Battery Dilworth

 (1901-1920) - Battery Dilworth was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Taylor (2), Monroe County, Florida. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903 after 2nd Lt. Rankin Dilworth, 1st U.S. Infantry, who died 27 Sep 1846, of wounds received at the Battle of Monterey, Mexico, during the Mexican-American War. Battery construction started Jan 1898, was completed Feb 1900 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 23 Apr 1901 at a cost of $ 11,375.00. Deactivated in 1920.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" rapid fire M1898MI guns mounted on M1898 Masking Parapet mounts. This was a two story battery with both guns on the upper level and two separate magazines on the lower level. No powder or shell hoists were provided. Power for lighting was provided from the power plant in Battery De Kalb.



World War I (1917-1918)
Battery Dilworth escaped the World War I redistribution but on 20 Aug 1917 both guns were transferred to Watervliet and quickly returned on 30 Oct 1917. Presumably this quick transfer and return was for gun modifications or repair since no overseas transfer orders were found. On 27 Mar 1920 the A.G.O. ordered both 3" guns removed and the carriages salvaged. The guns were transferred back to Watervliet on 17 Sep 1920 and the carriages were scrapped 20 May 1920.

Current Status
Battery structure was destroyed in the 1970s. No period guns or mounts in place.

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