Battery Alexander

Battery Alexander (1905-1943) - Battery Alexander was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal mortar battery on Fort Barry, California. The battery was named in G.O. 120, 22 Nov 1902 after Col. Barton S. Alexander, U.S. Corps of Engineers, bvt. Brig. Gen., who served with distinction in the Mexican-American War and the U.S. Civil War and who died at San Francisco, California, 15 Dec 1879. Battery construction started in 1901, was completed in 1903 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 8 Jun 1905 at a cost of $ 100,382.00. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal mortar battery with eight 12" M1890MI breech loaded mortars mounted on M1896MI mortar carriages.

Battery Alexander Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
A1	12" Mortar	11.759'	M1890MI		160	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #280, Rarig	1905-1942	See note 1
A2	12" Mortar	11.759'	M1890MI		159	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #278, Rarig	1905-1918	See note 2
A3	12" Mortar	11.759'	M1890MI		147	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #277, Rarig	1905-1942	See note 1
A4	12" Mortar	11.759'	M1890MI		150	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #283, Rarig	1905-1918	See note 2
B1	12" Mortar	11.759'	M1890MI		151	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #282, Rarig	1905-1942	See note 1
B2	12" Mortar	11.759'	M1890MI		148	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #281, Rarig	1905-1918	See note 2
B3	12" Mortar	11.759'	M1890MI		155	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #284, Rarig	1905-1942	See note 1
B4	12" Mortar	11.759'	M1890MI		145	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #279, Rarig	1905-1918	See note 2
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Sep 1923, RCB, 31 Dec 1909, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 140-141, 215 Note 1: Mortars and carriages ordered salvaged 19 Nov 1942 CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA Note 2: Mortars removed 1 Jul 1918 to Morgan, carriages scrapped CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Alexander Plan

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

Part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area (GGNRA) administered by the National Park Service. No gun or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Barry, California Maps & Images Lat: 37.825997 Long: -122.529533 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 170.6'

Sources:

• Coast Defense Study Group, Press, Digital Library, Forums
• Kent, Matthew W., Harbor Defenses of San Francisco - A Field Guide 1890 to 1950, Copyright 2009, Blurb, ISBN 978-1-61584-163-9, page 184
• California Military Museum - Battery Alexander
• AngelFire - Battery Alexander

Links:

Visited: 19 Aug 2009

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