Battery Ford
Battery Ford (1906-1945) - Battery Mahlon Ford was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Taylor (2), Florida. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Maj. Mahlon Ford, 1st Artillerists and Engineers, who served with distinction during the Revolutionary War, and who died 12 Jun 1820. Battery construction started Dec 1903, was completed Aug 1904 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 26 Apr 1906 at a cost of $ 14,100.00. Deactivated in 1945.
Battery Ford History
Part of the Harbor Defense of Key West.
Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" rapid fire M1903 guns mounted on M1903 pedestal mounts. This Battery was a two story battery with the guns on the upper level and two magazines on the lower level. No powder or shell hoists were provided. Electric power for lighting was provided from the Battery De Leon power plant.
| Empl No |
Caliber Type |
Barrel Length |
Model | Serial No |
Manufacturer | Carriage | Service Dates |
Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3" Rifle | 170" | M1903 | 72 | Watervliet | Pedestal, M1903, #45, Watertown | 1906-1945 | See note 1 | |
| 2 | 3" Rifle | 170" | M1903 | 73 | Watervliet | Pedestal, M1903, #46, Watertown | 1906-1945 | See note 1 | |
| Source: RCW Form 1, 30 Jun 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, 211 Note 1: Guns and carriages declared obsolete and processed for salvage in 1945-46. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA | |||||||||
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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. Battery Ford was not affected by the World War II redistribution.
World War II
This battery was part of the Harbor Defenses of Key West until it was declared obsolete in 1945. The guns and carriages were processed for salvage 16 May 1945.
Current Status
Battery destroyed in 1964. No period guns or mounts in place.
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Location: (Map Point is Approximate) Truman Annex, NAS Key West, Florida Maps & Images Lat: 24.5467572 Long: -81.807037 |
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Visited: Area 2 Jan 2010
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