Battery Harker (1)

Battery Harker (1) (1899-1941) - Battery Harker was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 10 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Mott, New Jersey. The battery was named in G.O. 105, 9 Oct 1902, after BG Charles G. Harker, U.S. Volunteers, who served with distinction during the U.S. Civil War and who was killed 27 Jun 1864, at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Battery construction started on 5 Mar 1896, was completed on 16 Jun 1898 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use on 6 Jan 1899 at a cost of $ 268,351.93. Deactivated in 1941.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with three 10" M1888MI guns mounted on M1894MI disappearing carriages. The guns were reported as mounted on 18 Dec 1896.

Battery Harker Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	10" Rifle	367.25"	M1888		3	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1894MI, #15, Pond	1899-1941	See note 1
2	10" Rifle	367.25"	M1888		7	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1894MI, #22, Pond	1899-1941	See note 1
3	10" Rifle	367.25"	M1888MI		41	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1894MI, #14, Bethlehem	1899-1941	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Sep 1922, RCB, 31 Dec 1910, 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 122-123, 208 Note 1: Guns and carriages transferred to Canada 2 Apr 1941. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Harker 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.

World War II

On 2 Apr 1941 the guns and carriages were transferred to Canada as a part of the Lend-Lease program.

Current Status

Part of Fort Mott State Park. No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Mott, Salem County, New Jersey Maps & Images Lat: 39.6036878 Long: -75.5517501 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 34.578'

Sources:

Links:

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

Visited: 6 Aug 2010

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