Fort John Custis
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Fort John Custis ((1940-1981) - Established in 1940 as Fort Winslow to complement Fort Story in protecting the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Renamed Fort John Custis 14 Oct 1942 after Capt. John Parke Custis. The Fort closed in 1948 and was occupied by Cape Charles Air Force Station from 1949 to 1981. Also known as Fort Custis.
History of Fort John Custis
Part of the Harbor Defense of Chesapeake Bay.
| Battery Click on Battery links below | No. | Caliber | Type Mount | Service Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery 122 - Battery Winslow | 2 | 16" | LR Casemated Barbette | 1943-1948 | Navy Gun (16" 1940 Program) |
| Battery 123 | 2 | 16" | LR Casemated Barbette | NB | Navy Gun (16" 1940 Program) |
| Battery 227 | 2 | 6" | LR Shielded Barbette | 1943-1965 | Guns to Battery 234, Fort Pickens 1976 Power equip in place Located on Fisherman's Island |
| Battery 228 | 2 | 6" | LR Shielded Barbette | 1943-NA | Buried |
| Battery AMTB 20 | 2 | 3" | Pedestal Mount | 1944-1944 | Guns from Battery Lee, Fort Wool Located on Fisherman's Island |
| Battery AMTB 24 | 2 | 90mm | Fixed Pedestal Mount | 1943-1946 | Located on Fisherman's Island |
| Source: Coastal Defense Study Group | |||||
Cold War
The U.S. Air Force created the Cape Charles Air Force Station as Lashup site L-15 here in Apr 1950 manned by the 771st AC&W Squadron. Closed 1 Jun 1981 as the 771st Radar Squadron (Sage) and became the property of the US Fish & Wildlife Service in 1984.
Current Status
The Fort property is now the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge.
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Location: Located on the tip of Cape Charles, Virginia at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Maps & Images Lat: 37.133543 Long: -75.956375
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Sources:
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 812
Links:
- North American Forts - Fort John Custis
- Coastal Defense Study Group, CDSG Press, CDSG Digital Library
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