Near Gulf Shores in Baldwin County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Panama Mount

Photographed By Timothy Carr, June 19, 2013

1. Panama Mount Marker

Inscription.
After World War I, the versatile M1918M1 gun and its M1918A1 carriage were adapted for coast defense. Although the gun could be traversed over a wider range than other large guns of the period, it was still unable to adequately track moving targets. This deficiency was rectified by the development during the 1920’s of circular concrete gun emplacements in the Panama Canal Zone.

When emplaced on these simple, inexpensive, Panama mounts, the 155mm GPF was an effective alternative to older more complex coast defense weapons emplaced in large concrete batteries such as Battery Duportail’s 12-inch “Disappearing Rifles.”

During World War II, two Battery F, 50th Coast Artillery’s 155mm GPF’s were mounted on two Panama mounts that were constructed on top of Fort Morgan. The emplacement located on Bastion #4 is the last Panama mount at Fort Morgan.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.

Location. 30° 13.685′ N, 88° 1.406′ W. Marker is near Gulf Shores, Alabama, in Baldwin County. Marker can be reached from Fort Morgan Road (Alabama Route 180) 1.7 miles west of Dune Drive (Route 180). Located in Fort Morgan State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores AL 36542, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Battle of Mobile Bay (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Mobile Bay (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Mobile Bay (a few steps from this marker); Citadel (1825-1865) (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battery Bailey (within shouting distance of this marker); The Citadel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery Thomas (1898-1917) (about 300 feet away); 6.4” (100 pounder) Parrott Rifle / 7” Brooke Rifle (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gulf Shores.

More about this marker. This marker is within the walls of historic Fort Morgan. The marker can be found on the top level, west side of Battery Duportail.

This Marker along with a group of markers located on the top right side of Battery Duportail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Timothy Carr, June 19, 2013

2. This Marker along with a group of markers located on the top right side of Battery Duportail

Panama Mount Marker Next To Bastion #4 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Timothy Carr, June 19, 2013

3. Panama Mount Marker Next To Bastion #4

A 155mm GPF mounted on Panama Mount. (National Museum of World War II, New Orleans) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Timothy Carr, June 19, 2013

4. A 155mm GPF mounted on Panama Mount. (National Museum of World War II, New Orleans)

Overhead view of the remains of the Panama Mount on Bastion #4 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Google Earth, October 2, 2013

5. Overhead view of the remains of the Panama Mount on Bastion #4

U.S. Model 1918M1 155mm Gun "G.P.F." on display at Fort Morgan image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Timothy Carr, June 19, 2013

6. U.S. Model 1918M1 155mm Gun "G.P.F." on display at Fort Morgan

12-inch gun M1895 on a disappearing carriage. image. Click for full size.

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7. 12-inch gun M1895 on a disappearing carriage.

Two, 12-inch guns similar to this one were installed and in service at Battery Duportail from 1900 until the fort was deactivated in 1924.

Battery Duportail's west 12-inch gun pit. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Timothy Carr, June 19, 2013

8. Battery Duportail's west 12-inch gun pit.

After the deactivation of Fort Morgan in 1924, the military turned the installation over to the State of Alabama. During the 1930's prior to World War II, the State began to develop the reservation into a military history park. Battery Duportail's two 12-inch guns were available for the public to view. The guns' public display ended in 1942 when they were scrapped for the war effort.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2013, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,378 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on March 21, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 2, 2013, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.