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~Albert Mills We have a Ft Hancock #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor Maj. Gen. Albert Leopold Mills, born (Sun) May 7 1854, in New York City. He attended the US Military Academy at West Point, NY, where he graduates on June 13th, 1879. He commissions into the Cavalry, going “out west” where he fights the Indians at the Battle of Crow Agency, MT, on Nov. 5, 1887. He participated in the Sioux Campaign in the winter of 189-91. Other duties also included academic postings as an instructor at West Point and the Citadel. With the Spanish American War in 1898, he goes to Cuba with the US Volunteers, including the famed Rough Riders. He was heavily engaged at Las Guasimas on June 24. And then, came the famed charge up San Juan Hill on July 1st. In the teeth of Spanish fire, Albert charges in head-long with his men. He’s shot - through the head. Miraculously, he’s only blinded. So, what’s he do? He gets up, blood pouring out of him, and URGES HIS TROOPERS FORWARD. He makes a full recovery, and is made Superintendent of West Point from 1898-1904, where he suppresses the hazing. In 1902, a well-earned Medal of Honor is bestowed for his actions on San Juan Hill. Promoted to Major General in 1916, he dies of a sudden illness on Sept. 18th, 1916, aged 62. He was buried win the West Point Cemetery. However, his legacy of service doesn’t end there. By 1916, the Army was modernizing the Coast Artillery with a new, long-range barbette carriage, the M1917. These new pieces would give the venerable 12-inch M1895 rifles an increased range of some 17 miles. Two of these batteries were earmarked for Ft Hancock, NJ. Built on Sandy Hook Bay, one would be named “Battery Albert Mills” in his honor. Construction began in March 1917 with transfer to the Coast Artillery in 1921. Battery Mills would operate as a keystone of the Harbor Defenses until 1946. Now, the bay water is closing in, the interior's disintegrating, the exterior's overgrown, and it's closed off due to “hazardous conditions.” The Battery may be vanishing, but General Mills’ legacy of exemplary service, and the Battery that carries his name are in the safest of hands, here.

"I Find Your Lack Of Cosmoline Disturbing" Yeeeaah... we went there 😁 Pull up a chair and pour a glass of Blue Milk and join me for a moment, if you please. Today, May The Fourth, is Star Wars Day. The date harkens to a slight pun on a key theme from the Star Wars movies, which is "May The Force Be With You." So, in true Coast Artillery fashion, we added our own humorous twist to it. Now, I am not a huge Star Wars fan, but I do enjoy the films. If anything, I'm a purist - Episodes IV-VI, and that's it. However, as someone who is extremely passionate and detail-oriented with his craft - Coast Artillery history - I can truly appreciate the level of detail that the die-hard Star Wars fans go to in their love of the franchise and its nuances. And let's be honest - we're all nerds around here anyway, and it would be the pot calling the kettle black for one side or the other to look down harshly on each other. And that's the other important part of this - it's meant to be enjoyed both by us, and you. From our side of the house, we do this as a labor of love, and there's no place for ego or self-importance. We do this in honor of our Coast Artillery veterans, as well as the folks who, at one part of their lives, found themselves at Sandy Hook or New Jersey as a whole, or who lost their lives coming or going from New York Harbor. So with that, we at Sandy Hook History would like to thank all of you who follow this page, and take the time to read our posts, from the most minute local vignettes to world-changing historic events. Of late, this page has taken off like a rocket, and that is all thanks to you. We are honored and humbled, and look forward to making a difference in preserving our history with you for many years to come. G'night. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a day by day review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲

~ Bogardus Eldridge ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor US Army Captain Bogardus Eldridge, born (Tues) May 3rd, 1853 in Alabama. Joining the US Army Infantry in 1876, he was made Captain in the 14th Infantry Regiment in 1879. Aside from a hiatus on an educational detail, he would always be with the 14th, serving out in the west, Alaska, and the Philippines. In the Philippine Insurrection, Capt. Eldridge and the 14th Infantry were engaged on the island of Luzon. He took his Company H into combat at Bacoor, just outside of Manila, on Oct. 2nd, 1899. On the banks of the Imus River, the American regulars made short work of the enemy in a hotly contested firefight that lasted some 4 hours, until about 5:30 pm. Captain Eldridge was conspicuously visible for the entire fight, under heavy enemy fire. After the battle ended, the Officers formed for a quick briefing. It was too tempting of an opportunity: a shot rang out as a single rifle bullet raced across the Imus into the cluster of men. It’s victim, intentional or not, was Captain Eldridge. He collapsed to the ground; carried from the field, he died that day, age 46. Brought home, he was laid to rest in Arlington Nat’l Cemetery However, his legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 194 on Dec. 27, 1904, he became the namesake of “Battery Eldridge,” a two-gun, 3-inch rapid-fire battery at Fort Terry, Plum Island, NY. Construction began in 1903 with transfer to the Coast Artillery in Nov. 1906. Built on the island’s southern tip, it covered the adjacent minefield and shallow approaches into Gardiner’s Bay, Long Island. It enjoys a long service life, until heavily damaged in the violent Great New England Hurricane of 1938. Put in reserve, the guns were scrapped in 1946. Today, the Battery remains in stable condition on VERY inaccessible Plum Island, under the eyes of the Departments of Agriculture & Homeland Security. Today, we remember the legacy of service and sacrifice of Capt. Bogardus Eldridge, the Battery that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who manned it for over 30 years. Their legacy is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Arthur Murray ~ We have a VERY special Fort Hancock #harbordefensehappybirthday! Today, we honor US Army Major General Arthur Murray, born (Tues) April 29th, 1851. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating 2nd in his Class on June 17th, 1874. He commissions into the Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. A spectacular career, which includes serving as the first Chief Of Coast Artillery in the US Army, follows, but he made a much more tangible, local contribution to someplace wonderful that we all love. In the spring of 1896, then-Captain Murray was the Commanding Officer of Battery L, 1st US Artillery at Fort Wadsworth, on Staten Island NY when he received a unique order, one that would affect the Jersey Bayshore area forever - he was to report to brand-new Fort Hancock, NJ and develop a plan for an Artillery Post. This wasn't to be ANY Artillery Post, but rather the showcase Fort for the newly founded - and rapidly expanding - coastal defense program. It was to be the finest of any Post ever laid out. Captain Murray encamped at Sandy Hook, surveying out the future locations of the Main Post, under the watchful eye of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. He rose each morning to an ocean sunrise, and was spell-bound by each sunset over Sandy Hook Bay. Among his many plans and designs, it was his PERSONAL recommendation that the homes of stately Officers Row should break with Army protocol, and be turned 180 degrees away from the Parade Ground, to face Sandy Hook Bay and enjoy the world-class view. The Rest, as they say... is History. Fort Hancock as we know it today, is the brainchild, and if we may, gift of Captain Arthur Murray. He designed the Post to be aesthetically pleasing and beautiful, and we can all agree that his design has certainly stood the test of time. MG Murray retired in 1918 after 44 years of service. He died May 12th, 1925, aged 74, and was laid to rest in Arlington. Regrettably, Ft. Hancock's future is very uncertain as the buildings continue to crumble. However, the legacy of service of MG Arthur Murray, the Fort he created, as well as that of the tens of thousands of Soldiers who served here, is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Fort Hancock From The Air ~ Good afternoon, folks. We have an incredible moment in Fort Hancock’s History to share with you today. This incredible photo, taken 100 Years Ago, Today - (Thurs) April 24th, 1924, shows the northern end of Fort Hancock’s Main Post from a by-gone era. While a vast majority of the buildings you see here are sadly long gone, many others remain. Officers Row is visible at far left, with a tennis court next to Quarters No. 1 (History House). Across the street, at the present-day Ferry Landing, is the World War One-era “Victory Theater,” which was later demolished. The Chapel stands in about the same area today. The Battery Potter is at bottom, right, with the Fire-Control Stations on the roof plainly visible. Just above it is the “Brick House,” which at this time was still serving as a housing complex for Officers, and what we know today as the Officers Club. Also seen are a number of Ft Hancock’s staple buildings, such as red-brick T-Shaped Barracks No. 102, which was for the Enlisted Men of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground. Its older, wooden predecessor stands across the street; it was demolished in the late 1940’s. In keeping with the Proving Ground, the red-brick machine shop buildings are also plainly seen. Sticking out like a dark coffee can in the center right of the photo is the ubiquitous Water Tank, atop the last main surviving portion of the old “Fort At Sandy Hook,” inside the present-day Coast Guard Base. Lurking in the dune-line just where the sand begins, is Battery Urmston, with its six 3-inch guns. To its left, is Battery Morris, with its four 3-inch guns. Both of these rapid-fire batteries guarded the Sandy Hook Channel and minefields from fast-moving destroyers and minesweepers. Most conspicuous of all is Sandy Hook’s ever changing and dynamic tip. As the years pass, the tip’s shape ebbs and flows with the tides and seas. And of course - it grows. Using the littoral drift of the Long Shore Current, sand carried northward up the Jersey Shore deposits itself at the tip, causing the Hook to “grow.” This is a reflection of the "Shifting Sands Of Sandy Hook."

A 3-inch anti-aircraft gun manned by soldiers of the 76th Coast Artillery on the firing range at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This photograph was taken by Harry R. Price, the regimental commander. The photograph appears to be dated July 1941. __ (Courtesy of the United States Army Heritage and Education Center) **Shared for Educational Purposes Only** _ #76thcoastartilleryregiment #76thCA #unpublishedphoto #neverseenbefore #Coastartillery

~ Philip Barbour ~ We have an incredible #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor US Army Major Philip Norbourne Barbour, born (Wed) April 14, 1813 in Kentucky. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating July 1, 1834, as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd US Infantry. Routine duties followed in the Indian Territory and the South; he fought in the Seminole War in 1840-42, and was Breveted Captain for courage and heroism under fire. The Mexican War soon followed, and he was heavily engaged at the Battles of Palo Alto & Resaca De Palma, TX on May 8-9 1846, for which again his incredible heroism was shown again, and he was Breveted Major. Through the entire campaign, he maintained a journal, which survives to this day as an incredible foxhole-view of the War. On Sept 20, in preparation for the assault on Monterrey, Mexico the next morning, he closed with some of the finest words ever written by an American Soldier: “I feel as calm and collected as if I were in the Astor House, having long since made up my mind that, during a time of war, my life is the rightful property of my country, and cannot be taken from me, or preserved, except by the fiat of the great God who gave it. And to His will, whatever it be, I am perfectly resigned.” The next day, while leading his men in savage house to house fighting, cheering his beloved 3rd Infantry forward into the teeth of the attack… he was hit and killed. He was 33 years old. Brought home to a large funeral and great mourning, he's laid to rest in Frankfort, KY. His legacy of service wouldn’t end there. With War Department General Order No. 78, May 25, 1903, he became the namesake to “Battery Barbour” at Ft. Wadsworth, NY. The Battery is unique: 4 emplacements with British Armstrong guns; 2 each of 4 & 6 inch. The Armstrongs had a short service, and the Battery served honorably until disarmed in 1920. Like all other batteries in Gateway NRA, the emplacements are intentionally neglected and overgrown. The emplacements may be vanishing, legacy of Service & Sacrifice of Philip Barbour, the Battery that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who manned it, is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Delaware Defense Day: April 20th, 2024 ~ Good afternoon, folks!! We are one week out from the BIGGEST Coast Artillery Living History event in the United States! Please join us at the Fort Miles Museum & Historic Area in Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, DE as we bring the dark days of 1942 and the Battle Of The Atlantic To Life as you have never seen it! The links are in the Bio - if you have any questions, please ask!! See you soon! 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #FortMiles #capehenlopen #capehenlopende #lewesde #lewesdelaware #delawarebay #delawareriver #delawarestateparks #destateparks #delwarehistory #firecontrol #coastartillery #livinghistory #capehenlopenstatepark #firepower

~ Dennis Michie ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor US Army Lieutenant Dennis Mahan Michie, born (Sun) April 10, 1870 at the US Military Academy at West Point, NY. Graduating from Lawrenceville Prep School in NJ in 1888, Dennis attends West Point and graduates on June 11th, 1892, commissioning into the Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant. Now, if you’re a sports fan, and wondering why his name sounds so familiar… he’s the Father of Army Football. He was West Point’s VERY FIRST Football Coach, and responsible for the first Army-Navy Game… where Army was slaughtered 24-0 on Nov. 29th, 1890. After extensive work, the two squads met again 1 year later – and Army sank Navy, 32-16. After graduation, Dennis remained as the coach for another year before serving in a variety of routine posts out west with the 17th Infantry. A promotion to 1st Lieutenant came April 26, 1898, serving as aide-de-camp to Brigadier General Hawkins. With the Spanish American War, he’s sent to Cuba. Helping to form the 6th and 16th US Infantry Regiments along the San Juan River for a larger assault – San Juan Hill – he was hit and killed. He was 28 years old. He was brought home, and laid to rest in the West Point Cemetery. However, his legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 138, July 27th, 1899, he became the namesake to “Fort Michie” on Great Gull Island in Long Island Sound, closing the gap in the channel between Fort HG Wright and Terry. Seven batteries would be built in all, including the unique 16-inch disappearing battery “JMK Davis.” It was a tough assignment, in extreme isolation between Long Island and Connecticut. The winters were murder, but the Post served proudly and defiantly until closed in 1948. Today, Great Gull Island is a seabird sanctuary owned by the American Museum of Natural History, is inaccessible to visit, and is slowly crumbling into history. Fort Michie may be in tough shape, but the legacy of service of Lieutenant Dennis Michie, the Fort that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who manned it, is in the safest of hands, here… …and wherever the Black Knights take the field.

