Battery Eustis

Battery Eustis (1901-1942) - Battery Eustis was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 10 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Monroe, Hampton City, Virginia. The battery was named in G.O. 105, 9 Oct 1902, after Col. Abram Eustis, who as a Ltc. of the 4th U.S. Artillery was the first commandant of the Artillery School, and who died on 27 Jun 1843, at Portland, Maine. Battery construction started 29 Mar 1898, was completed in December 1900 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use on 3 Jan 1901 at a cost of $ 80,766.67. Deactivated in 1942.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of Chesapeake Bay.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 10" M1888MII guns mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages. This battery was a two story battery with the guns located on the upper level and the magazines located on the lower level.

**Battery Eustis Armament** (edit list)
Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model	Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	10" Rifle	367.25"	M1888MII	24	Bethlehem	Disappearing, M1896, #48, Niles	1901-1942	See note 1
2	10" Rifle	367.25"	M1888MII	1	Bethlehem	Disappearing, M1896, #63, Southwark	1901-1942	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Jul 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 122-123, 209 Note 1: Guns and carriages ordered scrapped 4 Nov 1942. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

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. Both of Battery Eustis' guns were listed for service abroad on 18 Jul 1918. They were ordered remounted as the war drew to a close in late 1918.

World War II

The guns and carriages of Battery Eustis were ordered scrapped 4 Nov 1942 as a part of the first major scrap drive of World War II.

Current Status

Battery destroyed.

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Location: Fort Monroe, Hampton City, Virginia

Maps & Images

Lat: 37.009698 Long: -76.301647

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Elevation: 31.6'

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Visited: 22 Jul 2010

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