Near Fort Washington in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Water Battery
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
1. The Water Battery Marker
Strategically placed, this permanent section of the fort was the lowest level of the three tiers of guns. The Water Battery was designed to deliver "water-skipping" cannonade directed at the hulls of enemy ships. The simple V-shaped design has undergone few changes from the original concept. In the 100 years of active duty, new parapets and gun mounts have been added. Still visible are the deep masonry ditches and powder magazines from the 1820 construction.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.
Location. 38° 42.722′ N, 77° 2.12′ W. Marker is near Fort Washington, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker can be reached from Fort Washington Road, on the right when traveling south. Located in Fort Washington Park, at the Water Battery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington MD 20744, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New Guns for an Old Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Shot and Shell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
this page online
More about this marker. The marker has one main illustration in the upper right provides an overhead view of the V-shaped water battery. Across the lower part of the marker is a profile of the fort batteries, with several important parts indicated - the main fort terreplain with the upper battery, the casemate with the lower fort battery, then the water battery with guns mounted upon its terreplain. The parapet, scarp, ditch and glacis of the water battery are indicated also.
Also see . . . Fort Washington. National Park Service site. (Submitted on June 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
2. The Water Battery Wayside
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 7, 2013
3. The Water Battery Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
4. The Water Battery
Endicott era structures disrupted some of the water battery, but still visible are the bombproofs, gun platforms, the scarp, ditch, and glacis. One of the structures appears to have a chimney, indicating it may have housed the hot shot furnace. The furnace would heat solid shot, which when fired at wooden ships, could cause fires.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
5. Ditch of the Water Battery
The park service is renovating portions of the battery.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
6. Apex of the Water Battery
Endicott era construction filled in the ditch around the apex of the water battery.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 7, 2013
7. The Water Battery
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 7, 2013
8. Fortification Terminology
Terreplain, Parapet, Scarp, Ditch and GlacisClose-up of image on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 7, 2013
9. Apex of the Water Battery
This brick wall is a remnant of the 19th century Water Battery.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,204 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 26, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 7, 8, 9. submitted on July 26, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