~ Randolph Marcy ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor US Army Major General Randolph Barnes Marcy, born April 9, 1812, in Greenwich, MA. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating July 1st, 1832, commissioning into the Infantry as a Brevet 2nd Lieutenant. He’s immediately sent to “The Frontier” - ie, Wisconsin. He’s in that region for 12 years before fighting in the Mexican War in 1846. Then, he serves “Out West,” on survey duties in the southwest. In 1857, he fights the Seminoles in Florida before fighting the Mormons in Utah in 1858. In 1859, in New York, he authors the key text “Prairie Traveler - A Hand-Book for Overland Expeditions,” based on his time in the field. The Civil War finds him as the Inspector General (“IG”) of the US Army from 1861. He serves primarily in the east, including a time as Chief of Staff for General George McClellan - his son in law. From 1863 to the end of the war, he works his way across the nation on inspection duties. He remains as IG, and serves as President of The Army Regulation Board to 1881. He retires on Jan. 1st, 1881 - after 48 YEARS of Service. He passes away Nov. 2nd 1887 in West Orange, NJ, age 75. He’s buried in Riverview Cemetery, in Trenton, NJ. However, his legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 194 on Dec 27, 1904, he became the namesake to “Battery Marcy,” a 2-gun, 6-inch rapid-fire ‘disappearing’ battery at Ft. H.G. Wright, NY on Fishers Island, in Long Island Sound. Construction began in July, 1903, with transfer to the Coast Artillery in April, 1906. The Battery serves honorably until 1917, when the guns are pulled for use in France during WWI. It was never rearmed, and the carriages were scrapped in 1920. Fishers Island, tis known as “Fort Garbage,” and while the Battery remains, it’s intentionally neglected, and used, regrettably, as one of the island’s burn pits. While the emplacement may be in poor shape, the legacy of service of Major General Randoph Marcy, and the Battery that carries his name, and the service of the Coast Artillery Soldiers who manned it, is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Solar Eclipse ~ Here's a pair of teaser shots for you, folks. We captured these through my 1939-dated US Army Coast Artillery Anti-Aircraft Battery Commander's Observation Instrument Photo 1 was taken through the "Telescope, Elbow, M2," which was used for general observation and locating of enemy planes. Photo 2 was taken through the "Telescope, M3," which has a much more powerful magnification for the Battery Commander to observe through. As promised, we were very safe, and all is well here. - Tom 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photos: (c) Tom, via Sandy Hook History, 20240408 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #solareclipse2024 #iloveastronomy #vintagestem #vintagetechnology #scienceiscool #historyforkids #historyrocks #onceinalifetime #vintagetelescope #antiaircraft #bauschandlomb #builttolast #CoastArtillery #learningiscool #learningisawesome

~ Solar Eclipse 2024 ~ Good afternoon, folks. Sandy Hook History is "In Position, Ready To Fire" with our 1939-dated Coast Artillery Anti-Aircraft Battery Commander's Observation Instrument, made by Bausch & Lomb. What, you didn't think we were gonna miss THIS opportunity, did you? 😁 We swear we're going to be safe and take ALL precautions. Honest. For everyone out there right now, please be safe as we enjoy this historic event! 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photos: (c) Tom, via Sandy Hook History, 20240408 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #solareclipse2024 #iloveastronomy #vintagestem #vintagetechnology #scienceiscool #historyforkids #historyrocks #onceinalifetime #vintagetelescope #antiaircraft #bauschandlomb #builttolast #CoastArtillery #learningiscool #learningisawesome

~ Delaware Defense Day Is Back! ~ Mark your calendars, folks - Saturday, April 20th! By Request, Sandy Hook History will return to Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, DE to support their "Delaware Defense Day" at the Fort Miles Historic Area. Hands down, Fort Miles is THE BEST preserved Coast Artillery Fort on the East Coast, and is the only place you can see a restored Coast Artillery Battery, a full Plotting Room AND a Fire-Control Tower at one location. If you are interested in the Coast Artillery, THIS is the place to be! As always, Sandy Hook History will be at the top of Fire-Control Tower No. 7, and we will help bring Fort Miles back to life - and bring you back to World War II! We hope to see you!! We'll have more photos and details to follow over the next several days! Please follow the link below and ask any and all questions!! https://www.facebook.com/share/XYrwWa9TmmWoGsBE/?mibextid=9VsGKo 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #FortMiles #capehenlopen #capehenlopende #lewesde #lewesdelaware #delawarebay #delawareriver #delawarestateparks #destateparks #delwarehistory #firecontrol #coastartillery #livinghistory #capehenlopenstatepark #firepower

~ John Gregg ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Owing to the nature of the era, not all Fort & Battery namesakes’ birthdays are known. We therefore honor these men on the date of their death, which was often in combat. With that, today, we honor US Army Captain John Caldwell Gregg, born in Pennsylvania in 1864. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1887 and commissioning into the Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant. Routine duties followed in a number of regiments, often performing other tasks as needed, such as the head of the quartermaster and commissary activities within the units. By all accounts a capable Soldier, he was posted to the Philippines in the Spanish-American War as an Aide to Brig. General Robert Hall. He was serving with the 4th US Infantry during the Battle of Mariquina (aka Marikina) near Manila, on the island of Luzon, where he was killed by sniper fire on March 31st, 1899. He was 35 years old. He was brought home and laid to rest in his family plot in Monongahela, just south of Pittsburgh, PA. However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 46 on April 6th, 1901, he became the namesake to “Battery John Gregg” a two-gun 5-inch caliber rapid-fire battery at Fort Mott on Finn’s Point, Salem County, NJ, on the Delaware River. Construction began in August 1900, with transfer to the Coast Artillery in June, 1901. Battery Gregg is rather unique, built as an extremely robust, stand-alone hree-story gun emplacement. The 5-inch program in the Coast Artillery was short lived, and Battery Gregg was disarmed in 1913. The guns and carriages were pulled, and sent to Hawaii. However, it would continue in active service, modified to be a Plotting Room for adjacent Battery Harker, and its Emplacement No. 1 became a Battery Harker’s Commander’s Station. Ft Mott is a gem of the NJ State Parks, and Battery Gregg is open for exterior self-guided tours. The legacy of service and sacrifice of Captain John Gregg, the Battery that carries his name, and the legacy of the Soldiers who manned it, is in safe hands here, and at Fort Mott State Park.

Good evening, folks. As promised, here are part of the photos from our Cape May expedition this past Friday. This particular batch focuses on Tower 23, a preserved and restored US Army Coast Artillery Fire-Control Tower located at Sunset Beach. Of note, they have an M1910A1 Azimuth Instrument, which I used to take photos of the wreckage of the famed "SS Atlantus," also known as the famed "Concrete Ship," as well as an inbound tanker still miles out to sea. Special thanks to the Fort Miles Historical Association and the Coast Defense Study Group for putting this trip together. 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photos: (c) Tom, via Sandy Hook History 20240322 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #newjerseyhistory #capemay #capemaynewjersey #capemayhistory #firecontrol #firecontroltower #delawarebay #fortmiles #capehenlopen #mathiscool #CoastArtillery #battleoftheatlantic #historyiscool #homefront #warathome

~ Many Thanks ~ -------- ::mysterious woman:: "I see spirits all around you!" Bob Hope: "Well, would you mind putting them in a glass with some ice??" 😁 "The Cat And The Canary," 1939 ---------- Good evening, folks. Boy, has it been one helluva... day. But, that having been said, there's much to be thankful for - such as one of my favorite drinks of all time, the venerable Gin & Tonic, seen here in a vintage Fort Sill, OK Artillery School hi-ball glass (which I am currently enjoying in honor of #nationalcocktailday 🍸 I would just like to say thank you for the amazing growth this page has enjoyed over the last three months. It is a privilege and an honor to not only share our amazing history, but to also personally interact with so many of you on here from all over the world. And as to our continual growth - that's on you. This page's success is entirely dependent on you. And with each like, comment, and share, those numbers will continue to rise. We wouldn't be here without you. It also seems that nearly every post of ours resonates here on IG or FB, and we always get a shared anecdote or a family history from someone who has a connection to it. Some are general in nature - others are so personal that it makes your hair stand up (in a good way). There are no words for something like that. And on that same token, it is a privilege to share this space with so many other dedicated men and women of all eras and genres, both stateside and around the world, sharing their passion of preserving history, one post at a time. Folks, I wish you all a safe, wonderful, and peaceful Sunday evening. Have a great night, and thank you again for making Sandy Hook History what it is. Cheers!! 🍸🍷🍹🍻🍺 -Tom 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇸🇺🇲

Good evening, folks. To follow-up from this morning, we were privileged to take part in a very interesting expedition today. We joined up with pur friends from the Fort Miles Historical Association (FMHA), and the Coast Defense Study Group (CDSG), for a chilly, pre-season tour of the Cape May Military Reservation. This included a special tour of Fire-Control Tower No. 23 at Sunset Beach, as well as a walk-around Battery No. 223 (200-Series; two 6-inch caliber guns on Shielded Barbette Carriages) on the beach infront of the Cape May Lighthouse. It.was a wonderful time had by all. We reconnected with old friends, and made many new ones. We'll have more photos to follow tomorrow or Sunday. 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 @topfans Photos: (c) Tom, via Sandy Hook History 20240322 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #newjerseyhistory #capemay #capemaynewjersey #capemayhistory #firecontrol #firecontroltower #delawarebay #fortmiles #capehenlopen #mathiscool #CoastArtillery #battleoftheatlantic #historyiscool #homefront #warathome

"I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good... Again." Good morning, folks! We told you we were going to hit it hard this year, and we weren't kidding. Yesterday, it was off to Philadelphia and Fort Mifflin to see the USS New Jersey as she went by. Today, we're on the loose in Cape May, NJ. Stay 'tooned ;) 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photo: (c) Tom, via Sandy Hook History 20240322 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #newjerseyhistory #capemay #capemaynewjersey #capemayhistory #firecontrol #firecontroltower #delawarebay #fortmiles #capehenlopen #mathiscool #CoastArtillery #battleoftheatlantic #historyiscool #homefront #warathome

~ Horatio Wright ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor Major General Horatio Gouverneur Wright, born (Mon) March 6, 1820 in Clinton, CT. He attends the Military Academy at West Point, NY, graduating on July 1st, 1841, as a 2nd Lieutenant, and commissioning into the Engineers. He stayed there as an instructor, and also worked on an ordnance board under famed Col. Joseph Totten. 1861 found him in the Norfolk Navy Yard, which he helped destroy to prevent capture. Although an engineer by trade, he proved an able field commander, promoted to Major General and commanding volunteers. He regrettably lost the promotion and the command of the Army Of The Ohio because Congress wouldn’t confirm him. He saw limited action as a Division Commander of the VI Corps at Gettysburg, then took the command of the VI when General Sedgwick was killed in 1864. He continued through the Shenandoah Campaign and served well at the Siege of Petersburg in 1865. Post-War, many civil engineering projects followed, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the completion of the Washington Monument. He became Chief of Engineers, from June 1879 to March 1864. He died in Washington, DC on July 2, 1899, age 79, and was buried in Arlington. However, his legacy of service wouldn’t end there. With War Department General Order No. 43 on April 4th, 1900, he became the namesake of “Fort H.G. Wright” on Fisher’s Island, NY in Long Island Sound. Fort Wright bristled with no less than 9 batteries, from 3-inch to 12-inch caliber, as well as a rare “pneumatic dynamite battery.” Rightfully so, it was known as “The Gibraltar Of Long Island Sound.” In WW2, 7 new batteries were added, from 90-mm Rapid-Fire guns to massive 16-inch guns. Sold off after WW2, the garrison buildings are private residences, and the Batteries are overgrown, buried, and covered in trash. It is known today in the coast defense community as “Fort Garbage.” It’s a sad end for a Fort that carries the name of man who served his country honorably in peace and war. However, his legacy, the Fort’s, and the Service of the Soldiers stationed there for over 40 years, are in the safest of hands, here.

