Battery Elder

Battery Elder (1904-1942) - Battery Samuel Elder was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort DuPont (1), Delaware. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Bvt. Ltc. Samuel S. Elder, U.S. Army (Maj, 2nd U.S. Artillery), who served with distinction during the U.S. Civil War, and who died 6 Apr 1885. Battery construction started 23 Mar 1903, was completed March 1904 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 4 Mar 1904 at a cost of $ 18,383.36. Guns and carriages removed in 1942.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1903 guns mounted on M1903 Barbette carriages.

**Battery Elder Armament** (edit list)
Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model	Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	3" Rifle	169.92"	M1903	77	Watervliet	Barbette, M1903, #61, Watertown	1910-1942	See note 1
2	3" Rifle	169.92"	M1903	80	Watervliet	Barbette, M1903, #62, Watertown	1910-1942	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Sep 1922, CDSG, 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, 208 Note 1: Carriages transferred from Watertown 6 May 1909. 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.

World War II

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

{"selectable":false,"width":"500"}

Location: Fort DuPont, New Castle County, Delaware

Maps & Images

Lat: 39.5712082 Long: -75.5785963

Multi Maps from ACME
Maps from Bing
Maps from Google
Elevation: Gun #1=26.94', Gun #2=26.60'

Sources:

Links:

Coast Defense Study Group, CDSG Press, CDSG Digital Library

Visited: 6 Aug 2010

Battery Elder Picture Gallery

Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better!