Battery McDonough (2)

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Battery McDonough (2) (1906-1924) - Battery McDonough (2) was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Caswell, Brunswick County, North Carolina. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after 1st Lt. Patrick McDonough, Corps of Artillery, who was killed at the battle of Fort Erie, Canada, 15 Aug 1814. Battery construction started in 1903, was completed in 1904 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 20 Feb 1906 at a cost of $ 15,450.00. Guns removed in 1924.

Battery McDonough Gun Emplacement #1
Battery McDonough Gun Emplacement #2
Battery McDonough, the two Emplacements on the Right

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Part of the Harbor Defense of Cape Fear River.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1902 rapid fire guns mounted on M1902 Barbette carriages. The two gun positions of this battery were built onto the right flank of the existing Battery McKavett. This was a two story battery with the gun positions on the upper level and two separate magazines, one for each gun, on the lower level. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electric power for lighting was provided from Battery Caswell.

Battery McDonough (2) Armament (edit list)
Empl
No
Caliber
Type
Barrel
Length
Model Serial
No
Manufacturer Carriage Service
Dates
Notes
1 3" Rifle 154.35" M1902MI 14 Bethlehem Barbette, M1902, #14, Bethlehem 1906-1924 See note 1
2 3" Rifle 154.35" M1902MI 15 Bethlehem Barbette, M1902, #15, Bethlehem 1906-1924 See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Nov 1919, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 72-73, 210
Note 1: Guns and carriages transferred to Aberdeen 15 Dec 1924. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA
Battery McDonough (2) 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. Battery McDonough was not caught up in the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program and the guns remained in place until 1924.

Current Status

On the property of the North Carolina Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell. No period guns or mounts in place.


Location: Fort Caswell, Brunswick County, North Carolina.

Maps & Images

Lat: 33.892585 Long: -78.015482

  • Multi Maps from ACME
  • Maps from Bing
  • Maps from Google
  • Elevation: Emp #1= 26.68', Emp #2= 26.74'

Sources:

  • Herring, Ethel and Williams, Carolee, Fort Caswell in War and Peace, 2nd Ed., NC Baptist Assembly, Oak Island, NC, 1983-1999, ISBN - 0-9671897-1-3, page 66-67

Links:

Visited: 27 Jan 2010

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