Battery Dearborn

Battery Dearborn (1901-1928) - Battery Dearborn was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal mortar battery on Fort Morgan, Alabama. The battery was named in G.O. 43, 4 Apr 1900 after Henry Dearborn, distinguished soldier of the Revolutionary War and Secretary of War, 1801-1809. Battery construction started in 1900, was completed in 1901 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 20 May 1901 at a cost of $ $150,000.00. Deactivated in 1928.

Battery Dearborn History

Part of the Harbor Defense of Mobile, Alabama.

Endicott Period

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with eight 12" M1890MI mortars mounted on M1896MI mortar carriages arranged in two mortar pits (A & B) with four mortars (1-4) in each pit.

**Battery Dearborn Armament** (edit list)
Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model	Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
A1	12" Mortar	141.125"	M1890MI	80	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #142, American Hoist	1901-1918	See note 1
A2	12" Mortar	141.125"	M1890MI	123	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #145, American Hoist	1901-1931	See note 2
A3	12" Mortar	141.125"	M1890MI	78	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #144, American Hoist	1901-1918	See note 1
A4	12" Mortar	141.125"	M1890MI	126	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #147, American Hoist	1901-1931	See note 2
B1	12" Mortar	141.125"	M1890MI	87	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #143, American Hoist	1901-1918	See note 1
B2	12" Mortar	141.125"	M1890MI	72	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #146, American Hoist	1901-1931	See note 2
B3	12" Mortar	141.125"	M1890MI	113	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #194, Columbus	1901-1918	See note 1
B4	12" Mortar	141.125"	M1890MI	73	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #168, Lake Erie	1901-1931	See note 2
Source: RCW Form 1, Jan 1924, RCB, 31 Dec 1903, 31 Dec 1907, 31 Dec 1909 Coast Defense Study Group, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 140-141, 212 Note 1: Guns transferred to Morgan Engineering Co. 18 Jul 1918. Carriages ordered scrapped/reduced to parts 26 May 1920. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA Note 2: Guns and carriages declared surplus 15 Oct 1931 CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

World War I

The U.S. entry into World War I resulted in a widespread removal of large caliber coastal defense gun tubes for service in Europe. Many of the gun and mortar tubes removed were sent to arsenals for modification and mounting on mobile carriages, both wheeled and railroad. Most of the removed gun tubes never made it to Europe and were either remounted or remained at the arsenals until needed elsewhere.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Morgan, Alabama

Maps & Images

Lat: 30.229352 Long: -88.012086

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Elevation: 16.429'

Sources:

Coast Defense Study Group, CDSG Press, CDSG Digital Library

Links:

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