Battery Stanton
Battery Stanton (1901-1932) - 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. This was a two story battery with the guns mounted on the second level and the magazines on the first level. The battery was built with a 20KW steam driven electric plant. Hodges back delivery shell hoists were accepted for service 31 May 1904. These hoists were installed on the original two gun emplacements but not the new third emplacement. There were no powder hoists.
| Empl No |
Caliber Type |
Barrel Length |
Model | Serial No |
Manufacturer | Carriage | Service Dates |
Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6" Rifle | 302.9" | M1903 | 67 | Watervliet | Disappearing, M1903, #61, Mansfield | 1905-1917 | See note 1 | |
| 2 | 6" Rifle | 277.85" | M1897MI | 22 | Watervliet | Disappearing, M1898, #18, Watertown | 1901-1932 | See note 2 | |
| 3 | 6" Rifle | 277.85" | M1897MI | 27 | Watervliet | Disappearing, M1898, #19, Watertown | 1901-1932 | See note 2 | |
| Source: RCW Form 1, Jan 1924, RCB, 10 Oct 1904, 31 Dec 1907, 31 Dec 1909, 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 94-95,98-99, 212 Note 1: Carriage transferred from Mansfield 10 May 1905. Gun transferred to Watervliet for service elsewhere 20 Nov 1917. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA Note 2: Carriages transferred from Watertown 22 Mar 1901. Guns transferred to Augusta 13 Apr 1932. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA | |||||||||
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.
The power plant was updated 29 Jul 1921 with a gasoline powered 25KW motor generator set and the original steam set was transferred to Rivers & Harbors 19 Apr 1923. A concrete C.R.F. station was installed and accepted on 29 Jul 1921.
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 |
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