Battery Claiborne

Battery Claiborne (1908-1918) - Battery Claiborne was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Wool, Virginia. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after BG Ferdinand L. Claiborne, U.S. Volunteers, who served with distinction during the War of 1812, and who died in February, 1815. Battery construction started 10 Dec 1903, was completed in August 1908 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 18 Aug 1908 at a cost of $ 55,000.00. Deactivated in 1918.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of Chesapeake Bay.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 6" M1903 guns mounted on M1903 disappearing carriages.

Battery Claiborne Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	6" Rifle	170"	M1903		23	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1903, #47, Detrick & Harvey	1908-1918	See note 1
2	6" Rifle	170"	M1903		24	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1903, #46, Detrick & Harvey	1908-1918	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Jul 1919, 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 74-75, 208 Note 1: Guns moved to Battery Gates, carriages ordered scrapped 26 May 1920. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Claiborne 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 Wool, Ripp Rapp Island, Hampton City, Virginia Maps & Images Lat: 36.9868628 Long: -76.3014838 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 25.5'

Sources:

Links:

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

Visited: 23 Jun 2010

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