Battery McFarland

Battery McFarland (1900-1917 ) - Battery McFarland was a concrete Endicott Period 8" gun battery located on Fort Armistead, Maryland. In 1903 the Battery was named for Maj. Daniel McFarland, 23rd U.S. Infantry who was killed in Canada in 1814 during the War of 1812. Battery construction started in 1897, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 15 Jan 1900 at a total cost of $140,383.10 (cost included both Battery McFarland and Battery Winchester). Deactivated in 1917 when the guns were shipped out.

Battery McFarland Shell Lift Cover

Battery McFarland Gun Line from Emplacement #1

Battery McFarland History

Part of the Harbor Defense of Baltimore.

Battery McFarland was a reinforced concrete Endicott Period gun battery with three 8" M1888MII guns mounted on LF M1894 disappearing carriages. The guns were removed 21 Dec 1917 and shipped to the Watervliet Arsenal. The carriages were shipped to Fort Armistead in late 1897 from the Watertown Arsenal and were all scrapped in May 1918.

Battery McFarland Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
?	8" Rifle	278.5"	M1888MI		16	Watervliet	Disappearing, LF M1894, #14, Watertown	1900-1917	See Note 1
?	8" Rifle	278.5"	M1888MI		18	Watervliet	Disappearing, LF M1894, #16, Watertown	1900-1917	See Note 1
?	8" Rifle	278.5"	M1888MI		22	Watervliet	Disappearing, LF M1894, #18, Watertown	1900-1917	See Note 1
Source: CDSG, RCW Form 1, 1 Jan 1920, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 70, 108 Note 1: Exact assignment of guns and carriages to emplacements unknown. Guns removed and shipped 21 Dec 1917 to Watervliet, CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA. Carriages scrapped May 1918. CDSG gun carriage card collection from NARA.

Battery McFarland Plan, 1 Jan 1920

Current Status

On Fort Armistead Baltimore City Park. No period guns or carriages are in place. The Battery is covered with graffitti and a bit overgrown.

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Location: Fort Armistead City Park, Maryland. Maps & Images Lat: 39.2089551 Long: -76.5340179 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 43.43'

Sources:

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

Links:

Visited: 2 Apr 2009

Battery McFarland Picture Gallery

Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better!

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  Battery McFarland Emplacement #1
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  Battery McFarland Emplacement #1 Base
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  Battery McFarland Emplacement #1 from Above
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  Battery McFarland Emplacement #2
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  Battery McFarland Emplacement #3
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  Battery McFarland from Below
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  Battery McFarland Emplacement #1 Lower Entrance
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  Battery McFarland Lower Entrance between #1 & #2
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  Battery McFarland Lower Entrance between #2 & #3
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  Battery McFarland Emplacement #3 Lower Room Interior