Battery Ford

 (1906-1945) - Battery Mahlon Ford was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Taylor (2), Monroe County, Florida. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Major Mahlon Ford, 1st Artillerists and Engineers, who served with distinction during the Revolutionary War, and who died 12 Jun 1820. Battery construction started Dec 1903, was completed Aug 1904 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 26 Apr 1906 at a cost of $ 14,100.00. Deactivated in 1945.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" rapid fire M1903 guns mounted on M1903 pedestal mounts. This Battery was a two story battery with the guns on the upper level and two magazines on the lower level. No powder or shell hoists were provided. Electric power for lighting was provided from the Battery De Leon power plant.



World War I
Battery Ford was not affected by the World War II redistribution.

World War II
This battery was part of the Harbor Defenses of Key West until it was declared obsolete in 1945. The guns and carriages were processed for salvage 16 May 1945.

Current Status
Battery destroyed in 1964. No period guns or mounts in place.

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