Battery Forse

 (1899-1917) - Battery Forse was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 8 inch coastal gun battery on Fort St. Philip, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Major Albert G. Forse, 1st U.S. Cavalry, who was killed 1 Jul 1898, at the battle of San Juan, Cuba. Battery construction started 27 Dec 1897, was completed in October 1899 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 25 Oct 1899 at a cost of $ 100,000. Deactivated in 1917.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 8" M1888MII guns mounted on M1896 Disappearing 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 two Taylor-Raymond front delivery shell hoists. No powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the central power plant.



World War I (1917-1918)
The two guns of were ordered dismounted for use abroad on 24 Aug 1917 and were transferred to Watervliet 21 Dec 1917. The carriages were scrapped in May 1918. Battery Forse was not rearmed after the war.

Current Status
Private property, access by boat with permission, in very dangerous condition. No period guns or mounts in place.

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