Battery Walker (1907-1946) - Battery Samuel Walker is a concrete Endicott Period Battery located on Fort Worden, Jefferson County, Washington. Named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, for Ltc. Samuel H. Walker, Mounted Rangers (Captain Mounted Riflemen), of Walker-Colt revolver fame, who was killed in Huamantia, Mexico, 9 Oct 1847. The Battery was begun in Jun 1903, completed in 1906, and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use on 21 May 1907 at a total cost of $12,000. The guns and mounts were removed about 1946 after the close of World War II.
Part of the Harbor Defense of Puget Sound. Designed to protect both the Straight of Juan De Fuca and the Admiralty Inlet to Puget Sound.
Built with two 3" rapid fire M1903 guns on M1903 pedestal mounts in a concrete battery at a cost of $12,000. The battery is a relatively small one with three rooms between the gun mounts. Each gun position has a magazine with a common storeroom between them.
Source: Coast Defense Study Group, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 74-75, 217 Note 1: Guns and carriages declared obsolete 18 Oct 1945 and were processed for salvaging 7 Mar 1946. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARABattery Walker Plan
The U.S. entry into World War I resulted in a widespread removal of large caliber coastal defense gun tubes for service in Europe. Many of the gun and mortar tubes removed were sent to arsenals for modification and mounting on mobile carriages, both wheeled and railroad. Most of the removed gun tubes never made it to Europe and were either remounted or remained at the arsenals until needed elsewhere. The guns of Battery Walker were not slated for service overseas during World War I.
Battery Walker remained armed throughout World War II but the guns were declared obsolete on 18 Oct 1945 and processed for salvage on 7 Mar 1946.
Current Status
Part of the Fort Worden State Park Conference Center. The Battery is accessible to the public and the rooms are clean and dry but empty. The door to magazine #1 is normally locked. No guns or carriages are in place.
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Location: Fort Worden State Park Conference Center, Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington.
Lat: 48.142537 Long: -122.775087 Elevation: 107' Bing, Google
