Battery Zook

 (1908-1917) - Battery Zook was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Wetherill, Newport County, Rhode Island. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Bvt. Major General Samuel K. Zook, U.S. Volunteers (Brigadier General U.S. Volunteers), who died 3 Jul 1863 of wounds received in action at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 2 Jul 1863, during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction started in May 1903, was completed in November 1904 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 7 May 1908 at a cost of $ 81,475.00. Deactivated in 1917.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with three 6" M1903 guns mounted on M1903 Disappearing carriages. This was a single level battery with the guns mounted on raised platforms accessed by stairs and two magazines adjacent to the gun platforms. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by an emplacement power plant.

Battery Wheaton, Battery Walbach, Battery Dickenson, Battery Zook, and Battery Crittenden were all accepted for service on the same day, 7 May 1908.



World War I
On 24 Aug 1917 the guns of Battery Zook were ordered dismounted for use abroad. The guns were transferred to Watervliet 27 Nov 1917. The carriages were ordered scrapped 26 May 1920 as a part of the 1920 disarmament program.

Current Status
Part of Fort Wetherill State Park, Jamestown, Conanicut Island, Newport County, Rhode Island. No period guns or mounts in place.

See Also:
 * Fort Wetherill
 * Endicott Period
 * Harbor Defense of Narragansett Bay
 * 1920 Disarmament Program

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