Monday 4 March 1940, on the 96th day of the Winter War "Many in Kotka felt the floor shake under them when Rankki and Kirkonmaa opened fire. The shudder was followed by the sound of heavy gunfire. The ten-inch Durlacher guns hurled their 235 kg shells into the misty skyline. The battle was now fought on the ice between Kotka and Virolahti and involved all the coastal fortresses from Kotka eastwards to Kukio, Pukkio and Mustamaa. When the guns fell silent, the Finnish firing positions fell into silence. The sounds of the target area could not be heard. On the ice they shouted for Mother, God and Father Stalin. The voices were silenced in the desolation of the ice. Many sank into the chilly Gulf of Finland, the rest were dealt with by the relentless wind. The battle was soon over." (citation from the book Talvisodan jäinen loppunäytös by Tiilikainen/Pusa) The Soviets had landed again on Monday, supported by tanks, also in the east, at Vilajoki and Häränpäänniemi in the Bay of Vyborg, by midday. On the same day, the Red Army also attacked in the west from Suursaari across the ice towards Kotka and Virolahti. Kymenlaakso Valley was defended by those members of the Civic Militia members and the cranesmen who had either not yet arrived or had not yet been called up for the front, including troops in training and, of course, a fairly strong coastal artillery force. From the end of February, all able-bodied men between the ages of 16-64 and free from other duties had been called up to protect the coastline. The attack was repulsed on the ice and the Red Army suffered losses of at least a thousand men. SA-kuva pic # 96331 shows a 254 mm Durlacher gun firing on June 1 1942, Ryssänkari fort, #vinterkriget #winterwar #worldwar2 #ww2history #talvisota #ww2 #wwii #toinenmaailmansota #durlacher #coastartillery #kirkonmaa #rankki #pukkio #kukio #virolahti #mustamaa #vilajoki #häränpäänniemi

~ Battery 219 ~ We have a unique #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor not an individual Soldier, but rather a gun emplacement. Not all gun batteries within a Harbor Defense were named; in later years, many were simply given a number. Yet, as key parts of the defenses, their role and individual history must be recognized here as well. By the late 1930s, the US Army finally standardized a “cookie-cutter” design for Coast Artillery batteries. These were known as 100-Series and 200-Series emplacements. The 100-Series were armed with two 16-Inch guns in casemates, and the 200-Series were armed with two 6-inch rapid-fire guns with shielded, turret-like barbette carriages on open platforms. The designs of both were universal. Each may have slight cosmetic differences from one to the next, but they are essentially identical. For example, you can visit a 100/200-Series Battery in New Jersey, and see the exact structure in Washington State. With that, today, we recognize our very own Battery 219, a 200-Series Battery constructed in Highlands, NJ. Located within the Highlands Military Reservation (present day Hartshorne Woods County Park), the emplacement sits over 200 feet above the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers on Rocky Point. Construction began on July 8th, 1942, and was completed on April 24th, 1943; the guns were mounted shortly after on May 9th. Officially transfer to the Coast Artillery was on February 16th, 1944. Like all “200s”, Battery 219's central traverse is compartmentalized, with two separate magazines rooms of powder and shot for both guns each, the power generators, and the Plotting Room. The Plotting Room was protected by a Chemical Warfare Service (CWS) to protect it from gas attack. The Battery served until 1949, when the guns were cut up for scrap. As the site remained in military hands, it was used for storage and as a Fallout Shelter during the Cold War. Today, Battery 219 is closed to visitation, but can be seen from the outside. Of note, owing to its height above sea level, the interior is clean and dry. We hope that, in the future, the Monmouth County Park System will be able to open it for interpretation.

~ Daniel Tyler ~ We have a belated #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor US Army Brigadier General Daniel Tyler, who was born (Mon) January 7th, 1799 in Brooklyn, CT. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, NY, where he graduates on July 19th, 1819, commissioning into the Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. Routine duties follow, including Ft. Monroe, VA and serving in France, where he translates Artillery Manuals to English. With more integrity than he knew what to do with, he runs afoul of unscrupulous weapons manufacturers while serving as an inspector; sidelined from career advancement, he resigns in May, 1834. He then became very successful in the railroad and iron industries, some of which were in New Jersey. With the Civil War, he’s back in uniform, leading Connecticut troops at Bull Run before being engaged throughout the south. Age 65, he resigns again in 1864. He returns, again with great success, to the rail and iron industries. He died in New York City on November 30th, 1882, age 83. He was laid to rest in Ansiston, AL. However, his legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 194 on December 24th, 1904, he became the namesake to “Fort Tyler,” a tiny little sandbar off Gardiners Point, Long Island. Regrettably, it is a Fort that wasn’t. Shifting sands cause instability in the two batteries that built there, and they were never armed, and the tiny fort, although notionally garrisoned over the years, was abandoned by the 1920’s. It was earmarked as a public space… then became a bombing range… then a bird preserve… then a bombing range again. What little of the installation remains has been obliterated almost beyond identification. Still littered with unexploded ordnance and off-limits to all visitation, it remains a bird sanctuary. While the island itself may be all but gone, the legacy of Brigadier General Daniel Tyler, the tiny fort that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who manned it, even briefly, is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Samuel J. Tilden ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor New York Governor Samuel Jones Tilden, who was born on (Wed) Feb 9th, 1814, in New Lebanon, NY. Interested in politics as a kid, he first became a lawyer. A friend of President Martin Van Buren, he helped with his (unsuccessful) Free Soil Party campaign in 1848. Both a Democrat, and a staunch abolitionist, and although opposed to President Lincoln using force to prevent succession, he nonetheless supported the Union in the Civil War. While on the NY State Democratic Committee, he’s instrumental in breaking up “Tammany Hall” and jailing William “Boss” Tweed. Tilden was elected the 25th Governor of NY in 1874. Running for President in 1876, he loses to Rutherford B. Hayes in a bitterly contested election leading to the Compromise of 1877, and the end of Reconstruction.He died on Aug 4th, 1886, age 72, and was laid to rest in Mt. Lebanon, NY. However, his legacy wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 100 on August 2nd, 1917, he became the namesake to Fort Tilden on Breezy Point in Queens. An austere post, it would eventually become home to 16-inch “Battery Harris,” as well as a half-dozen rapid-fire batteries. With the Cold War, like Fort Hancock, it bristled with anti-aircraft guns before becoming Nike Missile Battery “NY-49” from 1954-74, with both Ajax and Hercules missiles. Also like Fort Hancock, when closed in 1974, the Post became part of Gateway National Recreation Area. I hate to do editorials, but like all of Gateway, Ft. Tilden is a beach with a history problem. Save paltry few, Fort Tilden’s surviving buildings are ruins, and the Batteries are sealed or buried. The NPS demolished the Nike Radar site, and has allowed the launch area to become completely overgrown. It is a travesty of a historic site, and you will be bitterly disappointed if you visit in search of the military history of the Post. While the Fort may be vanishing into the sand, the legacy of service of Samuel Tilden, the Fort that carries his name, as well as the Service of the Soldiers who manned it across 50 years is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Lander Radford ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! (The more detailed version is on our FB) Today, we honor US Army Private Lander Welby Radford, who was born on Feb 7th, 1888 in Kentucky. Desperate to escape the grueling work on his family’s farm, he joined the US Army on Mar. 15, 1908. He trained at Columbus Barracks, OH for two months before arriving at - you guessed it - Fort Hancock, NJ on Memorial Day, May 28th, 1906, in a raging thunderstorm. He was assigned to the 113th Company of Coast Artillery. Lander’s first assignment was in the dismounting of the 12-inch guns at Battery Potter before serving at Battery Gordon Granger (10-inch disappearing guns). One spring day, Lander was on duty in the Post Quartermaster Warehouse (Bldg 32) when a group of civilian workmen burst through the door with a large wooden crate. To Lander’s amazement, it was full of human skeletons. It was April 15th, 1908 - the day that workers at Horseshoe Cove accidentally discovered the long lost burial of Lt. Hamilton Douglas Halyburton and the 13 men of the landing party from HMS Assistance, who’d tragically perished on Dec 31, 1783 at the end of the American Revolution. Their grave had been missing for 124 years. Lander made small wood crates to accommodate each man. Using basic biology, Lander made complete skeletons from the pile of bones. The British Sailors were laid to rest in Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY. Lander left Ft Hancock and the Army on June 10th, 1912, reappearing over 50 years later for a Veteran’s Reunion. Tom Hoffman, the NPS Historian, told me that he was full of youthful energy and that he ‘leapt’ up the stairs in the Post Theater when asked to speak. He then provided a stellar oral history interview with the NPS, giving an incredible, first-hand look at Fort Hancock in the 1900s. Lander died, age 92, in Tampa, FL on Nov 6, 1980. He rests in Barrancas National Cemetery, in Pensacola. Today, we honor the wonderful service of Private Lander Radford. His legacy, as well as that of every last man and woman who ever served at Fort Hancock, and Sandy Hook NJ across nearly 200 years, will always be in the safest of hands, here.

~ Miracle At Battery Dutton - August 1st, 1923 ~ (Detailed Version On Our FB) We’re revisiting a near-catastrophic event that occurred at Battery Dutton (three 6-inch guns on disappearing carriages) at Ft. H.G. Wright, on Fishers Island, in Long Island Sound. We chose January, 1924 (2024), the 100th Anniv. of the report’s release in the service periodical, the “Coast Artillery Journal.” On Aug 1st, 1923 a Coast Artillery National Guard unit was at Ft. H.G. Wright for annual summer training. At Emplacemement No. 3 of Battery Dutton, 6-inch seacoast gun M1897MI, Serial No. 18, on Disappearing Carriage M1898, Serial No. 25, had been loaded and successfully fired. The gun’s electric firing magneto was broken, so friction primers were being used. (“yanking a lanyard”). As the Fort’s Active-Duty troops watched, the Guardsmen loaded the next shot. A 108-pound inert shell was loaded, followed by the powder charge. The breechblock was closed and locked, and the friction primer inserted into the firing mechanism. Just as the command was given “In Battery” to raise the gun - it fired. Specifically, it fired point blank into the top of the parapet wall - the shell burrowed just under the apron, carving out a 2-foot deep, 5-ft wide, and about 20-feet long trench through the blast apron, raining chunks of concrete over the area.  Still in the loading position, the 20,000 lb gun tube roared back, shearing off its trunnion and elevation caps, slamming into loading platform, with chunks of the carriage also flying everywhere. The Post’s entire medical staff were summoned. While the Coast Artillery had several fatal accidents over the years, a head count of the gun crew at Battery Dutton revealed only minor injuries with no loss of life. After an investigation, all Officers and Soldiers were absolved of fault. It was found that the gun’s firing mechanism was jamming while trying to “seat” the ‘Button Wire’ of the Friction Primers. The Button Wire is what makes the primer fire - when the mechanism jammed around it as it was being set, it mis-fed the Button Wire of the Primer, and bent it. In bending it, it pulled the Button Wire, firing the primer and discharging the Gun.

~ John M. K. Davis ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! (The More Detailed Version Is On Our FB) Today, we honor US Army Brigadier General John Moore Kelso Davis born (Wed) January 31st, 1844 in Washington DC. His career began in the Civil War while serving in the 3rd Maryland Cavalry Regiment. While serving at nearby Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, he was appointed to the US Military Academy at West Point. He graduated on June 17th, 1867, commissioning into the Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. His duties took him to the NY Harbor area at Forts Wood, Hamilton, and Schuyler. It goes with saying that he may have stepped foot at Sandy Hook during that time. He also served at Ft. Monroe, VA. Service across the nation, including Fort Sill, OK followed, along with returning to West Point as an Instructor. With the Spanish-American War in 1898, he served in as an Inspector General (IG) in the south. Then, he became the IG at Governor's Island NY before taking command of the artillery component of newly acquired Puerto Rico, as well as the artillery disctricts of Boston and the Gulf of Mexico. Promoted to Brigadier General, he retired on his 64th Birthday, Jan 31st 1908, after 45 years of service. He died, May 20th, 1920, in Hartford, CT, age 76. He was buried in Arlington. However, his legacy of service wouldn’t end there. With War Dept. General Order No. 13 on March 27, 1922, he became the namesake to “Battery J.M.K. Davis,” a one-gun 16-inch caliber Disappearing Battery at Ft. Michie in Long Island Sound. It was the single-most unique 16-inch battery ever built. Construction began in 1919, and transfer to the Coast Artillery was on May 17, 1923. It served honorably for 20 years, covering Long Island Sound for 22 miles in every direction. The gun was removed and the carriage scrapped in 1944. Following WWII, Ft. Michie / Great Gull Island were transferred to the American Museum of Natural History as a bird sanctuary. Although the emplacement may be vanishing, the legacy of service of Brigadier General John M. K. Davis, the Battery that carries his name, and the legacy of the Soldiers who manned it is in the safest of hands, here.

