Battery Crosby
Battery Crosby (1900-1943) - Battery Crosby was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Winfield Scott (2), San Francisco County, California. The battery was named in G.O. 16, 14 Feb 1902, after 1st Lt. Franklin B. Crosby, 4th U.S. Artillery, who was killed in the battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, on 3 May 1863 during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction started 3 Jun 1899, was completed in 1900 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 2 Aug 1900 at a cost of $59,038.57. Deactivated in 1943. Endicott Period (1890-1910)Part of the Harbor Defense of San Francisco.
Originally built between 1899 and 1900 as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 6" M1897MI rapid fire guns mounted on Limited Fire (L.F.) M1898 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 by two, back delivery, hand operated, Hodges Hoists. No powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the central power plant.
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 Crosby were not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.
World War II (1941-1945)Used to protect the approaches to the Golden Gate and the mine fields in the main shipping channel. Declared obsolete in 1943 and the guns and carriages were removed that year. The guns were sent back to Watervliet Arsenal and the carriages were scrapped. Current StatusPart of the Golden Gate Recreation Area (GGNRA) administered by the National Park Service. No gun or mounts in place.
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Links: Visited: 22 Aug 2009 |