Battery 246

 (1942-1945) A World War II reinforced concrete gun battery built at Fort Columbia. Construction started 28 Oct 1942 and was never completed.



History
Part of the Harbor Defense of the Columbia.

One of three like World War II batteries that provided a "triangle of fire" protection for the mouth of the Columbia River. Battery 245 at Fort Stevens, Battery 246 at Fort Columbia and Battery 247 at Fort Canby made up the three points of the triangle.

The battery was a reinforced concrete bunker housing the ammunition and control mechanisms for the two guns outside. At the date of transfer on February 2, 1945, everything was completed except for installation of the autodyne circuits (improved the amplification radio signals), elevating mechanisms for the guns, installation of gun tubes, and electrical wiring and connections within the gun shields. Date of transfer cost was $220,168.76. The gun tubes were sent to Milagra Ridge Military Reservation, Battery 244 near San Francisco in 1947.

Battery 246 did eventually receive its guns in 1994, 52 years after initial construction. Washington State Parks Service transferred these two guns from the U.S. Naval facility in Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada. These guns are identical to the guns that originally would have armed the battery.



Current Status
The battery is in excellent shape. One powder room has an interpretive display complete with powder canisters. The two guns and carriages are in place although they are not the originals..

Sources:
 * Coast Defense Study Group

Links: 
 * Fort Columbia Virtual Tour
 * Fort Columbia Virtual Tour