Battery Osceola

Battery Osceola (1900-1943) - Battery Osceola was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Taylor (2), Florida. The battery was named in G.O. 43, 4 Apr 1900 after Osceola, the Seminole chief who Zachary Taylor battled in 1836. Battery construction started Jun 1898, was completed Aug 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 3 Feb 1900 at a cost of $ 112,951.48. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1888MI1/2 guns mounted on M1892 Barbette carriages.

Battery Osceola Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	12" Rifle	439.92"	M1888MI1/2		23	Watervliet	Barbette, M1892, #11, Morgan	1900-1943	See note 1
2	12" Rifle	439.92"	M1888MI1/2		39	Watervliet	Barbette, M1892, #10, Morgan	1900-1943	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 30 Sep 1921, 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 136-137, 211 Note 1: Guns and carriages salvaged 11 Dec 1943. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

File:Fort Taylor (2) Battery Osceola Plan.jpg

Battery Osceola 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

No period guns or mounts in place.

---

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

Location: Fort Taylor (2), Key West, Florida Maps & Images Lat: 24.5474355 Long: -81.8099231 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 33.35'

Sources:

• Coast Defense Study Group, CDSG Press, CDSG Digital Library

Links:

Visited: No

Battery Osceola Picture Gallery

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