Battery Payne

 (1908-1946) - Battery Payne was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Pickens, Escambia County, Florida. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Col. Matthew M. Payne, 2nd U.S. Artillery, who served with distinction during the Mexican-American War, and died 1 Aug 1862. Battery construction started 1904, was completed 1904 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 7 Jan 1908 at a cost of $ 28,102.50. Deactivated in 1946.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1902MI guns mounted on M1902 Barbette carriages. This battery was a two story battery with the guns and carriages on the upper level and the magazines on the lower level. There were two powder rooms and a single shell room between them. No powder or shell hoists were provided. Electric power for lighting was provided by the Fort Pickens central power plant.



World War I (1917-1918)
Battery Payne was not affected by the World War I relocations.

World War II (1941-1945)
At the conclusion of World War II the battery was deactivated and the guns and carriages processed for salvage 16 May 1946.

Current Status
No period guns or mounts in place.

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