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 Day Camp

 Registration is now open for Civil War Day Camp

"Explore life of a soldier, dig for artifacts, and make crafts." Friday, August 4 from 9:30am-2:30pm, appropriate for ages 8-10 (3rd, 4th, and 5th grade). Registration fee is $20 each day, provides lunch, snack, and souvenir. Space is limited, call or email for registration forms. Registration Deadline - July 27, 2017.

Summer Training Class Added

Share your passion for Civil War history by becoming a Drum Barracks volunteer or docent. Training classes will be held each Saturday in July from 9:00 am - 11:30 am starting Saturday, July 1.  This five week course is free, and attendance at all five classes is mandatory to graudate.  Call 310.548.7509 for additional information, or to reserve your place in the class.

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.