Battery Laidley
Battery Laidley (1900-1931) - Battery Laidley was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal mortar battery on Fort De Soto, Florida. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 15 May 1903 after Col. Theodore T. S. Laidley, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army, who rendered conspicuous service in the Mexican-American War and the U.S. Civil War, and who died April 4. 1886, at Palatka, Florida. Battery construction started November 1898, was completed April 1900 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 8 May 1900 at a cost of $ 155,651.96. Declared surplus 27 Jun 1931.
Battery Laidley History
Part of the Harbor Defense of Tampa Bay.
Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal mortar battery with eight 12" M1890MI guns mounted on M1896MI carriages.
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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
Four mortars and carriages in place.
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Location: Fort De Soto, Florida Maps & Images Lat: 27.6154821 Long: -82.7358806 |
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Visited: 20 Dec 2009
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