Battery Cram

 (1908-1943) - Battery Cram was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Kearny (3), Washington County, Rhode Island. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Bvt. Major General Thomas J. Cram, U.S. Army (Colonel U.S. Corps of Engineers), who served with distinction during the U.S. Civil War, and who died 20 Dec 1883. Battery construction started in October 1904, was completed in November 1906 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 7 May 1908 at a cost of $ 63,580.00. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 6" M1905 guns mounted on M1903 Disappearing carriages. This was a one story battery with the two gun emplacements on either side of a common magazine. The gun loading platforms were slightly raised from the magazine level and reached by a short flight of stairs. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electric power was provided from the power plant in Battery French.

The 6" M1905 guns were not mounted until May 1910.



World War I
Battery Cram was not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.

World War II
The salvage of Battery Cram was directed on 16 Jun 1943. The guns were transferred to Watervliet 8 Jun 1943 and the carriages were ordered salvaged on 16 Jun 1943.

Current Status
Part of the University of Rhode Island Bay Campus on Narragansett Bay, Washington County, Rhode Island. No period guns or mounts in place.

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