Battery Vinton

 (1904-1920) - Battery John Vinton was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period, 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Ward (2), Kitsap County, Washington State. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Captain John R. Vinton, Bvt. Major, 3rd U.S. Artillery, who was killed in action at Vera Cruse, Mexico, during the Mexican-American War Battery construction started in 1903, was completed in 1903 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 18 Jan 1904 at a cost of $ 10,966.50. Deactivated in 1920.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1898MI rapid fire guns mounted on M1898 Masking Parapet mounts. This was a two story battery with the two guns located on the upper level, two magazines and two bombproofs located on the lower level. No shell or powder hoists were provided. An observation station was provided for each emplacement.



World War I (1917-1918)
The 3" guns of Battery Vinton escaped the World War I redistribution but were removed in the 1920 disarmament program. The order to remove the guns and salvage the carriages was approved 27 Mar 1920. The carriages were listed as scrapped on 20 May 1920 and the guns were transferred to Watervliet Arsenal on 19 Jul 1920.

In 1921 a C.R.F. range finding station was built for Battery Vinton fifty feet in back of the Battery. The C.R.F. station was accepted for service 9 Jun 1921 at a cost of $ 1,082.34 perhaps in anticipation that the Battery would be rearmed.

Current Status
In Fort Ward State Park, Kitsap County, Washington State. No period guns or mounts in place. Lower part of the battery is buried.

Recent Blog Posts
 * Fort Ward and Middle Point Military Reservation in Washington State

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