Port Aransas in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
155 MM Cannon*
Photographed by Adam Margolis, April 7, 2024
1. 155 MM Cannon* Marker
Originally built as a temporary World War II coastal gun battery with two 155mm M1918 rapid-fire guns mounted on M1917 Mobile Carriages emplaced on circular Panama mounts.
The 155mm guns replaced a temporary 105mm howitzer field artillery battery, which was emplaced on 11 April 1942. Construction of the larger cannons was started 26 November 1942 and completed 13 December 1942. It then was transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use on 11 November 1943, at a cost of $24,726.42.
The two Panama mounts were placed on dunes that were stabilized with gunite.
The dunes raised the gun trunnion elevation to 37' 6". Both of the Panama mounts were of the 360-degree variety. Ramps were provided to allow positioning of the guns on the Panama mounts. Five splinter proof magazines were provided along with a 23' by 17' plotting room.
As the tide turned and we were winning the war, German subs left the Gulf.
Temporary Harbor Defense of Aransas Pass was deactivated on 1 July 1944, and on 3 July 1944, the guns were removed. The troops departed on 4 July 1944. The Panama Mounts are still atop the dunes. A model of the 155mm cannon is on display at the headquarters building in the adjacent I.B.
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Caption
* Photograph not taken in Port Aransas (note the trees).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is April 11, 1942.
Location. 27° 50.098′ N, 97° 3.194′ W. Marker is in Port Aransas, Texas, in Nueces County. It is on East Cotter Avenue east of Tarrant Ave, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 728 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas TX 78373, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sub Seen off Port Aransas (here, next to this marker); Oil Storage Facility (here, next to this marker); World War II Coastal Defenses at the Aransas Pass (here, next to this marker); Gun Locations (a few steps from this marker); Tarpon Inn (approx. half a mile away); Mustang Island (approx. half a mile away); The Mercer Family on Mustang Island (approx. half a mile away); U.S. Coast Guard on Mustang Island (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Aransas.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, April 7, 2024
2. 155 MM Cannon* Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 372 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
