At one point there were more than 20 buildings, but only 2 remain: the Barracks and the "powder magazine", located 2 blocks away. During the war there were between 2000 and 7000 men stationed here.
The Barracks originally served as the base for the California Volunteers; when they left for Arizona and New Mexico to hold these territories for the Union Army, the post served as a depot for supplies. It also served as a base of operations against the Indians. The famous Army Camel Corps carried freight between Fort Tejon, Los Angeles, and Drum Barracks.
The state acquired the property in 1968 and has plans for a State Historical Park Civil War Museum. It is at 1053 Cary Avenue in Wilmington.