Battery Calef-Wilkeson
Battery Calef-Wilkeson (1897-1942) - A four gun Endicott Period Battery started in 1897 as a reinforced concrete Coastal Artillery Battery on Fort Rosecrans. Initially named for Bvt. Lt. Col. Bayard Wilkeson a U.S. Civil War Artilleryman. In 1915 the battery was divided and guns 3 and 4 became Battery Calef named after Col. John H. Calef, another artilleryman who fought in the U.S. Civil War. By 1925 the Battery was back in a four gun configuration as Battery Calef-Wilkeson. Construction began 21 Jan 1897 and was completed 31 Jun 1899. The Battery was turned over for service 15 Feb 1900 at a cost of $217,262. Listed for disposal 3 Nov 1942.
Battery Calef-Wilkeson History
Battery Calef-Wilkeson was a battery of three, 10" M1888 M1 guns and one 10" M1895 gun all mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages.
| Empl No |
Caliber Type |
Barrel Length |
Model | Serial No |
Manufacturer | Carriage | Service Dates |
Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10" Rifle | 30.76' | M1895 | 8 | Watervliet | Disappearing M1896, #53, Watertown | 1900-1942 | See note 1 | |
| 2 | 10" Rifle | 30.6' | M1888MI | 10 | Bethlehem | Disappearing M1896, #7, Niles Tool | 1898-1942 | See note 1 | |
| 3 | 10" Rifle | 30.6' | M1888MI | 10 | Watervliet | Disappearing M1896, #5, Niles Tool | 1898-1942 | See note 1 | |
| 4 | 10" Rifle | 30.6' | M1888MI | 4 | Watervliet | Disappearing M1896, #6, Niles Tool | 1898-1942 | See note 1 | |
| Source: RCB 31 Dec 1909, RCW Form 1, 15 Sep 1925, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 124-125 Note 1: Guns and carriages ordered scrapped 5 Nov 1942. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA | |||||||||
Current Status
Part of Cabrillo National Monument. No guns or carriages in place.
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Location: Fort Rosecrans, California Maps & Images Lat: 32.682911 Long: -117.237843 |
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