Battery Alexander (2)

Battery Alexander (2) (1898-1943) - Battery Alexander (2) was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Hancock, New Jersey. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after MG William Alexander, (Earl of Stirling), Continental Army, who received the thanks of Congress for his services during the U.S Revolutionary War, and who died 15 Jan 1783. Battery construction started in 1898, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 15 Jul 1899 at a cost of $ 94,227.88. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with one 12" M1888 and one 12" M1888MII gun both mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages.

Battery Alexander (2) Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	12" Rifle	440"	M1888MII		4	Bethlehem	Diappearing, M1896, #25, Morgan	1898-1943	See note 1
2	12" Rifle	440"	M1888		7	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #8, Bethlehem	1898-1943	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Jul 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 138-139, 207. Note 1: CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

File:Fort Hancock Battery Alexander (2) Plan.jpg

Battery Alexander (2) 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 Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Hancock Unit. No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Hancock, Monmouth County, New Jersey Maps & Images Lat: 40.4711001 Long: -74.0046251 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: Gun #1=35.499', Gun #2=35.531'

Sources:

Links:

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

Visited: 14 Aug 2010

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