Battery Hoskins

 (1921-1946) - Battery Hoskins was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Crockett, Galveston County, Texas. The battery was named after Lt. Leonard C. Hoskins, the first Coast Artillery officer killed in WWI. Battery construction started in Aug 1917, was completed in April 1921 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 27 May 1921 at a cost of $ 304,237.63. Work began on 29 May 1942 on a modernization program to casemate the guns, the work was completed 20 Aug 1944 at a cost of $ 793,462.26. The battery was deactivated in 1946.

World War I (1917-1918)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1895MI-A4 guns mounted on M1917-A2 Barbette carriages.



World War II (1941-1945)
In 1942 a decision was taken to upgrade Battery Hoskins because the open gun pads provided an easy target for enemy planes. The plan included casemating the guns and connecting the casemates through the magazines to create a unified earth covered battery. The electrical system was upgraded to 440 volt AC from the original DC system and commercial power was made available as an alternate source. Air conditioning was added and additional operational rooms were built. The modifications were completed 20 Aug 1944 but there is some evidence that the battery was operational in 1943.



Current Status
The battery is directly in front of the San Luis Hotel and Conference Center and is closed to the public. The casemates can be seen from the seawall highway and the rear entrances to each casemate can be viewed from each side. No period guns or mount

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