~ The Coast Artillery Corps ~  Good evening, folks. We have the most wonderful #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! 117 Years Ago, Today - (Fri) January 25th, 1907, Washington DC: Since time immemorial, the US Army Artillery has fulfilled a multitude of roles and missions, from wreaking havoc on the battlefield to defending our ports and harbors. Administratively speaking, however, it has all been under the auspices of "the Artillery." While the missions were different, the execution of them from the top downward has been under the umbrella of a  single branch. The Coast Artillery itself exists, as does the Field Artillery, but essentially as different departments of the same job. Now, after several years of testimony from field and coastal artillery officers, debates, and committee meetings, Congress makes a decision: That there should be two distinct and separate branches of the Artillery - Coast, and Field. And with that, the Coast Artillery began as a separate branch of service within the US Army. This was approved via Secretary of War (and future President) William Howard Taft, and President Theodore Roosevelt. Of great importance to us here at Fort Hancock, is that the first Chief Of Coast Artillery would be none other than Brigadier General Arthur Murray, the man who laid out Fort Hancock's overall design in 1896. Then a young Captain, it was his vision that gave us Fort Hancock as we know it today, including the beautiful vista of Officers Row. General Murray served as the Chief of Coast Artillery from July 1st, 1908 (start of the new fiscal year) until March 14th, 1911. He fulfilled this role as a Brigadier General (1 Star) and was promoted to Major General on March 14th, 1911, when the responsibility of Chief of Coast Artillery passed to Brigadier General Erasmus Weaver. The Coast Artillery would protect our harbors - and the skies above them - until 1950. Today, their lineage lives proudly on in the US Army Air Defense Artillery. To the Officers and Soldiers who proudly wore the Crossed Cannons and who served in silence, never allowing an enemy to come near us....Thank You. You Are Not Forgotten. 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸

~ Robert Edwards ~ (More Detailed Version On Our FB Page) We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! Today, we honor US Army Captain Robert Edwards, 17th Infantry Regiment, US Army. Regrettably, we do not know the date of his birth – something not uncommon in history. As is our practice, when no birthdate is known, we honor someone on the date of their passing. Sadly, little is known about Capt. Edwards. What we do know is that he served with the US Army’s 17th Infantry Regiment in the War of 1812. He participated in the oft-forgotten campaigns in the mid-west, culminating in the Battle Of Frenchtown, on the Raisin River in the (then) Michigan Territory on January 18-22, 1813. Despite initial American success, the British and their Indian allies counter-attack and annihilate the Americans, inflicting over 500 casualties, with the Indians attacking and massacring many of the helpless wounded. Captain Robert Edwards was one of those killed in action, or massacred later. He and many of the massacre victims are buried in Kentucky. His legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. He would become the namesake to one of the most unique gun batteries ever built. However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. He would become the namesake to one of, if not the, most unique Coast Artillery batteries ever built. With War Department General Order No. 78, dated May 25th, 1903, he became the namesake to “Battery Roberts,” a two-gun 3-inch caliber rapid-fire battery at Ft Mott, NJ on Finn’s Point on the Delaware River. The uniqueness continues – another battery, Battery Krayenbuhl, was built OVER IT. Battery Edwards would serve until 1920. As part of present-day Ft Mott State Park, Battery Edwards is safely preserved. As always, we cannot encourage you enough to visit this incredibly well-preserved Coast Artillery post and NJ State Park. Today, we remember US Army Captain Robert Edwards, his legacy of service and sacrifice to our nation, the Battery that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who manned it. Their memory is in the safest of hands at Ft. Mott State Park, and here.

"The Meat Chopper" Good evening, everyone. I'd like to apologize for our lack of posts over the course of this weekend. We were in Gettysburg, PA at the @ww2americanexperience museum. We were there for an outstanding networking event for reenactors and living-historians. It was a privilege to return, and we had a wonderful experience. Sandy Hook History will be returning throughout the year to support this incredible location. Before leaving, I stopped to take a shot of one of my favorite pieces in this museum's collection: the US Army Coast Artillery M45 Quad-Mount .50 caliber Anti-Aircraft platform. It is a turret-mount with four .50 Caliber Browning machine guns, fed by 200-round magazines.. each. This model, as shown here, was a mobile mount which could be towed behind a vehicle. Another version was mounted on an a Half-Track, known as the M16. Each mount could provide a hail of machine-gun fire against an enemy aircraft, but it had a far more practical - and murderously effective - role.. against enemy ground personnel. I'll let it go that the M45 earned the nickname "The Meat Chopper." Now entering our third year of supporting the WW2 American Experience, it has been our privilege to interpret this weapons platform as we honor our Coast Artillery veterans. If you're ever in the area, a visit here is a MUST. It is a privilege to be invited back each year to this wonderful museum - and we intend to be here for a long time to come. 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a day by day review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photo: (c) Tom, via Sandy Hook History, 20240120

~ John Greble ~ (Detailed version on our FB!) We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! We honor John Trout Greble, born (Su) Jan 19, 1834 in Philadelphia, PA. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating July 1, 1854, commissioning into the Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. Engaged in the 3rd Seminole War in FL in 1854, he fell ill, and was sent home to recover. He returns to West Point as an instructor until Sept, 1860. He’s sent to Fort Monroe, VA, to ensure that it didn’t fall into Rebel hands once Virginia seceded. On June 10th, over a month before the Battle of Bull Run, he took command of a Field Artillery battery, participating in a march from Ft Monroe to Big Bethel, near present day Newport News. A small Confederate force hit them there in a small, lethal engagement. It’s a disaster for the Union. In the melee, Lt. Greble fought quite well. As the battle ended, he ordered his guns removed, thus saving them. A Rebel bullet hit his head; he died instantly, the first West Point graduate killed in the Civil War He was 27. Brought home to Philadelphia, he’s posthumously promoted to Lieut. Colonel, then later reinterred in Bala Cynwyd, PA. His legacy wouldn’t end there. With War Dept General Order (GO) No. 59 in 1898, he became the namesake to “Ft. Greble,” on Dutch Island, in Narraganset Bay, RI. Then, with War Dept GO 194, Dec 27, 1904, he’s the namesake to “Battery John Greble,” a two-gun, 3-inch caliber rapid-fire battery at Ft Terry, NY on Plum Island in Long Island Sound. Construction began in 1903, with transfer to the Coast Artillery in 1905. The Battery wasn’t armed until 1913, yet served until 1934, when its guns & carriages were placed in storage. They’re sent to the harbor defenses of Newfoundland in 1942. Battery Greble exists in a unique state of preservation. The island is home to the US Dept of Agriculture’s Plum Island Animal Disease Center. Controlled by the Dept of Homeland Security, the island is heavily guarded. Today, we honor the legacy of service and sacrifice of Lieutenant John Greble, the installations that carry his name, as well as the Soldiers who manned them. Their legacy is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Lewis Arnold ~ We have a #HarborDefenseHappyBirthday ! Today, we honor US Army Brigadier General Lewis Golding Arnold, born (Wed) Jan 15, 1817 in Perth Amboy, NJ. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, where he graduates on July 1st, 1837, commissioning into the Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. He immediately fought in the 2nd Seminole War (1835-42), served across the Northern Frontier from Michigan to New York, then to Ft. Hamilton, NY – and then straight into the Mexican War, where he was heavily engaged for the entire conflict. Gravely wounded, he’s cited multiple times for valor and gallantry under fire. Recovering, he’s stationed at Ft. Monroe, VA but wasted no time and fought in Florida again in the 3rd Seminole War (1855-58). He’s at Ft. Jefferson, FL as the Civil War erupts in 1861. With nearly more time in combat than out of it, he viciously defends Ft. Pickens, FL from Rebel attacks. In January, 1862, he’s assigned to New Orleans, LA. Tragically, this incredible Soldier’s was cut down not by the enemy… but a stroke. Although all were optimistic in his recovery, he was left disabled, and was medically retired in February, 1864. Sadly, General Arnold never recovers - he dies in Boston on Sept 22, 1871, age 54. He's laid to rest in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, in Newton, MA. However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 105, Oct 9th, 1902, he became the namesake to “Battery Arnold,” a three-gun, 12-inch caliber disappearing battery at Fort Mott, NJ, on Finn's Point on the Delaware River. Construction began in 1896, with transfer to the Coast Artillery in 1899. It served honorably for over 40 years until the guns were scrapped in 1943. Today, Ft. Mott is an NJ State Park. Unlike many other emplacements, Battery Arnold is being actively preserved, and has undergone extensive renovation work. The entire Post has been preserved, and we cannot encourage you enough to pay Ft. Mott a visit. Today, we honor the service of Brigadier General Lewis Arnold, the Battery that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who manned it is in safe hands at Ft. Mott, and here.

~ Frederick Steele ~ We have a #HarborDefenseHappyBirthday ! (More detailed version on our FB) We honor Major U.S. Army Major General Frederick Steele born (Thu) Jan 14, 1819 in Dehli, NY. He attends the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating on July 1, 1843, commissioning into the Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant. Routine duties follow before being heavily engaged in the Mexican War, where he’s cited for gallantry. He then served at Fort Hamilton, NY. He’d fight in the western theater for the entire Civil War. A tactical genius, he won battle after battle, including Vicksburg.. He carves up Arkansas, outrunning and outgunning the Confederates at every turn. He took Little Rock, escaped in thin air from Camden, then smashed the Rebs in their pursuit at Jenkins Ferry on April 30th, 1864. He finished the war in Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL. He then fought against the Indians in the Snake War in the Pacific Northwest. For medical reasons, he took a leave of absence. On Jan 12, 1868, in California, while riding in a buggy, he suffered a stroke and a fall, resulting in his death at 48 years old. He was buried in Colma, CA. His legacy of service wouldn’t end there. With War Department General Order No. 30 on March 19th, 1902, he became the namesake to “Battery Steele,” a two-gun, 10-inch caliber disappearing battery at Fort Terry on Plum Island, in Long Island Sound. Construction began in 1897, with transfer to the Coast Artillery in 1900.  It is extremely unique in that the two emplacements are connected, yet at different elevations. Gun 1 is higher, allowing it to fire OVER Gun 2. It served honorably for over 40 years before being salvaged in 1942. Today, although neglected, the Battery’s in a unique state of preservation. Since the 1950s, Ft Terry has been home to the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, now run by the Dept of Homeland Security. Off limits to visitation, the site is protected from vandalism. Today, we honor Major General Frederick Steele, his incredible legacy of service, the Gun Battery that carries his name, and the service of the Coast Artillerymen who manned it across 4 decades. Their legacy is in the safest hands, here.

~ Alexander Hamilton ~ We have a #HarborDefenseHappyBirthday ! Today, we honor Revolutionary War Artilleryman, Financial Wiz, and Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, who was born on January 11th, 1755,  in the West Indies, in Charlestown, in the Leeward Islands. A voracious learner, he’s sent to America for higher education. As the Revolutionary War erupted, he quickly joined the Patriot cause. He fought throughout the war, and was heavily engaged at Trenton, followed immediately by the Battle of Princeton, where his artillery battery helped force the British surrender. He served as General Washington’s aide, but returned to combat command leading an Infantry assault on the British at Yorktown, again setting the stage for a British surrender - this time, permanently. With peace, came the great responsibility of framing the new United States - Hamilton became one of our greatest Founding Fathers, and we encourage you to learn more about his incredible service, including as the first Secretary Of The Treasury. Hamilton’s career - and life - were cut short in a duel with his political rival, Vice Presiden Aaron Burr, in Weehawken, NJ on July 11, 1804; he died the next day, age 49. He was laid to rest in Trinity Churchyard in Manhattan. Hamilton’s incredible legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. Among many other honors, he became the namesake to Fort Hamilton, a Coast Artillery fort in Brooklyn. As one half of "The Narrows," opposite Staten Island / Ft Wadsworth, the promontory between the two makes a natural choke point and a perfect defensive location. Ft Hamilton’s present day location had batteries from the 1700’s to the 1940’s. It has the honor of being the last active Army Post in sites of the former Harbor Defenses of NY. Sadly, all the batteries have been destroyed or buried. However, the US Army's New York Harbor Defense Museum is located on-site. Today, we honor Alexander Hamilton, his incredible legacy of service in the founding of our nation, the legacy of the Fort that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who have manned the installation since the Revolutionary War.

