Battery Hunter (2)

 (1904-1945) - Battery Hunter (2) was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Stark, Jerry's Point, New Castle Island, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Major General David Hunter, U.S. Volunteers (colonel, 6th U.S. Cavalry), who served with distinction during the U.S. Civil War, and who died 2 Feb 1886. Battery construction started in 1901, was completed in 1904 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 31 Dec 1904 at a cost of $ 109,000.00. Deactivated in 1945.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1895MI guns mounted on M1897 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 back delivery shell hoists. No powder hoists were provided. The shell hoists were modified for the newer long point shells. Both disappearing carriages were equipped with retraction motors. Electrical power was furnished by the emplacement power plant which also provided power for other batteries.



World War I (1917-1918)
The guns of Battery Hunter were not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.

World War II (1941-1945)
Battery Hunter was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth plan throughout most of World War II but before the war ended the battery was declared surplus on 18 Jan 1945. Both guns were transferred to Watervliet on 23 Feb 1945 and both carriages were ordered scrapped on 22 Jan 1945.

Current Status
Part of Fort Stark State Historic Site, Jerry's Point, New Castle Island, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. No period guns or mounts in place.

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