Near Fort Washington in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
New Guns for an Old Fort
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
1. New Guns for an Old Fort Marker
Remnants of former gun emplacements are the reminders of the three generations of armaments that occupied this V-shaped Water Battery. Each generation reflects the latest technologies and precision in the manufacture of armaments. 1830 - The first guns to be positioned were considered adequate to sink the wooden-hulled ships of a passing naval flotilla.
1872-1898 - The fort was redesigned after the Civil War and made larger; more powerful guns were installed. New technology in casting from cannon made it possible to produce powerful 15-inch Rodman Cannon capable of hurling a 434-pound, 15-inch explosive sphere three miles. These guns were installed in 1896.
1898-1920 - A pair of rapid fire 4-inch guns of the Endicott period were placed on top of the thick concrete emplacement known as Battery White. The principal role of these two smaller guns was to protect the minefield in the river channel. These guns were part of a large and elaborate 341-acre fort system designed to sink heavily armored naval ships.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Water Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Shot and Shell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Water Battery (about 300 feet away); Minefields (about 300 feet away); Self-Destruction (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Fort Washington’s Waterside Trail (about 400 feet away); The Northwest Demi-Bastion (about 400 feet away); Caponiere (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Washington.
More about this marker. The marker displays drawings of a 24-pounder seacoast gun on barbette mount, a 15-inch Rodman on a center pivot mount, and a 4-inch rapid fire gun on a shielded mount.
Also see . . . Fort Washington. National Park Service site. (Submitted on June 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 12, 2014
2. Battery White
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
3. New Guns for an Old Fort Marker
The stairways lead up to the firing platforms where 4-inch rapid fire guns were mounted.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
4. The Glacis for Battery White
Built over the apex of the old water battery, Battery White included a built up earth mound to protect the concrete gun emplacement.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 12, 2014
5. 24 Pounder
1830 - The first guns to be positioned were considered adequate to sink the wooden-hulled ships of a passing naval flotilla.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 12, 2014
6. 15 inch Rodman Gun
1872-1898 - The fort was redesigned after the Civil War and made larger; more powerful guns were installed. New technology in casting from cannon made it possible to produce powerful 15-inch Rodman Cannon capable of hurling a 434-pound, 15-inch explosive sphere three miles. These guns were installed in 1896.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 12, 2014
7. 4 inch Guns
1898-1920 - A pair of rapid fire 4-inch guns of the Endicott period were placed on top of the thick concrete emplacement known as Battery White. The principal role of these two smaller guns was to protect the minefield in the river channel. These guns were part of a large and elaborate 341-acre fort system designed to sink heavily armored naval ships.
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 1,082 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 24, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on June 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 24, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
