Battery Stevenson

Battery Stevenson (1903-1945) - Battery Stevenson was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Warren, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The battery was named in G.O. 16, 14 Feb 1902, after Brigadier General Thomas G. Stevenson, the first colonel of the 24th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, who was killed in action at Spottsylvania, Virginia, on 10 May 1864, while in command of the 1st Division of the 9th Army Corps, during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction started in 1899, was completed in 1902 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 20 Jan 1903 at a cost of $ 144,495.00. Deactivated in 1945.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Part of the Harbor Defense of Boston, Massachusetts.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1895 guns mounted on M1897 Disappearing carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns located on the upper level and the magazines below. Shells were moved from the magazine level to the gun loading platform originally by two Hodges back delivery electric shell hoists that were later replaced in 1918 by Taylor-Raymond back delivery electric shell hoists. No powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the central power plant and an emplacement power plant.

This battery was built into the east side casemates of the old fort and the gun platforms are somewhat higher than normal. About 40' of earth fill covers the outside wall and tapers down to ground level.

**Battery Stevenson Armament** (edit list)
Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model	Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	12" Rifle	442.56"	M1895	33	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1897, #10, Robert Poole	1903-1944	See note 1
2	12" Rifle	442.56"	M1895	34	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1897, #11, Robert Poole	1903-1944	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 May 1921, 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 148-149 Note 1: Guns transferred to Watervliet 4 Apr 1944. Carriages ordered salvaged 27 Mar 1944. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

World War I (1917-1918)

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. The guns of Battery Stevenson were not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.

World War II (1941-1945)

Battery Stevenson was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Boston plan during World War II until 18 Mar 1944 when it was authorized for salvage. The guns were transferred to Watervliet 4 Apr 1944 and the carriages were ordered salvaged 27 Mar 1944.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Warren, Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Maps & Images

Lat: 42.320244 Long: -70.926538

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Elevation: 70'

Sources:

U.S.Army, Supplement to the Harbor Defense Project of Boston, Massachusetts, (HDB-AN-45), 31 Jan 1945, CDSG

Links:

CDSG

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