Battery Laidley

 (1900-1931) - Battery Laidley was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal mortar battery on Fort De Soto, Florida. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 15 May 1903 after Col. Theodore T. S. Laidley, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army, who rendered conspicuous service in the Mexican-American War and the U.S. Civil War, and who died April 4, 1886, at Palatka, Florida. Battery construction started November 1898, was completed April 1900 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 8 May 1900 at a cost of $ 155,651.96. Declared surplus 27 Jun 1931.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal mortar battery with eight 12" M1890MI guns mounted on M1896MI carriages.



World War I
The mortars of Battery Laidley were not affected directly by the World War I redistribution but four of the mortars and carriages were removed and shipped to arm Battery Whistler at Fort Rosecrans. The reduction was part of a program to relieve crowding and improve efficiency in 12" mortar pits without significantly reducing rate of fire.

Current Status
Four mortars and carriages in place. The magazine rooms are in great shape and well labeled.

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