The Sutler's Store at Fort Atkinson was privately built and owned by H. M. Rice rather than by the government, and soldiers bought personal items there such as clay pipes, tobacco, and combs. To haul his goods, the sutler kept a small stable outside the fort for his team of horses and wagon. Fort Atkinson depended on Second Fort Crawford in Prairie du Chien, a 2-day ride away, as its primary source of provisional supplies. The Post Commissary, whose walls formed the northwest corner of the stockade, stored official military equipment, tools, non-perishable food, and other supplies. These materials were hauled by wagon from as far away as St. Louis and were often delayed during winter, so the Commissary had to hold enough supplies to last many months.