~ Tom Mix ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday ! (More detailed version on our FB!!) Today, we honor U.S. Army First Sergeant Thomas Hezikiah Mix, born (Tues) Jan 6th, 1880 in Mix Run, PA. Raised in the adjacent town of DuBois, he took to riding horses almost immediately. With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Tom traveled down to Washington, D.C. where he enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 26th, 1898. He falsified both his age, and his residence - he claimed he was 21 (he was 18 at the time), and his home of record as Driftwood, PA, which was 35 miles northeast of DuBois. The Army took the ruse, and young Tom found himself in Battery M of the 4th Artillery. Within a week, Battery M was guarding the DuPont chemical plant in Montanchin, DE, just outside of Wilmington. While a seemingly unenviable assignment, it was a crucial one - the plant was produced gun powder for the U.S. Military. By July, Tom was a Corporal; by December, a Sergeant. In April, 1899, Tom was transferred to Battery O, and Fort Monroe, VA. In Nov. 1899, he made First Sergeant. He would find himself at Fort Hancock, NJ, where he was discharged on April 25th, 1901, after three years of Honorable Service. He immediately reenlisted. By this time, Battery O, 4th Artillery, had been reorganized into the 48th Company of Coast Artillery. It's here that a fly enters the ointment. On a trip to Ft. Monroe, he met a woman named Grace Allen; they were married on July 18, 1902. Tom wasn't the first Soldier to have a bride give him the final ultimatum - me, or the Army. On Oct 20th, 1902, he left Ft Hancock on a five day pass. On Oct 25th, there was a gap in the ranks of the 48th Company - Tom was missing, and marked AWOL - Absent Without Leave. First Sergeant Thomas Mix was then officially listed as a Deserter. Tom wasn’t sure if the Army was going to track him down - and he wasn’t hanging around to find out. The couple went to Guthrie, Oklahoma, but it was short lived - enraged that his son-in-law had deserted, Grace’s father had the marriage annulled. And it was here, hiding in Oklahoma, Tom began his path to stardom. Along came a role in a silent western... The Rest Is History. 🤠

~ William North ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Of note, in the event of an unknown date of birth, we honor someone on the known date of their passing. Such is the case here. Today, we honor Continental (US) Army Brigadier General William North, born in 1755 in Pemaquid, ME. Moving to Boston after his father died, he works as a clerk until the British close the port in autumn, 1774 - he joins the Continental Army in 1775. Made a Captain in the 16th Massachusetts Regiment, he fights at the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse, NJ on June 28th, 1778. He serves as aide-de-camp under General von Steuben, and was in Yorktown for the British surrender in 1781. He then becomes Adjutant General and assistant Inspector General. He then serves in the NY State Assembly, and then the US Senate. He died, age 80, in New York City on January 3rd, 1836, and was buried in Duanesburg, NY. However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 30 on March 19th, 1902, he became the namesake to Battery North, a two-gun 10-inch disappearing battery at Fort Michie on Great Gull Island in Long Island Sound. Transfer to the Coast Artillery was in 1900. A fairly large structure, it is one of the most unique batteries ever built. Gun 1 faces due east over Block Island Sound. Gun 2 was oriented to the northeast, but could shoot over top of Gun 1. The Battery served honorably until 1917, when the guns were ordered to be pulled for service in France in WWI… yet were promptly remounted. And then removed once and for all and put in storage in October 1919. Regrettably, Battery North was demolished immediately afterwards. Its basic shape and footprint became the location of another very rare emplacement, that of Battery J.M.K. Davis, which had a single 16-inch caliber disappearing gun that could shoot in any direction. Today, Ft. Michie as a whole is inaccessible, as the island is used to study sea birds. Although the emplacements may be gone, the legacy of service of General William North, the Battery that carried his name, and the Soldiers who manned it, is in safe hands, here.

~ Israel Richardson ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor U.S Army Major General Israel Bush Richardson,, born (Tues) Dec 26, 1815, in Fairfax, VT. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating on July 1, 1841 as a 2nd Lieutenant, commissioning into the Infantry. Routine duties follow before fighting in the Mexican War, where he’s heavily engaged at nearly every major battle,and repeatedly cited for gallantry, culminating with the storming of Chapultepec Castle and Mexico City on Sept 13-14th of 1847 - where he’s cited for bravery again. Israel resigns his Commision in 1855 to become a farmer in Michigan. With the the Civil War in 1861, he returns to service. Assuming command of the 1st Division, 2nd Corps, he echoes his time in Mexico, fighting superbly in nearly every major battle. In autumn of 1862, came the carnage of Antietam on September 17, the bloodiest day in American History. Israel was hit by shrapnel from enemy artillery. Carried from the field, he died from infection on Nov 3rd, age 46. Brought home to Detroit, thousands watched his funeral pass by. He was laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac. Yet, his legacy wouldn’t end there. With War Dept General Order No. 194 on Dec 27, 1904, he became the namesake to “Battery Richardson,” a two-gun, 12-inch caliber disappearing battery at Ft Hancock, NJ. Construction began in 1902, with transfer to the Coast Artillery in 1904. Btry Richardson was the last, and most modern, disappearing battery built at Ft Hancock. As the southern end of “9-Gun,” Gun 1 had ‘niche’ in its left wall, allowing it to swing wide to shoot straight down Sandy Hook. Actress Lana Turner toured the Battery during her trip to Ft Hancock on Thanksgiving, 1941. She autographed a 12-inch shell, then watched as it was fired for her. Battery Richardson served until 1943. Today, the Battery, is inaccessible for safety reasons,probably never to be restored. While the Battery may be vanishing, the outstanding service and sacrifice of Maj Gen. Israel Richardson, the battery that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who manned it is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Henry Harris ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor U.S Army Colonel Henry Leavenworth Harris, born (Th) Dec 4, 1845, in Philadelphia, PA. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point,  graduating on June 15th, 1869 as a 2nd Lieutenant, commissioning into the Artillery. Routine duties follow, first at Ft. Hamilton, NY, then returning to West Point as an Instructor. He serves in suppressing the PA railroad riots in 1877, then Ft. Monroe, back to West Point, back to Ft. Hamilton, then the Chicago World’s Fair (1892-94), then serves on Coast Artillery Boards for Fire Control research. He serves as Ft Hancock’s Commanding Officer from 1904-07, and as overall New York Harbor Defense Commander until 1909, when he retires. He’s recalled to serve as the Coast Defenses of Sandy Hook’s Commanding Officer at Ft. Hancock during WWI, from Aug 1917 to July 1918. He dies in New York City, age 74, on March 8, 1920. He’s laid to rest at West Point. However, his incredible legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. By War Department General Order, he becomes the namesake to “Battery Harris,” a two-gun 16-inch caliber battery at Ft. Tilden on Breezy Point, NY. Construction began in 1921, with  transfer to the Coast Artillery in 1924. Its armed with monster US Army M1919 16-inch guns, which hurl a 2,340 pound shell to the absurd range of 27.9 miles. Regrettably, a design feature known as “wire-winding” looses tensile strength when the gun tubes heat up, leading to egregious error rates at maximum range. For all their flaws, they are still a major component of the defenses, yet  aren’t fired for nearly twenty years. With war on the horizon in the 1930’s, the guns fire once again. They’re given protective casemates in the early stages of World War 2, serve through the war, and are scrapped in 1948. Today, the two casemates sit abandoned and covered in graffiti, all but forgotten in the sand dunes of Ft Tilden, now a part of Gateway NRA. The emplacements may be in poor condition, but the legacy of Col. Henry Harris, the Battery that carries his name, and the legacy of the Soldiers who manned it, is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Joseph Henry ~ We have a belated #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor Dr. Joseph Alexander Henry, who was born on (Sun) Dec 17, 1797 in Albany, NY. In 1819, he attends the Albany Academy, where he ultimately joined the faculty. While there, he began groundbreaking research into electrical magnetism. From 1832-46, he’s the Department Chair of Natural History at Princeton. He rose to be the first Secretary of the Smithsonian, from 1846-78. Joseph Henry isn’t exactly a household name, but he’s had a hand in nearly every modern electrical convenience that you could think of, pioneering the concepts behind the telegraph and the doorbell. He pushed Alexander Graham Bell to perfect the telephone, inspired the U.S. Balloon Corps in the Civil War, served on and was made Chairman of the US Lighthouse Board (1852-78), was part of the National Academy of Sciences, then made President (1866-78), and independently discovered self-inductance. This incredible man died, age 80, in Washington DC on May 13, 1878. With his passing, came a mountain of namesake locations, terms, buildings, statues, a Lighthouse Tender… and an Army Cable Ship & Mine Planter. The US Army Cable Ship “Joseph Henry” entered service in 1909, in the Signal Corps. Her role was to lay communication lines (cables) on the floor of harbors to link Army installations together. After WWI, she was converted to plant mines, and became the “US Army Mine Plater Joseph Henry.” She comes to Ft Hancock, NJ in Nov, 1921, staying until 1930. While here, she’s manned by the 7th Coast Artillery Regiment (Mines). During the 1930’s, she’s on “detached service,” rotating from Portland ME, to the Chesapeake Bay. In 1937, she’s converted back to a Cable Layer… and then back to a Mine Planter in 1940. She spends WWII in Boston. Sold to Greece, in 1947, she’s renamed “Thalis o Milissios” and lays communications lines across the Aegean Sea, serving 40 YEARS in this role. Retired, she was donated in as a museum ship, and is preserved in Athens to this day. The incredible legacy of Dr. Joseph Henry is well preserved across the board, with the Mine Planter that carries his name, and here.

Nerding out at Battery Harris East, New York City. #forttilden #coastartillery #queens #rockaways #coastdefensestudygroup

~ Maurice Krayenbuhl ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor U.S. Army Captain Maurice Gaston Krayenbuhl, who was born on (Mon) Dec. 21, 1868 in Minnesota. He attends the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating on June 12th, 1890 as a 2nd Lieutenant, commissioning into the Artillery. Routine service follows, including nearby Ft. Schuyler, NY, from 1896-98. With the Spanish American War, he’s promoted to Captain of the 3rd Artillery, and sent to serve with the U.S Volunteers as “Commissary of Subsistence” (aka food & supply). He fights in the Philippines at the Battle of Malate on July 31st, 1898, with the 10th PA Infantry. At wars end, he remains there as the Philippine Insurrection erupts in Feb. 1899. On March 26th, 1889, he fights at Meycauayan, outside of Manila. Attacking a railroad bridge under murderous fire, his men seize the objective. Tragically, Capt. Krayenbuhl was hit and killed during the assault. He was 30 years old. He’s brought home, and laid to rest at Arlington. Yet, his legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Dep’t General Order No. 46 on Apr. 6, 1901, he becomes the namesake to “Battery Krayenbuhl,” a two-gun, 5-inch caliber rapid-fire battery at Ft Mott, NJ on the Delaware River. Construction began in 1896, with transfer to the Coast Artillery in Dec. 1900. The Battery was equipped with unique – and cantankerous – balance-platform mounts. These disappearing guns were moved into firing position by counter-weight, but didn’t drop after each shot. Plagued with design issues, the carriages were removed, service-wide, fairly quickly. In 1917, the guns were pulled and sent to France, and the carriages scrapped. In 1922, the empty emplacements were modified as a Battery Commander’s Station and Plotting Room for adjacent Battery Arnold. Today, the Battery is in good condition, part of the historic fabric at Fort Mott State Park, and is open as part of the walking tour and special events. The legacy of service and sacrifice of Capt. Maurice Krayenbuhl, the battery that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers who manned it, is in the safest of hands at Fort Mott, and here.

~ Sanderford Jarman ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor U.S. Army Major General Sanderford Jarman, born (Mon) Nov. 24, 1884 in Boatner, LA. Attending the US Military Academy at West Point, he graduates in 1908, commissioning into the Coast Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. He fights with the Railroad Artillery in France during World War I. At War’s end, “Sandy” as he’s known, makes a keen observation on the rising military importance of the airplane, transfering into the Coast Artillery’s newest role - Anti-Aircraft (AA) defense. He spends the 1920’s and 30’s carefully studying this new way of war. In 1930, he returns to West Point as the senior Coast Artillery Instructor, then attends the Army War College. With war on the horizon, he’s the Chief of Staff for Coast Artillery (Coast and AA) exercises in the summer and fall of 1938, before assuming command of the 64th Coast Artillery Regiment (AA), before assuming command in Panama. In July, 1942, he becomes the Anti-Aircraft Commander of the Eastern Defense Command - all of the AA units belong to him. With the Battle of The Atlantic raging,his troops, armed with machine guns through 90mm, along with radar, ground observers, and barrage balloons, point out - and up - from the beaches and around our major cities. His role at this time cannot in any way be understated, as the presence of the Coast Artillery units from Maine to Florida helped steady the nerves of American citizens living on the East coast in those terrifying days in 1942-43. In May 1944, he transfers out to the Pacific - and finds himself in command of the 27th Infantry Division during the horrifying Battle of Saipan, then commands the Marianas Area through the end of the War. He enters a well earned retirement in 1946 after 38 years of Service. He died in Boston on Oct. 15th, 1954, age 69, and was buried in Arlington. The legacy of Maj. General Sanderford Jarman, and his incredible service to our nation, is in the safest hands, here.

