includes the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies, and the Supplement to the Official Records.

Catalina Outpost:

Military Possession of Catalina Island   On display February-October 2017

In 1864, soldiers from Drum Barracks took military possession of Catalina Island.  Under orders they attempted to removed all non-government employees from the island.  Using maps, photographs, paintings and official reports this exhibition looks at Catalina's role in the Civil War, and the controversial reasons behind the Army's decision to take possession of the island. 

Spirits of Drum Barracks

Saturday, October 21 Tour times are 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, and 8:00pm

Hear about the spirits of the Drum Barracks as you take a candlelight tour through the residence. Enjoy apple cider, holiday treats, and fireside Civil War stories. Regular Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for children 12 and under; Member admission is $15 for adults, $13 for children 12 and under. SPACE IS LIMITED. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE REQUIRED. Deadline to purchase is October 14. Call about group specials.