Battery Schenck

 (1899-1942) - Battery Alexander Schenck is a concrete Endicott Period 12" motar battery located on Fort Casey, Whidbey Island, Island County, Washington. Named in G.O. 20, 25 Jan 1906, after Lt. Colonel Alexander D. Schenck, U.S. Artillery Corps, who died 16 Sep 1905. The Battery was begun in 1898, completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 16 Jun 1902 at a total cost of $46,603.50. The mortars were dismounted in 1942 during World War II.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Designed to protect both the Straight of Juan De Fuca and the Admiralty Inlet to Puget Sound.

Originally built with eight 12" M1890 MI mortars on M1896 MI carriages in a concrete battery with two mortar pits. Each of the mortars was capable of firing a seven hundred pound shell nine miles and proved accurate enough to hit a moving practice target seven miles away in 1913. This battery was a continuation of Battery Seymour and the two batteries were joined by a earthwork topped with common a set of storerooms.



World War I (1917-1918)
Battery Schenck was identified to lose four mortars to the European campaign in 1918. The mortars were retained when it became clear that the war was drawing to a close.

World War II (1941-1945)
All eight of Battery Schenck's mortars were removed in 1942, during World War II.

Current Status
Part of the Fort Casey (1) State Park on Whidbey Island, Island County, Washington. The Battery is accessible to the public and the rooms are clean and dry but empty. No guns or carriages are in place.

Sources:

Links: 
 * Battery Schenck Virtual Tour
 * Battery Schenck Virtual Tour