Battery Stanton

Battery Stanton (1901-1931) - Battery Stanton was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Gaines, Alabama. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 15 May 1903 after Capt. Henry W. Stanton, 1st U.S. Dragoons, who was killed 19 Jan 1855 in action with Apache Indians in the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico. Battery construction on two emplacements started in 1899, was completed in 1900 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 20 May 1901. Construction began on a third emplacement in 1903, was completed in 1904 and transferred for service 31 May 1904. Total cost of the battery was $ 91,384.89. Deactivated in 1931.

Battery Stanton History

Part of the Harbor Defense of Mobile, Alabama.

Endicott Period

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 6" M1897MI guns mounted on M1898 disappearing carriages. One additional gun emplacement with one M1903MI gun and a M1903 disappearing carriage was added for service on 31 May 1904. The addition of the third emplacement cause the emplacements to be renumbered and the new emplacement became #1 and the original emplacements became #2 and #3.
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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.

Current Status

Fort Gaines Historical Site maintained by the Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board. No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Gaines Historical Site, Dauphin Island, Alabama

Maps & Images

Lat: 30.248493 Long: -88.075102

Multi Maps from ACME
Maps from Bing
Maps from Google
Elevation: 26.7'

Sources:

Coast Defense Study Group, CDSG Press, CDSG Digital Library

Links:

Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board

Visited: No

Battery Stanton Picture Gallery

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