Battery Fergusson

 (1917-1942) - Battery Fergusson was a reinforced concrete, World War I 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Tilden, Queens County, New York. The battery was originally named East Battery but it was renamed in December 1939, after BG Frank K. Fergusson. Battery construction started 8 Feb 1917, was completed 14 May 1917 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 14 May 1917. Deactivated in 1942.

World War I
Originally built as a World War I concrete coastal gun battery with two 6" M1900 guns mounted on M1900 Barbette carriages. The carriages were mounted on concrete gun blocks with two magazines for each position set back from the gun blocks. Each gun had a wooden "takedown" shelter over that could be quickly removed for firing.

The guns and carriages that ended up in Battery Kessler were supplied from Battery Kinney, Fort Slocum (2), in February 1917 as a part of the World War I redistribution.

The guns were proof fired on 14 May 1917.



World War II
This battery was declared on 27 Sep 1940 to be no longer required and authorized to be abandoned upon completion of the modernization program. Abandoned in 1942.

Current Status
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area. No period guns or mounts in place.

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