Battery Habersham

 (1900-1942) - Battery Habersham was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal mortar battery on Fort Screven, Chatham County, Georgia. The battery was named in G.O. 43, 4 Apr 1900, after Major Joseph Habersham, Continental Army, who rendered distinguished service during the revolution and later became Postmaster General (1795-1801). Battery construction started in December 1898, was completed in March 1900 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 9 Apr 1900 at a cost of $ 125,442. Deactivated in 1942.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal mortar battery with eight 12" M1890MI mortars mounted on M1896MI mortar carriages divided into two mortar pits (A-B) with four mortars in each pit (1-4).

Each mortar pit had a data booth at the rear that conveyed azimuth and elevation information to the gun crews and directed the firing. The data booth was connected to the plotting room via telephone. Between the mortar pits was a concrete magazine that stored the shells and powder. The magazine was protected with a 20' covering of earth. Shells and powder were wheeled from the magazine to the mortar loading platforms on shot carts.



World War I
Four mortars were ordered removed on 23 May 1918 from Battery Habersham and prepared for shipment overseas. The mortars were not returned after the war.

World War II
The remaining four mortars remained in place until 4 Nov 1942 when they were ordered scrapped.

Current Status
The battery has been repurposed as a storage facility, no period guns or mounts in place.

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