Battery Hampton

Battery Hampton (1898-1943) - Battery Hampton was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 10 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Crockett, Texas. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after BG Wade Hampton, veteran of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Battery construction started 22 Mar 1898, was completed in June 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 25 Oct 1899 at a cost of $ 109,000.20. Survived the 1900 Galveston hurricane almost unscathed but bare on it's pilings, repaired and restored it was re-transferred for use 21 Aug 1911 at a cost of $ 91,320.10. Deactivated in 1943.

File:Fort Crockett Hampton.jpg

File:Fort Crockett Hampton.jpg

Battery Hampton History

Part of the Harbor Defense of Galveston.

Endicott Period

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 10" M1895 guns mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages. Later equipped with two Taylor-Raymond back delivery shell hoists and electric motor driven retraction mechanism. Electric power furnished by two gasoline driven 25KW motor generator sets.

Battery Hampton Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	10" Rifle	369.15"	M1895		2	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #50, Watertown	1898-1943	See note 1
2	10" Rifle	369.15"	M1895		3	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #49, Watertown	1898-1943	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, Aug 1921, Feb 1936, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 213 Note 1: Guns and carriages scrapped 4 Feb 1943. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Hampton Plan

World War I

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 Hampton were apparently slated for overseas use because they were ordered retained and remounted as World War I drew to a close.

Current Status

Only some concrete work remains. No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Crockett, Texas Maps & Images Lat: 29.2747013 Long: -94.811824 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: Gun #1 = 29.77', Gun #2 = 29.74'

Sources:

• Coast Defense Study Group, CDSG Press, CDSG Digital Library

Links:

Visited: 12 Nov 2009

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