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Welcome to Drum Barracks

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.

Civil War Technology Fair

Civil War Technology Fair

Enjoy special exhibitions, demonstrations and lectures exploring Civil War technology.  The museum will be open for free self-guided tours. June 22, 2019| 11 am - 4 pm | FREE!

Docent Training 2019

Docent Training 2019

Become a volunteer at the greatest Civil War site in Los Angeles!  Attend four volunteer training classes Saturday, April 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2019 from 9:00 am - 11:30 am.  Volunteers must attend all four classes (or make-up classes) in order to graduate.  Enjoy lectures on historic preservation and California's role in the Civil War, get a behind the scenes peak at artifacts and exhibitions, and learn to share your Civil War knowledge with visitors.  Classes are free and are only offered once per year, so don't delay.  Call (310) 548-7509 to reserve your place in our 2019 class.

School Tours

School Tours

The Drum Barracks Civil War Museum offers two educational programs designed specifically to engage students. It is our goal to provide a memorable tour for the hundreds of schoolchildren who visit us and instill in them an understanding of life during the Civil War. The Drum Barracks Civil War Museum, Drum Barracks Garrison & Society, staff, and volunteers are dedicated to providing an entertaining yet educational experience for schoolchildren. For more information click here.

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  • Welcome to Drum Barracks

    Welcome to Drum Barracks

  • Civil War Technology Fair

    Civil War Technology Fair

  • Docent Training 2019

    Docent Training 2019

  • School Tours

    School Tours

Drum Barracks Highlights artifacts, exhibits & historical figures...


Gatling Gun

Dr. Richard Gatling, who designed and patented the gun in 1861...

1864 Steinway square grand piano

Square Piano

The Museum's square or box piano was built in 1869 by Steinway...

Dunbar autograph book

Dunbar Autograph Book

This autograph book, with signatures collected by Gilbert Edwin Dunbar, contains...

34-star flag

34-Star Flag

This 34-star flag was hand made during the Civil War and was found on the...


 

Latest News stay up to date

Enlist in the Drum Barracks Garrison March to the beat of the drum! Become a member of the Drum Barracks Garrison & Society. Join up or re-enlist today.

Volunteer Today! Opportunities are open to Volunteer as tour docents and so much more. Sign up today!

Did You Know... frequently asked questions

Our Contact Information:

1052 N. Banning Boulevard, Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 548-7509
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tours: There are no self guided tours, the only way to view the museum is on a guided tour.
A $5 donation is requested per person, children under 12 are free.

Public Tour Schedule

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
10:00 am and 11:30 am

Saturday and Sunday
11:30 am and 1:00 pm

The Drum Barracks Civil War Museum is closed to the public Monday and Friday.

Reservations are required for groups of six or more. Appointments are required to use our research library.

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California and the Civil War
California and the Civil War
Drum Barracks Events
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day
Nov. 17, 2018 | 2 pm
A Civil War Christmas
A Civil War Christmas
Dec. 1-2, 2018 | 11 am - 4 pm
Civil War Book Club
Civil War Book Club
2nd Tuesday of the month

Drum Barracks logo Drum Barracks Civil War Museum
U.S. Army Headquarters for Southern California and Arizona Territory, 1862-1871
City of Los Angeles Historic Monument #21, 1963
State of California Historical Landmark #69, 1935
National Register of Historic Places, 1971