Battery Drum

 (1899-1917) - Battery Drum was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 4.72 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Strong (2), Long Island, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Captain Simon H. Drum, 4th U.S. Artillery, who was killed 13 Sep 1847, in the assault on the City of Mexico, during the Mexican War. Battery construction started in 1898, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 21 Oct 1899 at a cost of $ 14,737.39. Deactivated in 1917.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 4.72" Armstrong guns mounted on Armstrong Pedestal carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns located on the upper level and the magazines below. Shells were moved from the magazine level to the gun loading platform by hand. No shell or powder hoists were needed or provided. Electrical power was furnished by the central power plant.

World War I (1917-1918)
The guns and carriages of Battery Drum were shipped in October 1917 to Sachuest Point, Middletown, RI.

Current Status
Operated by The Boston Public Health Commission on Long Island, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Closed to the public, advanced permission required to visit. No period guns or mounts in place.

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