~ National Landmark Status For Fort Hancock, NJ ~ (Please Like & Share!!) Good afternoon, everyone. We have a very special anniversary to recognize. 41 Years Ago, Today - (Friday) December 17th, 1982: Sandy Hook gains its most important designation, as it officially becomes a National Historic Landmark. It's full title is: "Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark." There are over 90,000 National Historic Properties in the United States. Of these, only 2,500 are National Historic Landmarks. That places our beloved Fort Hancock / Sandy Hook in the top THREE PERCENT of America's historically significant properties, which is right where it deserves to be, and where shall always stay. ❤️ 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photo: marinas.com #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #forthancocknj #nationalhistoriclandmark #nationalparkservice #gatewaynationalrecreationarea #coastartillery #airdefenseartillery #newjerseyhistory #njhistory #monmouthcountyhistory #monmouthcountynj #monmouthcounty #localhistorymatters #historyiscool #highlandsnj #sandyhooklighthouse

~ Pleasant Hackleman ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor US Army Brigadier General Pleasant Adams Hackleman, born on (Tue) Nov 15, 1814 in Franklin County, IN. Born to farmers, he went on to law school, rising to serve as Probate Judge in Rush County, IN. He’s the editor of a newspaper, served in the Indiana State Legislature, and was a delegate of the Republican Nat’l Convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln. In the Civil War, he’s made Colonel of the 16th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Reg’t in May, 1861; they fight at Balls Bluff, VA that fall. In April 1862,, he’s promoted to Brigadier General, sent to serve under General Grant, and takes command of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Army Of The Tennessee; in turn, they’re sent to serve with General Rosecrans. On Oct 3rd, 1862, the Second Battle of Corinth, MS erupted. The Confederates drove a wedge into the Union Lines; the Federals broke. As Hackleman desperately rallied his men, a bullet struck him in the neck. Carried to a field hospital, he died that day, age 47. His last words were: “I am dying, but I die for my country.” He’s brought home and laid to rest in Rushville, IN. However, his legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Dep’t General Order No. 194, Dec 27 1904, he became the namesake to “Battery Hackleman,” a two-gun 3-inch caliber rapid-fire battery at Ft Constitution, on New Castle Island, RI, part of the Harbor Defenses of Portsmouth. Construction transfer to the Coast Artillery are both in 1904, and serve until 1942. That year, Hackleman’s guns and carriages are rushed into emergency positions on North Hill at Fort H.G. Wright in Long Island Sound, providing emergency coverage to Fishers Island Sound between Ft Wright and the coast of CT. Tragically, no remnant exists of Btry Hackleman at either fort. At Ft Constitution, the Btry was demolished; at Ft Wright, the temporary emplacement is now under houses. Both locations may be gone, but the legacy of service and sacrifice of Brigadier General Pleasant Hackleman, the gun batteries that carry his name, and the Soldiers who manned them for 40 years, is in the safest of hands, here.

~ Arthur Dutton ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor US Army Brigadier General Arthur Henry Dutton, born (Tues) November 13th, 1838 in Wallingford, CT. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, where he graduates on June 24th, 1861 as a Brevet 2nd Lieutenant, commissioning into the Engineers. Initially, he serves in the defenses of Washington DC, then designing Ft. Clinch, FL in 1862, and returning to fight in Maryland that fall. Promoted to Colonel, he raises the 21st Connecticut Volunteer Infantry – their baptism of fire is the carnage of Fredericksburg, VA on Dec. 11-15th. In 1863, he became a Brigade Commander, and distinguishes himself in combat during the siege of Suffolk, VA that spring. He’s then posted near Newport News, VA through spring, 1864. At the Battle of the Bermuda Hundred, VA, he was involved in skirmishes for several days until May 26th, 1864, while he was scouting Confederate positions, and hit by enemy fire. Taken to Baltimore, he died of his wounds on June 25th. Posthumously promoted to Brigadier General, he was laid to rest in Arlington. He was 25 years old. However, his legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 30 on March 19th, 1902, he became the namesake to “Battery Dutton,” a three-gun, 6-inch caliber disappearing battery at Fort H.G. Wright on Fisher’s Island in Long Island Sound. Construction began in 1898, and transfer to the Coast Artillery was in March of 1901. It covers the main channel between Ft. H.G. Wright and nearby Ft. Michie on Great Gull Island. The Battery served until 1937, when the guns were pulled and sent to Watervliet Arsenal in Albany, NY. The carriages remained in place until scrapped in October 1944. Today, Ft. H.G. Wright is known as “Fort Garbage” due to the horrifying condition of the batteries; Battery Dutton is no exception. Buried to the parapet level, a dirt road now runs across its top. The concrete may be all but gone, the service and sacrifice of Brigadier General Arthur Dutton, and the legacy of the Battery that carries his name, as well as that of the Soldiers who manned it, is in safe hands, here.

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to add this WW2 era Ft. Sheridan Coast Artillery shirt to my collection. A great piece of history. • • • • • #vintage #vintageshirt #vintageclothes #truevintage #distictivesportswear #fortsheridan #coastartillery #ww2 #40sstyle #40sfashion #50sstyle #50sfashion #vintagefashion #vintagestyle #nobleravenvintage #seattlevintage #pnwvintage #vintagemilitary #vintagemilitarywear #vintagemilitaryclothing

"We Have Moved Into Active And Continuing Battle With Our Enemies." - Pres. Roosevelt (A Reflection On Pearl Harbor, November 1943... And The Deepest Of Thanks From "Sandy Hook History" Good evening, everyone. I humbly ask for a moment of your time. These nine shots are from our concurrent post on FB. Far exceeding IG's 2200 character limit, I just couldn't do it any justice by trimming it. I know not everyone has FB, so rather than trying to get you to head over to our page, I was able to screenshot the text so you could see it here. In a nutshell, November 1943 saw the complete reversal of fortunes by all sides - the Axis was losing, and we were winning. The link to the clip with the President's quote is in our bio. As in the quote above, the Battle was now constant and unending... and that means a lot to us here, because Sandy Hook History has its own battle that we're fighting - and winning. And they aren't pretty, because there are some not-so-nice folks that would do anything to shut us down. So, yes.. it's personal. Please take a few moments to read the panels above because, you folks have made Sandy Hook History THE most popular social media page about preserving Coast Artillery history anywhere across the board. And we can't under any circumstance, thank you all enough for that. This is ALL YOUR doing. In 2024/1944, we are going to rock the house. Thank you again. - Tom 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #imonmyway #honoredtobehere #humbledandblessed #localhistorian #vetrepreneur #staytooned #arisechampion #ourcountrynotourselves #honorourveterans #honorourfallen #thistimeitspersonal #thecomebackisgreaterthanthesetback #firesidechat #franklinroosevelt #coastartillery

~ Alfred Terry ~ We have a belated #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor U.S. Army Major General Alfred Howe Terry, born (Sat) Nov 10, 1827 in Hartford, CT. Graduating from Yale Law in 1848, he becomes a clerk for the New Haven County Superior Court. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he raised his own Regiment, the 2nd CT Volunteer Infantry, who were engaged at 1st Bull Run. He then raised a new unit, the 7th CT Volunteer Infantry. They went to South Carolina, fighting near Charleston where they captured Ft Wagner in Sept 1863, then going to VA through 1864, where they fought at Petersburg. Terry led his men into the teeth of the Confederate defenses at Ft Fisher, NC in Jan, 1865. After the War, he helped broker a treaty with the Indians in WY in 1868, then serving as Military Governor in Atlanta. Returning to The West, his men were first on the scene after Custer’s massacre at Little Big Horn. He negotiated with Sitting Bull, and fought in the Nez Perce War in 1877. His final command was the Military Division Of The Missouri, then he retired in 1888. Sadly, he passed away 2 years later on Dec 16, 1890, age 63; he’s buried in New Haven. However, his legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Dep’t General Order No. 134 on July 22nd, 1899, he became the namesake to Fort Terry on Plum Island at the mouth of Long Island Sound. It would form part of the defensive chain with adjacent Forts Michie and H.G. Wright. Ft Terry was armed to the teeth, with no less than 13 gun batteries from 1897 to 1946. Today, the Fort exists in a bizarre limbo. It was transferred to the Dept of Agriculture, and since 1954, has been home to the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. Here, top secret testing on the threats and countermeasures to livestock is undertaken. Many of the Fort buildings and batteries sit in quiet neglect, but safe from vandalism. Today, we remember and honor Major General Terry’s incredible service. General Terry’s legacy, that of the Fort that carries his name, and most importantly, the Soldiers who manned it, are in safe hands, here.

~ John Gulick ~ We have a belated #harbordefensehappybirhday ! Today, we honor US Army Major General John Wiley Gulick, born on (Sun) Nov 8, 1874 in Goldsboro, NC. He enlists in the NC Nat’l Guard, earning his commission as a Lieutenant shortly before the outbreak of the Spanish American War in 1898. He serves in Cuba, and then in the Philippine Insurrection. He was promoted to Major for gallantry in combat at Bulusan in 1900. Back in the US, he enters the Active Army, in the Coast Artillery. Routine duties along the east coast, including Cuba followw before attending the Coast Artillery School at Fort Monroe, VA. Graduating in 1905, he stays as an instructor. In 1911, he’s assigned as a military attaché in Chile, helping their Army with coast defenses. He returned to the US in 1915, and then served on the Coast Artillery Board. He then served on the Mexican Border chasing Pancho Villa in 1916, before preparing troops for World War I. On the Western Front, he served as Chief of Staff of Artillery for the 1st Army, and participated in two offensives. Returning stateside, he serves in the Army Plans Division before attending the US Army War College in 1924-25. From there, he enters our story. He’s assigned to Fort Hancock, NJ as Executive Officer. Now a Colonel, he becomes the Commanding Officer of the Coast Defenses of Sandy Hook, a post he holds until 1926. In 1930, he’s made Temporary Major General as the 5th Chief of Coast Artillery, serving until 1934. He saw the Coast Artillery modernize and increase their focus on anti-aircraft operations and coordination between the Army components. In 1934, he goes back to Brigadier General as Commander of the Brooklyn Port of Embarkation, then to a Coast Artillery Command in Panama… and then straight back to New York to command the 2nd Coast Artillery District from 1936-37. He concludes 42 years of service as the Commander of the 3rd Coast Artillery District at Fort Monroe, VA, retiring in 1938. Sadly, he passed away a year later on Aug 18, 1939, aged 64. He’s laid to rest in Arlington, VA. Today, we remember the life and service of Major General John Gulick. His legacy is in safe hands

~ Philip Gage ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor U.S. Army Brigadier General Philip Stearns Gage, born (Fri), Nov 13th 1885 in Michigan. He attends the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in July 1909, and commissioning into the Coast Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. While there, his roommate is George S. Patton, Jr. He's also remembered for the scandal he caused when, following in the steps of an older brother in the insurance industry… he opened an insurance office in his barracks room. He serves on the Mexican Border in 1916 before going overseas during WWI, where he serves at the Front. Returning home afterwards, he continues his career path at a variety of posts, including West Point as an instructor, and also attends the Command and General Staff School, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. As WW2 approaches, he is at Ft Hancock. In November of 1940, he wears multiple hats as both commander of the Coast Defenses Of Sandy Hook and the 7th Coast Artillery Reg't (Mines). His Brigadier General's Star comes on April 6th 1941, with the role of Commanding Officer Coast Defenses of Eastern New York (Long Island Sound), Commanding General Harbor Defenses of New York, AND Commanding General New York Sub-Sector. He is at Ground Zero in the defenses of the New York Metropolitan Area as German submarines wreak havoc a stone’s throw from the beaches of New Jersey and New York. By 1943, the Harbor Defenses of NY swell to a division-sized command of over 10,000 men. Dozens of gun batteries, mines, anti-submarine operations, communications, searchlights, radar... and hundreds of square miles of coastline inhabited by shaky and terrified civilians are all his responsibility. He says: "I am the defender of 20 Million People And The Industrial Heartland Of The Nation." He entered a well-earned retirement in Georgia, making a new career in the insurance industry. General Gage died at the ripe old age of 97 on Jan. 13, 1982, and was laid to rest in Atlanta. Much like Ft Hancock and the Coast Artillery, he has all but faded from history. WE, however, will never let that happen. His legacy is in the safest of hands, here.

