Battery Winthrop

 (1901-1943) - Battery Winthrop was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Heath, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The battery was named in G.O. 43, 4 Apr 1900, after Major Theodore Winthrop, U.S. Volunteers, killed in action 10 Jun 1861, at Big Bethel, Virginia, during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction started in 1898, was completed in 1901 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 4 Oct 1901 at a cost of $ 202,480.00. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with three 12" M1888 guns mounted on M1896 Disappearing carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns located on the upper level and the magazines below. Shells were originally moved from the magazine level to the gun loading platform by three Hodges back delivery shell hoists. Powder was moved to the gun loading platform by three Type C powder hoists. Taylor-Raymond back delivery shell hoists were installed in 1918. Electrical power was furnished by the battery 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 Winthrop was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Boston plan until it was declared obsolete on 7 Dec 1943. The guns and carriages were ordered salvaged on 21 Dec 1943.

Current Status
Destroyed on private property. No period guns or mounts in place.

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