Battery Blair

 (1903-1943) - Battery Blair was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Williams (1), Cumberland County, Maine. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Major General Frank P. Blair, U.S. Volunteers, who served with distinction during the U.S. Civil War and who died 9 Jul 1875 at St. Louis, Missouri. Battery construction started in 1901, was completed in 1903 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 31 Jul 1903 at a cost of $ 127,845.44. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1895 guns mounted on M1897 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 Taylor-Raymond shell hoists. No powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the emplacement power plant and the central power plant.



World War I (1917-1918)
The guns of were not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.

World War II (1941-1945)
Battery Blair was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Portland plan until 31 Dec 1943 and was ordered salvaged on that date. The guns were transferred to Watervliet 1 Mar 1944, the carriages were ordered scrapped 10 Feb 1944.

Current Status
Part of Fort Williams City Park. No period guns or mounts in place. Battery Blair emplacement #1 is totally buried with only traces of the concrete showing. Emplacement #2 is buried up to the gun loading platform level, completely covering the magazine level.

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