Battery 206 is an abandoned coastal gun battery built during World War 2 on the East Point Military Reservation in Nahant, Massachusetts. The battery was equipped with two 6-inch M1903A2 rapid-fire guns before being decommissioned following the end of WW2.

Battery 206 Establishment

When World War 2 began, the government sought to increase its coastal defenses to prepare for any potential attacks. The East Point Military Reservation was established in 1917 during World War 1, but it received an update when World War 2 began. New coastal gun batteries were designed to replace the aging and outdated Endicott Period Batteries. Battery 206 was constructed on East Point to help modernize the Harbor Defenses of Boston and aid nearby Battery Gardner which was becoming obsolete. Battery Murphy, also known as Battery 104, was also built on East Point, just a few steps from Battery 206.

Construction on Battery 206 officially began in 1942, once the government allocated the funds needed for the project. The battery was completed in 1943 and then transferred to the Coast Artillery to be put into service. It was equipped with two 6-inch M1903A2 rapid-fire guns mounted on M1 Shielded Barbette Carriages. There was a central magazine and support area located in the center of the gun battery and it was covered by earth to blend into the terrain. The rapid-fire guns were mounted on either side of the battery on circular emplacements. These guns were able to fire 105-pound armor-piercing projectiles over 15 miles at a rate of 5 projectiles per minute.

Following World War 2, the guns and mounts were removed from the battery and sent to a nearby arsenal. The doors were bordered up and the battery has sat abandoned ever since.

What Remains Today

Today, Battery 206 is still a fascinating place to visit. It is located on the southern coast of the beautiful Lodge Park. The doors to the battery remain bordered up, but the entrances are still interesting to see. Additionally, visitors can walk around the western gun emplacement which offers beautiful views of the ocean and the Nahant Fire Towers. The other gun emplacement is not accessible but can be viewed from a distance. Lastly, there are a few concrete structures above the structure which look like some kind of vents.