Battery Richardson

 (1904-1943) - Battery Israel Richardson was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Hancock (2), New Jersey. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after MG Israel B. Richardson, who died 3 Nov 1862, of wounds received in action at Antietam, Maryland, 17 Sep 1862. The two gun emplacements of his battery were part of the nine gun emplacements of the main gun line built at Fort Hancock (2) and originally called Battery Halleck. The main gun line was later divided into four named batteries by G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904 (Battery Halleck, Battery Alexander (2), Battery Bloomfield and Battery Richardson). Battery construction started in 1902, was completed in 1904 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 23 Apr 1904 at a cost of $ 100,000.00. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1895MI guns mounted on M1901 disappearing carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns on the upper level and a separate magazine for each emplacement on the lower level. Shell hoists moved the projectiles from the lower level to the gun loading platform. The battery was originally furnished with Hodges back delivery projectile hoists. The Hodges hoists were later changed out for back delivery Taylor-Raymond projectile hoists that were accepted for service on 20 Sep 1917 and 3 Apr 1918.



World War II
The guns and carriages were found to be obsolete and ordered salvaged 23 Oct 1943.

Current Status
Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Hancock Unit. No period guns or mounts in place.

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