Battery Madison (2)

Battery Madison (2) (1907-1917) - Battery Madison (2) was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Caswell, Brunswick County, North Carolina. The battery name was transferred from Battery Madison (1) in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904. It was named after Surgeon William T. Madison, 3rd U.S. Infantry, killed in action with Indians near Fort Howard (2), Wisconsin, 14 May 1821. Battery construction started in 1906, was completed in 1907 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 24 Apr 1907 at a cost of $ 44,972.31. Guns removed in 1917. Battery Madison Gun Emplacement #2 Battery Madison Gun Emplacement #1 Battery Madison Center Structure Endicott Period (1890-1910) Part of the Harbor Defense of Cape Fear River. Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 6" M1903 guns mounted on M1903 disappearing carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns mounted on the upper level and a common magazine on the lower level. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electrical power for lighting was furnished from Battery Caswell. Battery Madison (2) Armament (edit list) Empl No Caliber Type Barrel Length Model Serial No Manufacturer Carriage Service Dates Notes 1 6" Rifle 302.9" M1903 20 Watervliet Disappearing, M1903, #79, Detrick & Harvey 1907-1917 See note 1 2 6" Rifle 302.9" M1903 25 Watervliet Disappearing, M1903, #80, Detrick & Harvey 1907-1917 See note 1 Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Nov 1919, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 98-99, 210 Note 1: Guns were transferred to Watervliet 31 Dec 1917, carriages were ordered scrapped 26 May 1920. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA Battery Madison (2) Plan World War I (1917-1918) 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 gun tubes of Battery Madison were ordered dismounted for use abroad 24 Aug 1917 and they were transferred to Watervliet 31 Dec 1917. Both these guns actually made it to France in 1918, close to the end of the war. They were returned to the U.S. in 1919 but were not returned to Battery Madison. The carriages were ordered scrapped 26 May 1920. Current Status On the property of the North Carolina Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell. No period guns or mounts in place. {"selectable":false,"height":"-500","width":"-500"} Location: Fort Caswell, Brunswick County, North Carolina. Maps & Images Lat: 33.892113 Long: -78.018497 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: Emp #1= 27.78', Emp #2= 28.02' Sources: Herring, Ethel and Williams, Carolee, Fort Caswell in War and Peace, 2nd Ed., NC Baptist Assembly, Oak Island, NC, 1983-1999, ISBN - 0-9671897-1-3, page 64. Links: CDSG Visited: 27 Jan 2010 Picture Gallery Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better! Battery Madison Gun Emplacement #1 Battery Madison Gun Emplacement #2 Battery Madison Gun Emplacement #1 Magazine Access