Battery Fraser

Battery Fraser (1901-1917) - Battery Fraser was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 5 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Slocum (2), Westchester County, New York. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Captain Upton S. Fraser, 3rd U.S. Artillery, who was killed 28 Dec 1835 in action with Seminole Indians at Withiacoochee River, Florida. Battery construction started 4 Aug 1899, was completed 13 Aug 1900 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 26 Feb 1901 at a cost of $ 18,392.73. Deactivated in 1917. Endicott Period (1890-1910) Part of the Harbor Defense of Eastern New York. Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 5" M1900 guns mounted on M1903 Pedestal 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 hand. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by commercial power. Battery Fraser Armament (edit list) Empl No Caliber Type Barrel Length Model Serial No Manufacturer Carriage Service Dates Notes 1 5" Rifle 258.5" M1900 8 Watervliet Pedestal, M1903, #11, Watervliet 1901-1917 See note 1 2 5" Rifle 258.5" M1900 9 Watervliet Pedestal, M1903, #10, Watervliet 1901-1917 See note 1 Source: RCW Form 1, 15 Apr 1920, RCB 31 Dec 1909, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 3rd Edition - PDF, CDSG ePress, McLean, VA, 2012, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 90-91, 208 Note 1: CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA Battery Fraser Plan 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 Fraser were removed during World War I as a part of the redistribution program. Current Status Battery destroyed and no period guns or mounts in place. Location: Fort Slocum, Westchester County, New York Maps & Images Lat: 40.885825 Long: -73.76773 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 33.08' Sources: Links: CDSG Visited: No