Battery McFarland (1900-1917 ) - Battery McFarland was a concrete Endicott Period 8" gun battery located on Fort Armistead (1), Maryland. In 1903 the Battery was named for Maj. Daniel McFarland, 23rd U.S. Infantry who was killed in Canada in 1814 during the War of 1812. Battery construction started in 1897, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 15 Jan 1900 at a total cost of $140,383.10 (cost included both Battery McFarland and Battery Winchester). Deactivated in 1917 when the guns were shipped out.
Battery McFarland Shell Lift CoverBattery McFarland Gun Line from Emplacement #1
Battery McFarland was a reinforced concrete Endicott Period gun battery with three 8" M1888MII guns mounted on LF M1894 disappearing carriages. The guns were removed 21 Dec 1917 and shipped to the Watervliet Arsenal. The carriages were shipped to Fort Armistead (1) in late 1897 from the Watertown Arsenal and were all scrapped in May 1918.
Source: CDSG, RCW Form 1, 1 Jan 1920, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 70, 108 Note 1: Exact assignment of guns and carriages to emplacements unknown. Guns removed and shipped 21 Dec 1917 to Watervliet, CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA. Carriages scrapped May 1918. CDSG gun carriage card collection from NARA.
Battery McFarland Plan, 1 Jan 1920
Current Status
On Fort Armistead Baltimore City Park. No period guns or carriages are in place. The Battery is covered with graffitti and a bit overgrown.
