Battery Ransom
Battery Ransom (1899-1917) - Battery Ransom was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 8 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Jackson (2), Louisiana. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 15 May 1903, after Col. Truman B. Ransom, 9th U.S. Infantry, who was killed 13 Sep 1847 at the battle of Chapultepec, Mexico. Battery construction started 26 Mar 1898, was completed in Oct 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 25 Oct 1899 at a cost of $ 150,000.00. Deactivated in 1917.
Battery Ransom History
Part of the Harbor Defense of the Mississippi.
Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 8" M1888MII guns mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages.
| Empl No |
Caliber Type |
Barrel Length |
Model | Serial No |
Manufacturer | Carriage | Service Dates |
Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8" Rifle | 278.5" | M1888MII | 9 | Bethlehem | Disappearing, M1896, #11, Watertown | 1899-1917 | See note 1 | |
| 2 | 8" Rifle | 278.5" | M1888MII | 8 | Bethlehem | Disappearing, M1896, #9, Watertown | 1899-1917 | See note 1 | |
| Source: RCW Form 1, 26 Mar 1919, 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 110-111, 213 Note 1: Guns transferred to Watervliet 21 Dec 1917, Carriages scrapped May 1918. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA | |||||||||
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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
No period guns or mounts in place.
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Location: Fort Jackson (2), Louisiana Maps & Images Lat: 29.3569607 Long: -89.4553667 |
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Visited: 9 Dec 2009
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