Battery House (1)

Battery House (1) (1910-1942) - Battery House (2) was a reinforced concrete, World War II Washington County inch coastal gun battery on Fort Varnum, Washington County, Rhode Island. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Bvt. BG James House, U.S. Army (Col. 1st U.S. Artillery), who served from 1799 to 1834, and who died 17 Nov 1834. Battery construction started in September 1901, was completed in February 1905 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 7 Jun 1910 at a cost of $ 35,282.02. Moved to Fort Varnum in 1942.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of Narragansett Bay.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 6" M1900 guns mounted on M1900 Barbette carriages.

Battery House (1) Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	6" Rifle	310.4"	M1900		30	Watervliet	Barbette, M1900, #28, Watertown	1910-1942	See note 1
2	6" Rifle	310.4"	M1900		32	Watervliet	Barbette, M1900, #29, Watertown	1910-1942	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 15 Jun 1925, 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 96-97, 205 Note 1: CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

File:Fort Getty Battery House Plan.jpg

Battery House 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.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Getty, Newport County, Rhode Island Maps & Images Lat: 41.49063 Long: -71.399723 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: .....'

Sources:

• U.S.Army, Supplement to the Harbor Defense Project of Narragansett Bay, (HDNARB-AP-45), 1 Feb 1945, CDSG

Links:

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

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