Battery Stevenson

 (1903-1945) - Battery Stevenson was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Warren, George's Island, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The battery was named in G.O. 16, 14 Feb 1902, after Brigadier General Thomas G. Stevenson, the first colonel of the 24th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, who was killed in action at Spottsylvania, Virginia, on 10 May 1864, while in command of the 1st Division of the 9th Army Corps, during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction started in 1899, was completed in 1902 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 20 Jan 1903 at a cost of $ 144,495.00. Deactivated in 1945.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1895 guns mounted on M1897 Disappearing carriages.

This battery was built into the east side casemates of old Fort Warren and the gun platforms are somewhat higher than normal. About 40' of earth fill covers the outside wall and tapers down to ground level. 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 originally by two Hodges back delivery electric shell hoists that were later replaced in 1918 by Taylor-Raymond back delivery electric shell hoists. No powder hoists were provided. Because the battery was built atop the old casemates the old casemates were modified to serve as magazines for the battery. The ceilings were very high in the old casemates so the ammunition hoist configuration was different from the standard Endicott Period hoist installation.

Electrical power was furnished by the central power plant and an emplacement power plant.



World War I (1917-1918)
The guns of were not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.

World War II (1941-1945)
Battery Stevenson was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Boston plan during World War II until 18 Mar 1944 when it was authorized for salvage. The guns were transferred to Watervliet 4 Apr 1944 and the carriages were ordered salvaged 27 Mar 1944.

Current Status
Part of Fort Warren State Park on George's Island, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. No period guns or mounts in place. This battery is open to public access in the magazines and the gun emplacements. Transportation to the Island is by boat. See the Fort Warren page for island access details.

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