Battery Farnsworth

Description

Battery Farnsworth on Fort Constitution in New Castle, New Hampshire is an abandoned Endicott Period coastal gun battery. This was one of the first coastal gun batteries built during the Endicott Period when the US sought to boost its coastal defenses. Construction on Battery Farnsworth began in 1897 and it was finished in 1899. When it went into operation, the battery was equipped with two 8-inch M1888MII guns mounted on M1894 Disappearing carriages. There were two stories at this gun battery with the guns mounted on the upper level and the magazines located on the lower level. 

During World War 1, many coastal gun batteries in the United States had their guns removed and shipped overseas to aid allies. The guns at Battery Farnsworth were dismounted on August 24, 1917. They were then shipped to NYC but never made it overseas. Although the battery was not rearmed, an additional structure was added during World War 2. During World War 2, the military started using mines to protect Portsmouth Harbor. A mine observation station was constructed on Battery Farnsworth to provide lookouts with sweeping views of the ocean and any potential enemies. After World War 2, Battery Farnsworth was officially decommissioned and abandoned. Today, it can be seen at the Fort Constitution State Historical Site on New Castle Island and it is just a few yards away from Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

Specs