Battery David Hunter

Battery David Hunter Establishment

The Endicott Period of Coastal Fortifications refers to a period of coastal defense in the United States that began in the late 19th century and continued until the early 20th century. During this time, a system of coastal defenses was built along the country’s coastline, including the construction of coastal gun batteries. This era was named after William C. Endicott, who served as the Secretary of War under President Grover Cleveland. The construction of these coastal defenses was prompted by fears of foreign invasion, particularly by European powers. The coastal gun batteries were equipped with powerful artillery and placed at strategic locations to protect major ports and harbors.

During the Endicott Period, the military analyzed the strength of the Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth, New Hampshire because of the extremely important Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Fort Stark on the southeastern tip of New Castle Island was established in 1746 and went through many changes over the decades. It was during the Endicott Period that Battery David Hunter was built on Fort Stark.

Construction of the coastal gun battery began in 1901 and it was completed three years later in 1904. The Coast Artillery acquired the battery in 1904 and it went into service on December 31 of that year. When it was put into service, it was equipped with two 12-inch M1895MI guns mounted on M1897 Disappearing carriages. These guns were built at the Watervliet Arsenal in New York and the Bethlehem Steel Company in Pennsylvania. These guns were capable of firing 1,000+ pound projectiles 10-15 miles. 

This battery was built with two floors. The upper level was where the guns were mounted. On the lower floor was where the magazines were that stored shells and powder. There were also some rooms for personal on the lower floor. In order to move the massive shells and hundreds of pounds of powder up to the guns, two Taylor-Raymond back delivery shell hoists were installed. A powerplant at the battery supplied all of the energy needed to run the hoists and the rest of the electricity needs.