Battery Basinger

 (1901-1946) - Battery Basinger was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Strong (2), Long Island, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after 2nd Lieutenant William E. Basinger, 2nd U.S. Artillery, who was killed 28 Dec 1835, in action with Seminole Indians at Withhlacoochee River, Florida. Battery construction started in 1899, was completed in 1900 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 6 Mar 1901 at a cost of $ 18,780.00. Deactivated in 1946.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1898MI guns mounted on M1898 Masking Parapet 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 hand operated Taylor front delivery shell hoists. No powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the central power plant.



World War I (1917-1918)
The guns of were not affected by the World War I redistribution but the following 1920 disarmament program ordered the original guns removed on 8 Jul 1920 to Watervliet and ordered the carriages scrapped on 20 May 1920. Replacement guns and carriages were moved from Battery Smyth into Battery Basinger in November 1921.

World War II (1941-1945)
Battery Basinger was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Boston plan throughout World War II. When the war ended in 1945 the battery was declared surplus. The guns and carriages were processed for salvage on 24 May 1946.

Current Status
Operated by The Boston Public Health Commission on Long Island, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Closed to the public, advanced permission required to visit. No period guns or mounts in place.

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