Battery Alexander (2)

 (1898-1943) - Battery Alexander (2) was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Hancock (2), New Jersey. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after MG William Alexander, (Earl of Stirling), Continental Army, who received the thanks of Congress for his services during the Revolutionary War, and who died 15 Jan 1783. The two gun emplacements of his battery were part of the nine gun emplacements of the main gun line built at Fort Hancock (2) and originally called Battery Halleck. The main gun line was later divided into four named batteries by G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904 (Battery Halleck, Battery Alexander (2), Battery Bloomfield and Battery Richardson). Battery construction started in 1898, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 15 Jul 1899 at a cost of $ 94,227.88. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with one 12" M1888 and one 12" M1888MII gun both mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages.



World War I
The guns and carriages of Battery Alexander were not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament plan.

World War II
Battery Alexander was declared obsolete and deactivated in early 1943.

Current Status
Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Hancock Unit. No period guns or mounts in place. Battery viewable but not open to the public.

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