This expansive field was established after the Civil War in 1867. The Parade Grounds originally had a north-south orientation. It was only after the major building campaign at the Fort during the early 20th Century that the field was reconfigured on an east-west axis.

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Today, the area is used for recreational purposes and includes an octagonal gazebo, soccer fields, a baseball diamond as well as an in-ground swimming pool that is open to the public on scheduled days.