Battery Trueman

 (1908-1946) - Battery Trueman was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Pickens, Escambia County, Florida. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Maj. Alexander Trueman, 1st U.S. Infantry, who was killed by Indians near Fort Recovery, Ohio, about April 1792. Battery construction started in 1905, was completed in 1905 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 7 Jan 1908 at a cost of $ 28,332.50. Moved to old Battery Cullum in 1942. Deactivated in 1946.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally sited to protect the inner submarine minefield.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1902MI guns mounted on M1902 Barbette carriages. This battery was a two story battery with the guns and carriages on the upper level and the magazines on the lower level. There were two powder rooms and a single shell room between them. No powder or shell hoists were provided. Electric power for lighting was provided by the Fort Pickens central power plant.



World War I (1917-1918)
Battery Trueman was not affected by the World War I relocations.

In 1923, a C.R.F. station was constructed 100' Southeast of Battery Trueman. The station was accepted for service 3 Mar 1923 at a cost of $3,295.38.

On 18 July 1923, gun #24 tore loose from its cradle during the seventh shot of the day and killed Private Hugo W. Papp.

World War II (1941-1945)
In 1942 the Battery Trueman was relocated from its original location to old Battery Cullum. The guns and carriages were moved into the 10" gun emplacements of Battery Cullum and the magazines were rehabilitated. This construction began Mar 1942, was completed in Dec 1942 and transferred for service in May 1944 at a cost of $ 20,330.00. Included in the rehabilitation was a new stair system and an ammunition hoist.

At the conclusion of World War II, the battery was deactivated and the guns and carriages processed for salvage 16 May 1946.

Current Status
No period guns or mounts in place.

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