"The Feast of St. Barbara" Good afternoon, everyone. Today - December 4th - is a special day in the hearts of all "Red Legs" (Artillerymen) around the world. This is the Feast Day of the Patron Saint of Artillery, Saint Barbara. In the 7th Century AD, she was tortured and murdered by her pagan father for her unflinching Christian faith. Shortly after he executed her by beheading, her father was struck dead by a bolt of lightning and consumed by fire. So, where do the cannons come in, you ask? Let's roll back the history pages to the earliest days of cannons - they were as dangerous to shoot WITH them as they were to be shot at BY them. Early metallurgy in cannons was primitive at best, and often prone to failure - and the guns could burst and explode! Given her homicidal father's violent and crispy demise, early cannoneers looked to Saint Barbara for protection from the fire and flames of an exploding cannon. She has also since become the Patron Saint of Firefighters, Miners, Armorers/Gunsmiths, Engineers, and all those who work with fire or explosives. Not only does she protect from accidents with gunpowder, she also protects from thunder and lightning, and all those in danger of sudden death. Her visage (image) is almost always shown with a cannon, and with the castle she was imprisoned in. To this day, she remains as associated with the Artillery as powder and shot. As I type this, US Army and Marine Corps Artillery units, as well as those of other nations, are engaging in, or preparing for formal dinners and dress balls (if not held today, on as close a date as possible). These "Saint Barbara's Day Balls" are extremely formal, black tie affairs, and each unit has their own traditions that they follow. Each unit also has their own recipe for the extremely lethal - yet very tasty - Artillery Punch. It is most certain that such events were held here at Ft Hancock, as well as other Coast Artillery posts - especially given the massive sizes of the Coast Artillery guns. This also applies to the US Army Ordnance troops here at the Proving Ground from 1874-1919 And now you know... the rest of the story! A Happy and Peaceful Saint Barbara's Day to you all!

CO and soldier of British ANZAC in Gallipoli Peninsula, 1915. Hisart Canli Tarih Museum, Istanbul, 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇹🇷. November 3, 2023. #culturalheritage30 #beniculturali30 #turkiye #turkey #turkey🇹🇷 #ottomanporte #ottoman #ottomanempire #istanbul #constantinople #istanpolis #hisart #hisartmuseum #hisartcanlıtarihvedioramamüzesi #hisartcanlıtarihmüzesi #nejatçuhadaroğlu #coastartillery #krupp #wwi #19141918 #prvisvetskirat #firstworldwar #перваямироваявойна #gallipoli #çanakkale #canakkale #галиполи #royalarmy #anzac #leastweforget🌺

Exploit of Cannonier Seyyid (1889-1939), photo for newspaper. Seyyid was the Ottoman hero who sank Royal Navy pre-dreadnought HMS Ocean on March 18, 1915. He was defending Fort Medjidiye and Dardanelles from ANZAC and Entente Allied Forces being a member of German coastal cannon Krupp L-35, cal. 240 mm. produced in 1889. According to the official version, Entente shell hit the battery and killed or wounded the gun crew. When Seyyid regained his conscience, he heard how the shells spoke to him from the depot. "You must shoot. You must shoot ." He succeeded in lifting three shells weighing 190 kilograms each and shooting them one by one. The first two missed the target, but the third one hit HMS Ocean and jammed its steering box. HMS Ocean started circulating and hit the sea mine. During the night, it was torpedoed by British destroyer HMS Jed to prevent its capture by the Ottomans. For that exploit, Seyyid was promoted Onbashi (Corporal) and decorated with the Gallipoli Star. Hisart Canli Tarih Museum, Istanbul, 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇹🇷. November 3, 2023. #culturalheritage30 #beniculturali30 #turkey #turkey🇹🇷 #ottomanporte #ottoman #ottomanempire #istanbul #constantinople #istanpolis #hisart #hisartmuseum #nejatçuhadaroğlu #hisartcanlıtarihvedioramamüzesi #hisartcanlıtarihmüzesi #coastartillery #krupp #24cm #wwi #19141918 #prvisvetskirat #firstworldwar #перваямироваявойна #gallipoli #seyyid #seyyidonbaşı #çanakkale #canakkale #галиполи #ottomanarmy

Exploit of Cannonier Seyyid (1889-1939), diorama. Seyyid was the Ottoman hero who sank Royal Navy pre-dreadnought HMS Ocean on March 18, 1915. He was defending Fort Medjidiye and Dardanelles from ANZAC and Entente Allied Forces being a member of German coastal cannon Krupp L-35, cal. 240 mm. produced in 1889. According to the official version, Entente shell hit the battery and killed or wounded the gun crew. When Seyyid regained his conscience, he heard how the shells spoke to him from the depot. "You must shoot. You must shoot ." He succeeded in lifting three shells weighing 190 kilograms each and shooting them one by one. The first two missed the target, but the third one hit HMS Ocean and jammed its steering box. HMS Ocean started circulating and hit the sea mine. During the night, it was torpedoed by British destroyer HMS Jed to prevent its capture by the Ottomans. For that exploit, Seyyid was promoted Onbashi (Corporal) and decorated with the Gallipoli Star. Hisart Canli Tarih Museum, Istanbul, 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇹🇷. November 3, 2023. #culturalheritage30 #beniculturali30 #turkey #turkey🇹🇷 #ottomanporte #ottoman #ottomanempire #istanbul #constantinople #istanpolis #hisart #hisartmuseum #nejatçuhadaroğlu #hisartcanlıtarihvedioramamüzesi #hisartcanlıtarihmüzesi #coastartillery #krupp #24cm #wwi #19141918 #prvisvetskirat #firstworldwar #перваямироваявойна #gallipoli #seyyid #seyyidonbaşı #çanakkale #canakkale #галиполи #ottomanarmy

British infantry lands to Gallipoli, February 19, 1915, diorama. Hisart Canli Tarih Museum, Istanbul, 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇹🇷. November 3, 2023. #culturalheritage30 #beniculturali30 #turkiye #turkey #turkey🇹🇷 #ottomanporte #ottoman #ottomanempire #istanbul #constantinople #istanpolis #hisart #hisartmuseum #hisartcanlıtarihvedioramamüzesi #hisartcanlıtarihmüzesi #nejatçuhadaroğlu #coastartillery #krupp #wwi #19141918 #prvisvetskirat #firstworldwar #перваямироваявойна #gallipoli #seyyid #seyyidonbaşı #çanakkale #canakkale #галиполи #royalarmy

Good evening, everyone. We hope your Thanksgiving Day + 1 was enjoyable and relaxing. For us, our travels brought us to the Gettysburg Battlefield in Gettysburg, PA for... reasons. 😁 One of our quests brought us to the statue of Major General James Wadsworth, the Commander of the 1st Division, 1st Corps at Gettysburg on July 1st-3rd, 1863. You may recall that we honored General Wadsworth as part of our #harbordefensehappybirthday program on October 30th (b. 1807). He is the namesake of our Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, a key installation of the Harbor Defenses of New York. At Gettysburg, on July 1st, with the death of General John Reynolds, the Union forces disintegrated as the Confederate tidal wave began to crush them. As Union Forces disintegrated under the onslaught, Maj. Gen. Wadsworth did all he could to keep the troops together in an organized withdrawal into town. Less than a year later, this fine Soldier died from his wounds at the Battle of The Wilderness on May 8th, 1864, aged 56. Today, we remember and honor Major General James Wadsworth. Should you ever visit Gettysburg, we ask that you please pay your respects at his monument, located on the west side of town. For your convenience, we've added a map shot, with his position indicated in red. General Wadsworth, You Are Not Forgotten. 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 (Photos: 1-4, (c) Tom, via Sandy Hook History 20231124 #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #namesake #jameswadsworth #fortwadsworth #majorgeneral #coastartillery #philanthropist #battleofgettysburg #thewilderness #killedinaction #diedofwounds #honorourfallen #battlemonument #silentsentinels #gettysburgmonument #soldierstatue

Good evening, everyone. From all of us here at Sandy Hook History, we want to wish you all A Very Happy Thanksgiving. We know you're all busy right now, so we'll get back to our regularly scheduled awesomeness over the course of this weekend. We just wanted to take a moment to say that we're so blessed and thankful that we've had the privilege of keeping the legacy of our Greatest Generation alive and well as we look at the 80th Anniversary of World War 2. You folks, not us, have made this page, both on Facebook and Instagram, what it is. Our successes belong to you, and for that, we are so very humbled and grateful. And boy, do we have plenty more coming down chute for you! We have much to be thankful for, and we wish you the happiest and peaceful of Thanksgivings today. Please enjoy these images of Fort Hancock's Thanksgiving celebrations over the years. Have a swell day, folks!! 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #happythanksgivng #vetrepreneur #humbledandblessed #muchtobethankfulfor #usarmyhistory #coastartillery #vintageholiday #vintagethanksgiving #upandcoming #godblessamerica #freedomfromwant #fourfreedoms #warathome #homefront #newjerseyhistory #monmouthcountyhistory

#thelifeofacourier #whereinnj #veterans #veteransday #civilwar #civilwarveteran #njcivilwarhistory #siegeofpetersburg #unionarmy #unionarmyveteran #ww1 #ww1veteran #wwi #wwiveteran #usarmy #usarmyveteran #coastartillery #familytradition #familymilitary #thankyouforyourservice #haskellnj #wanaquenj. The Life of a Courier. Happy Veteran's Day. Thank you to all the veterans in my life, for all you have done and all you sacrificed. Many of the veterans I know served the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). My thanks to all of you too! Shouts out to my father, Carl Snow (US Army/Korean War), cousin, Carl Woods (US Navy Seabees), cousin, Wayne Johnson (US Airforce/Vietnam), cousin, Anna Louise Pickering (US Marines/Korean War), great Uncle, Lloyd Hembree (US Marines/Presidential Guard 1930's?), and more. I pass through many towns that have photos of veterans posted. These 2 gentlemen are the two oldest in terms of date of service that I have seen. Pvt Bernard J Storms, 39th NJ Infantry Vol (1864-1865), Civil War, primarily at the Siege of Petersburg. Most likely a relative, Pvt Arthur Dayton Storms, US Army 7 Co Coast Artillery Corp, WWI. As seen on Ringwood Ave in Haskell/Wanaque NJ.

~ Daniel Butterfield ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor Maj. General Daniel Adams Butterfield, born on (Mon) Oct 31, 1831 in Utica, NY. He graduated from Union College; his father founded “American Express,” where Daniel worked for several years. In New York City when the Civil War broke out, he joined the 12th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a Colonel. He’d be decisively engaged for nearly the entire war. Wounded at Gaines’ Mill in VA in June, 1862, he would be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery, and while recovering, in some manner, created the Bugle Call “Taps.” He also wrote the manual “Camp and Outpost Duty for Infantry” in 1862, and inspired the use of distinctive insignia. A capable leader on the field, he’s also remembered for a shady demeanor. Wounded at Gettysburg, he besmirched General George Meade.. His nefariousness followed him, serving as Assistant Secretary of The Treasury under President Grant, where he was responsible for the Gold Panic of September 1869. He died, age 69, on July 17, 1901. Buried at West Point, where he never went, he ironically has the largest grave there. His legacy of service wouldn’t end there. With War Dept General Order No. 30, Mar 19, 1902, he became the namesake to “Battery Butterfield,” a two-gun, 12-inch disappearing battery at Fort H.G. Wright on Fishers Island in Long Island Sound. Construction began in 1898 with transfer to the Coast Artillery in 1901. The largest battery in Ft. Wright’s defenses, it’s oriented due south, covering the widest part of the Sound. It enjoys an exceptionally long and honorable service life through 1944! The M1895 12-inch guns were swapped out twice, a reflection of the Battery’s constant use for practice. Sadly, like of all of Ft. Wright, Battery Butterfield is a travesty today. It's known as “Fort Garbage,” and Battery Butterfield is the island’s dump, buried to the gun platforms and covered in trash. The Battery may be all but gone, but the legacies of General Dan Butterfield’s (honorable) service, the Battery that carries his name, and the Soldiers who manned it across 4 decades, is in safe hands, here.

