Battery McKavett

Battery McKavett (1903-1920) - Battery McKavett was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Caswell, Brunswick County, North Carolina. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Capt. Henry McKavett, 8th U.S. Infantry, who was killed 21 Sep 1846 at the battle of Monterey, Mexico, during the Mexican-American War. Battery construction started in 1901, was completed in 1902 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 2 Oct 1903 at a cost of $ 14,489.25. Guns removed in 1920. Battery McKavett Gun Emplacement #1 Battery McKavett Gun Emplacement #2 Battery McKavett, the two Emplacements on the Left Endicott Period (1890-1910) Part of the Harbor Defense of Cape Fear River. Provided protection for the river mine fields. Battery McKavett Magazine #2 Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1898MI rapid fire guns mounted on M1898 Masking Parapet carriages. This was a two story battery with the two gun emplacements on the upper level and two separate magazines, one for each gun, on the lower level. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electric power for lighting was provided from Battery Caswell. As this battery was being completed in 1903, two additional connected gun positions were started on the right flank of the battery. These two gun positions were completed in 1904 and became Battery McDonough (2). Battery McKavett Armament (edit list) Empl No Caliber Type Barrel Length Model Serial No Manufacturer Carriage Service Dates Notes 1 3" Rifle 154.5" M1898MI 108 Driggs-Seabury Masking Parapet, M1898, #108, Driggs-Seabury 1903-1920 See note 1 2 3" Rifle 154.5" M1898MI 109 Driggs-Seabury Masking Parapet, M1898, #109, Driggs-Seabury 1903-1920 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 70-71, 210 Note 1: Guns transferred to Watervliet, 25 Jun 1920. Carriages scrapped 20 May 1920. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA Battery McKavett 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. Battery McKavett was not affected by the World War I redistribution but it was caught up in the 1920s disarmament push. Both of the 3" Driggs-Seabury guns were transferred to Watervliet Arsenal 25 Jun 1920 and the carriages were ordered scrapped on 20 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: 33.892754 Long: -78.015182 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: Emp #1= 26.69', Emp #2 26.76' 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 66-67 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 McKavett Magazine & Steps