Battery Benson

Battery Benson (1904-1943) - Battery Benson is a concrete Endicott Period Battery located on Fort Worden, Washington. The Battery was begun in 1904, completed in 1907 and transfered to the Coastal Artillery for use 24 Apr 1908 at a total cost of $142,500. The guns were dismounted in 1943 during World War II.

Battery Benson View

Battery Benson Gun #1 Position

Battery Benson History

Designed to protect both the Straight of Juan De Fuca and the Admiralty Inlet to Puget Sound. Built with two 10" M1900 guns on M1901 disappearing carriages in a concrete battery at a cost of $142,500. The 10" guns could fire a six hundred pound shell 9 miles.

Battery Benson Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	10" Rifle	420.6"	M1900		12	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1901, #6	1908-1943	See Note 1
2	10" Rifle	420.6"	M1900		14	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1901, #7	1908-1943	See Note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, Aug 1921, 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 128-129, 217 Note 1: Guns and carriages ordered salvaged 7 Jul 1943,

Battery Benson Plan

Current Status

Part of the Fort Worden State Park Conference Center. The Battery is accessible to the public and the rooms are clean and dry but empty. No guns or carriages are in place.

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Location: Artillery Hill, Fort Worden State Park Conference Center, Port Townsend, Washington Maps & Images Lat: 48.141335 Long: -122.768108 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 257'

Sources:

• Seacoast Defense Photos

Links:

Visited: 19 Jul 2008

Battery Benson Picture Gallery

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

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  Battery Benson Gun #2 Position
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  Battery Benson Corridor
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  Battery Benson Fire Control Station
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  Battery Benson Fire Control Station Observation Slit
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  Battery Benson view From Fire Control Station