Cape Elizabeth in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Gun Shed
This building was completed in 1934 for the 240th Coast Artillery Regiment of the Maine National Guard by the Quartermaster Corps. The shed was used to house two of the regiment's four mobile 155mm guns and the large Holt crawler tractor used to haul the heavy pieces. The 155mm was an American version of a powerful French gun designed and built during World War I. This weapon was adopted bythe Coast Artillery after the war as part of a new emphasis on mobility that would allow sections of the coast to be quickly defended in time of war. During the annual two week summer encampment at Fort Williams, the regiment's guns were moved out, set up, and fired by the guardsmen. In 1940 the 240th Coast Artillery was federalized, and with American entry into World War II in 1941, the guns were hauled to sites north and south of Portland and set up in temporary emplacements to extend the defenses of the harbor.Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, World I • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 43° 37.31′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Gun Shed (here, next to this marker); Militia Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Militia Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Artillery Engineer Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Artillery Engineer Storehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Battery Blair (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Field Officer's Quarters (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Field Officer's Quarters (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Elizabeth.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. These markers have identical information although both have been included due to the differences in subtitles.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
