Pennsville in Salem County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Two Batteries in one
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2009
1. Two Batteries in one Marker
Battery Harker and Battery Arnold share the continuous 750 foot long parapet wall. Battery Harker (right) contains three 10-inch gun emplacements and Battery Arnold (left) has three 12-inch gun emplacements.A protective earthwork, the parados, was built behind the gun emplacements to protect the fortification from enemy fire from the rear. Material for the parados was excavated from a moat that was created behind it. From the bank, wheeled scrapers were used to take the material to the top of the pardos. The embankment is twenty feet wide across the top and runs the entire length of the parapet wall (750 feet). Two latrines, or “earth closets”, with concrete walls were built into the parados for use for use by the soldiers manning the battery area.
In addition to the protection the parados offered, the moat would slow down a rear enemy assault on foot.
Erected by State of New Jersey.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military.
Location. 39° 36.228′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pea Patch Island (a few steps from this marker); Battery Arnold (within shouting distance of this marker); The Latrines (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); Generator Room (within shouting distance of this marker); Switchboard Room / Plotting Room (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery Harker (about 400 feet away); Battery Commander’s Station (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pennsville.
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a blueprint of the Battery at Finn’s Point, N. J. indicating the location of the marker, as well as Battery Arnold, Battery Harker, the moat, parados, and parapet. The lower right of the marker also contains a cross section of the battery showing the parados and moat.
Also see . . . Fort Mott State Park. NJ Division of Parks & Forestry website. (Submitted on August 17, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2009
2. Marker in Fort Mott
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2009
3. Battery Arnold
This gun emplacement, one of three in Battery Arnold, housed a 12-inch artillery piece between February and June 1898.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2009
4. Battery Harker
This is one of Battery Harker's three gun emplacements. Each one contained a 10-inch gun mounted on a disappearing carriage.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2009
5. Fort Mott State Park
The "Two Batteries in one" marker can be found on the Walking Tour of Fort Mott State Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 754 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 17, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
