Battery Thomas
Battery Thomas (1898-1917) - Battery Thomas was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 4.72 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Morgan, Alabama. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 15 May 1903 after Capt. Evan Thomas, 4th U.S. Artillery, who served with distinction in the U.S. Civil War and who was killed 26 Apr 1873 in action with Modoc Indians at the Lava Beds, California. Battery construction started in 1898, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 17 Feb 1899 at a cost of $ 15,000. Deactivated in 1917.
Battery Thomas History
Part of the Harbor Defense of Mobile, Alabama.
Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 4.72" Armstrong guns mounted on Armstrong carriages.
| Empl No |
Caliber Type |
Barrel Length |
Model | Serial No |
Manufacturer | Carriage | Service Dates |
Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.72" Rifle | 218.4" | Armstrong | 11853 | Armstrong | Barbette Pedestal, Armstrong, #10838, Armstrong | 1898-1917 | See note 1 | |
| 2 | 4.72" Rifle | 218.4" | Armstrong | 10812 | Armstrong | Barbette Pedestal, Armstrong, #10844, Armstrong | 1898-1917 | See note 1 | |
| Source: RCW Form 1, Jan 1924, RCB, 10 Oct 1903, 31 Dec 1907, 31 Dec 1909, 31 Dec 1910, 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 86-87, 212 Note 1: Guns and carriages transferred to ATS 25 Sep 1917 and returned 3 May 1919, ordered scrapped 22 Jul 1919 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
Part of Fort Morgan State Park. No period guns or mounts in place.
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Location: Fort Morgan State Park, Alabama Maps & Images Lat: 30.229009 Long: -88.023577 |
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