The first of two rapid fire gun batteries, Battery Thomas was named in honor of Captain Evan Thomas, 4th U.S. Artillery, who was killed in action with the Modoc Indians at Lava Beds, California in 1873.

In March 1898, as the nation moved towards war with Spain, the Army rushed this battery into service. The concrete platforms were completed on April 26th and two 4.7" Rapid Fire Guns were installed on May 9, 1898. Capable of firing a 45 pound projectile six miles, these guns protected a minefield laid across the entrance of Mobile Bay from minesweepers.

A 1915 study warned that the battery, located on its high Mounds, was extremely vulnerable to enemy fire. The Army deactivated the battery in October 1917 and removed the guns. In 1919, one of the gun emplacements was converted into a Range Finding Station for Battery Schenck.

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Show me all markers in:  Gulf Shores, AL  |  Baldwin County  |  36542  |  Alabama  |  United States of America

Battery Schenck (1899-1923)
U.S. Model 1918M1 155mm Gun and Model 1918A1 Carriage
Fort Bowyer War of 1812
6.4" (100 pounder) Parrott Rifle / 7" Brooke Rifle
The Citadel
Fort Bowyer
Second Battle of Fort Bowyer
First Battle of Fort Bowyer
The Battle of Mobile Bay
The Battle of Mobile Bay

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