Battery Smith (1)

Battery Smith (1) (1903-1920 ) - Battery Smith was a concrete Endicott Period 3" gun battery located on Fort Washington (1), Prince George's County, Maryland. On 25 May 1903 the Battery was named for 2nd Lt. Joseph P. Smith, 5th U.S. Infantry who was killed at Chapultepec, Mexico, 13 Sep 1847 during the Mexican War. Battery construction started 24 Apr 1899, was completed 9 May 1903 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 15 Sep 1903 at a total cost of $9,500.00. Deactivated in 1920.

Battery Smith	Battery Smith

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Part of the Harbor Defense of the Potomac.

Battery Smith was a reinforced concrete Endicott Period rapid fire 3" gun battery with two M1898 guns mounted on M1898 Masking Parapet mounts. The guns were first mounted in August 1902.

Battery Smith Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	3" Rifle	154.5	M1898MI		99	Driggs-Seabury	Masking Parapet, M1898, #99, Driggs-Seabury	1903-1920	See Note 1
2	3" Rifle	154.5	M1898MI		100	Driggs-Seabury	Masking Parapet, M1898, #100, Driggs-Seabury	1903-1920	See Note 1
Source: CDSG, RCW Form 1, 1 Feb 1919, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 70, 209 Note 1: CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

World War I (1917-1918)

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. Battery Smith was unaffected by the World War I redistribution but was caught up in the following 1920 disarmament program.The guns from Battery Smith were removed and shipped to Watervliet Arsenal 9 Jul 1920. The mounts were scrapped 20 May 1920.

Current Status

On Fort Washington National Park, Prince George's County, Maryland. No period guns or carriages are in place.

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Location: Fort Washington, Prince George's County, Maryland. Maps & Images Lat: 38.7055227 Long: -77.0292503 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 123.217'

Sources:

Links:

• CDSG

Visited: 4 Apr 2009

Battery Smith (1) Picture Gallery

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  Battery Smith from Above
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  Battery Smith Magazine
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  Battery Smith, Gun Platform #1
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  Battery Smith, Gun Platform #2