Battery Bankhead (1)

 (1902-1942) - Battery Henry Bankhead is a concrete Endicott Period 12" mortar battery located on Fort Flagler, Washington. Named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Bvt. MG Henry Bankhead, U.S. Army (Maj., 4th U.S. Cavalry), who served with distinction during the U.S. Civil War, and who died 9 Jan 1894. The Battery was begun in Oct 1900, completed in Jun 1902 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 17 Aug 1902 at a total cost of $89,584.47. Four mortars were removed in 1918 during World War I and the remaining mortars were dismounted in 1942 during World War II.

History
Designed to protect both the Straight of Juan De Fuca and the Admiralty Inlet to Puget Sound.

Endicott Period
Originally built to house 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.



World War I
Two mortars (#2 & #4) were removed from each pit in 1918 leaving two mortars in each pit. The remaining mortars in each pit were renumbered 1 and 2.

The 4 removed mortars were loaded on U.S. Barge #5 along with 12 other mortars from Fort Worden and Fort Casey (1) on 29 May 1918 and towed by the United States Steamer Wilson to Seattle for shipment overseas. The mortars arrived in Seattle on 30 May 1918.

Current Status
Part of the Fort Flagler State Park. 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 Bankhead Photo Gallery