Battery Varnum

Battery Varnum (1901-1943) - Battery Varnum was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Wetherill, Newport County, Rhode Island. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after MG James M. Varnum, Continental Army, who served during the Revolutionary War and who died 10 Jan 1789 at Marietta, Ohio. Battery construction started in June 1898, was completed in August 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 15 feb 1901 at a cost of $ 146,703.50. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of Narragansett Bay.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1888 guns mounted on M1892 Barbette carriages.

Battery Varnum Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	12" Rifle	440"	M1888		5	Watervliet	Barbette, M1892, #23, Morgan	1901-1943	See note 1
2	12" Rifle	440"	M1888		14	Watervliet	Barbette, M1892, #24, Morgan	1901-1943	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Nov 1927, 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 136-137, 205. Note 1: CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Varnum 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

Abandonment and salvage of guns and carriages directed 27 May 1943.

Current Status

Part of Fort Wetherill State Park, Newport County, Rhode Island. No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Wetherill, Newport County, Rhode Island Maps & Images Lat: 41.477831 Long: -71.358411 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 46.67'

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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