~ Hurricane Sandy ~ Hiya, folks. 10/29 was National Cat Day and also the 11th Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy making landfall on the evening of Monday, October 29th, 2012. And with that,I'd like to tie both events together with a two-fold reference to the 7th Coast Artillery Regiment (Mines) that was stationed at Fort Hancock, NJ from the 1920s through World War 2. Please look closely at the first photo, which is the 7th's unit insignia - it's a fire-breathing panther. The regimental motto, in Latin, reads as "Nullius Pavet Occursum." It translates to "Fear No Encounter." I chose this post because of the inherent resilience that is implied in the motto. As crushing as Hurricane Sandy was, the citizens of New Jersey braced, took the full blast - and started rebuilding. The Shore, and especially Sandy Hook, will never be the same again, but we certainly rebounded as best we could and will always continue to do so. The soldiers of the 7th CA saw their lion's share of bad storms when they were at Fort Hancock through the 20's and 30's, and then fell in and helped repair the Post. Sandy wasn't our first bad storm,and it won't be our last, but we'll certainly never throw the beach towel in. The 7th's mission was the laying and maintaining of the extensive underwater mine-fields that ran from the tip of the Hook all the way to Breezy Point in Brooklyn. Fort Hancock's Mine Planter, the General E.O.C. Ord, is seen here wharfside in Pic 2; note the large number of mines on the dock waiting to be loaded. Once the mines were laid, the 7th would then man 3-inch caliber M1903 seacoast guns (Pic 3) mounted in Batteries Thomas Urmston and Lewis Morris, which are on the northern end of the peninsula. They were placed there so the guns could protect the minefields from enemy minesweepers and fast-moving torpedo (PT) boats. Most appropriately, their legacy lives on today as the 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, who are equipped with the venerable MIM-104 Patriot Missile System. (Pic 4) Folks, Sandy took so much away from us, but the Shore is still here, and so are all of us. And we intend to keep it that way. Hang Tough, and Stay Strong. Have a great night, everyone.

~ James Wadsworth ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor US Army Major General James Samuel Wadsworth, born (Fri) Oct 30, 1807, in Geneseo, NY to a very affluent family. He attends Harvard and Yale, and passed his Bar Exam. James is a unique man, remembered for both peaceful pursuits and military service. A philanthropist, he’s president of the NY State Agricultural Society from 1842-43, serves on the Electoral College in 1860, and was a member of the Washington DC Peace Conference of 1861 where, citizens from North AND South met to prevent disaster. Sadly, it was not to be. He was made Major General of the NY State Militia, was at Bull Run and then defended Washington, DC. Showing promise as a leader, he commanded 1st Division, 1st Corps, and was at Ground Zero at Gettysburg. On July 1st, his men fought savagely, holding the Confederates to the north and west of town, buying precious time for the Union. They’d suffered 50% casualties yet fought hard defending Culp’s Hill the next day. He then commands a Division in the 5th Corps. Brave and cool under fire, he took his men into the carnage of the Wilderness in 1864. There, on May 6th, a bullet hit the back of his head, and he fell from his horse. In a coma, he died in a Confederate Field Hospital two days later on the 8th. The Rebels allowed his son-in-law to recover his body. He was laid to rest in Geneseo. However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. On November 7th, 1865, Ft. Richmond, Staten Island, at The Narrows, was renamed Fort Wadsworth in his honor. One of the United States’ most historic fortification locations, it controlled the Narrows with Ft Hamilton in Brooklyn. The Fort served honorably through the 1990’s. It is now HQ for Gateway Nat’l Recreation Area Now, the Verrazano Bridge ramps bisect the Post. Sadly, nearly all the batteries are overgrown, buried, and inaccessible. While the installation isn’t in the best shape, the legacy of the service and sacrifice of Maj. Gen. James Wadsworth, the Fort that carries his name, and the service of the Soldiers, Sailors, & Coast Guardsmen who manned it, is in safe hands, here.

~ Fort Hancock, New Jersey ~ Good evening, folks! We have a grand #harbordefensehappybirthday for you! (Wed) October 30th, 1895, Washington, DC: Today, we honor Fort Hancock itself. By 1895, the Sandy Hook peninsula had known the defense of New York Harbor since 1776. Since then, each successive generation of American coastal defenses had sprung up on it. In 1874, it became the home to the US Army’s Proving Ground. By 1890, the US Army began constructing its first two concrete Coast artillery batteries there, the vanguard of hundreds that would follow around the nation. The sleepy peninsula had seen constant history and change swirl around it. And without a true official designation other than “The Fortifications At Sandy Hook,” another change arrived. 128 Years Ago, Today, War Department General Order Number 57 proclaimed: “By direction of the President, the fortifications at Sandy Hook, New York Harbor, will hereafter be known and designated as “Fort Hancock” in honor of the late Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, United States Army.” A West Point Graduate and a veteran of the Mexican War, General Hancock went on to become a legendary commander during our Civil War. He was a hero of the Battle Of Gettysburg, where he was shot off his horse, but remained on the Field. He was responsible for executing the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators, and then remained in the Army for the rest of his life. He ran against Republican James Garfield on the Democratic ticket in 1880, in what was then America's closest election. Still on Active Duty, General Hancock died, age 61, at Governors Island in 1886. At Sandy Hook, within a few years, rolling sand dunes, cedar trees, and jungles of poison ivy gave way to the picturesque yellow buildings that we know today as gun batteries began to appear throughout the dunes closest to the beach. And the rest, as they say, is history. 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲

~ Thomas Burnes ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Burnes, who was born in 1836 in Ireland with no known exact date (something not uncommon of the time). As is our practice, we use the date of passing, or death in battle, if no birthday is known. Such is the case, today. Little is known about Thomas, other than he came to the United States, and enlisted in the 5th US Artillery in 1861. He rose through the ranks, becoming First Sergeant by 1863; he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on Oct. 31st. He was transferred to the 2nd Artillery in Sept. 1864, and was engaged at the Battle of Hatcher's Run, VA on October 27th. Mortally wounded, he succumbed to his injuries the following day on the 28th. He was 28 years old. He was brought home, and laid to rest in Baltimore, MD. However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 194 on December 27th, 1904, he became the namesake to "Battery Burns," a two-gun 3-inch rapid-fire battery at Fort Totten, NY at Willets Point on the East River. Construction began in 1903, and it was completed and transferred to the Coast Artillery in May, 1904. Many "up river" or inaccessible Forts and Batteries tended not to last too long. However, Battery Burnes enjoyed a long and honorable service life until 1945! Today, the Battery is heavily overgrown, but secure, as Fort Totten is a New York City Park. The legacy of 2nd Lieutenant Burnes' service and sacrifice, as well as that of the Battery that carries his name, and the Soldiers who manned it across four decades, is in safe hands, here. 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

“The Final Service of Fort Pulaski, Georgia” 150 Years Ago, Today – (Sat) October 25th, 1873, Cockspur Island, Georgia, at the mouth of the Savannah River – A long, honorable, and eventful service life of an incredible Fort is about to come to an end. Fort Pulaski is one of the largest and grandest of America’s “3rd System” of coastal fortifications. Built of brick, she has stood her watch over the Savannah River for decades. Construction on her began in 1829, with a young army Lieutenant named Robert E. Lee helping to guide her along. The fort was finished in 1847 – 18 years, one million dollars, and 25 million bricks later. In 1833, it was given the name of “Fort Pulaski,” in honor of 34-year-old Count Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born nobleman. A genius in the art of Cavalry, he fought for the fledgling United States in our War of Independence. He was mortally wounded during a charge at the Battle of Savannah, GA on October 9th, 1779. She stands 32 feet high, with walls 7 to 11 feet thick. Protected by a moat, it was a formidable emplacement. The Fort was designed to mount 146 guns, but, like many of the Forts of the time, it was never fully armed. In the years following completion, the Fort languished under budget constraints, and was manned only by caretakers. However, by 1861, with only 20 guns and one caretaker, destiny and infamy arrived – with the Confederates. It's annihilation by surgically precise rifled artillery fire from Union troops in April 1862 remains a hallmark in artillery and fortification history. Repaired, it stays in nominal service. On October 25th, 1873, the Post was closed for the last time. It will ultimately become a Nat'l Monument and a National Park It is a “must visit” location for the fortification and artillery buff or historian. Ft. Pulaski's loss affects Army planning into the 1880's. With masonry forts obsolete, they decide to give concrete a shot... which they do, at Sandy Hook, NJ in 1890. And the rest is history. 😉

~ Francis Barlow ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor Major General Francis Channing Barlow, born (Sun) Oct 19, 1834 in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated first in his class from Harvard Law, and was working for the New York Tribune when the Civil War broke out in 1861. He joined the 61st New York Volunteer Infantry Reg’t as a private, rose to command it as a Colonel, and took them into battle in the Peninsula Campaign in VA in spring, 1862. Gaining a reputation as a competent, aggressive commander, he fought at Antietam, and was heavily wounded by artillery fire. Fighting his wound, he recovered (barely) by spring 1863, standing firm during the Union loss at Chancellorsville. At Gettysburg, he pushed out too far, exposing his unit north of town; his men were crushed at what became “Barlow’s Knoll.” Barlow, critically wounded again, was left for dead. He was captured, but recovered after the battle. 5 more major battles and campaigns followed – from the Wilderness to Appomatox. His wife died in 1864, while caring for Union troops at field hospitals; he married the late Col. Robert G. Shaw’s sister after the war. Returning to civilian life, he served as both New York’s Secretary of State, and then the Attorney General; he prosecuted William “Boss” Tweed and Tammany Hall. He dies, age 61, in NYC on Jan 11, 1896. He was buried in Brookline, MA. His legacy of service wouldn’t be allowed to end there. With War Dep’t General Order No. 30, on March 19th, 1902, he became the namesake to “Battery Barlow,” a two-gun 10-inch disappearing battery at Fort H.G. Wright on Fisher’s Island in Long Island Sound. Construction began in 1898, and it was transferred to the Coast Artillery in 1901. The Battery enjoys an exceptionally long service life, covering the western and southern ends of the island until 1943. As is the case with all of Fishers Island, the battery is now a travesty, buried as part of the island’s trash dump. The Battery is all but gone, but Gen Barlow’s legacy of service, the Battery that carries his name, and the history of the Soldiers who manned it, is in safe hands here, never to be forgotten.

~ Joseph Potter ~  We have a very belated #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor Brigadier General Joseph Haydn Potter, born (Sat) Oct 12, 1822, in Concord, NH. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating July 1, 1843, commissioning into the Infantry as a Brevet 2nd Lieutenant. He fights with distinction and is wounded at the Battle of Monterey in the Mexican War. He then spends time serving in the West on routine duties before serving on the Utah expedition in 1858-60. He’s in Texas when the Civil War breaks out – where he’s promptly captured in 1861. Exchanged in 1862, he fights at Fredericksburg in December. Wounded at Chancellorsville in May, 1863, he’s captured again.  Exchanged in October, he serves as Provost Marshall General for Ohio through September 1864. Returning to field command, he fights at the Siege of Petersburg, then helps chase the Army of Northern Virginia to Appomattox Court House. Service Out West follows, culminating in command of the Department Of The Missouri. He retires in 1886, after 43 years of service. He dies, age 70, in Columbus, OH on Dec 1, 1892. His legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. With War Dep’t General Order No. 78, May 25, 1903, he becomes the namesake to “Battery Potter,” the most unique battery ever built. The first ever concrete gun battery for coast defense, its pair of 12-inch guns were loaded in safety and then elevated to the roof on state-of-the-art steam-powered lifts. Once in firing position, they could shoot for eight miles in any direction. With the nearby Mortar Battery, these two structures launched the Endicott-era of concrete fortifications throughout the US. Quickly made obsolete, Battery Potter’s roof was used as base for Fire-Control stations through WWII. We will do a follow-on post on the inner workings and history of this incredible structure. Today, we remember the service of Gen. Joseph Potter, and the Battery that carries his name, and the Soldiers who manned it. Sadly, it is in poor condition, and its days may be numbered. However, the Battery’s incredible and groundbreaking legacy and history are in good hands, here

~ Joseph Bloomfield ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor Brigadier General Joseph Bloomfield, born on (Thurs) Oct. 18th, 1753 in Woodbridge, NJ. A lawyer by trade, he spends nearly his entire life in Public Service as a combat veteran of the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, the mayor of Burlington, a member of the House Of Representatives, AND two-time Governor of the great state of New Jersey. He enlists in the Continental Army in the 3rd New Jersey Regiment in February of 1776 - five months before Independence was declared. He’s wounded at the Battle of Brandywine, PA in September of 1777, but recovers in time to fight at Monmouth Courthouse here NJ on June 28 1778; he left the Army after being elected to the NJ General Assembly a few months later. The Mayor of Burlington from 1795-80, the Governorship of NJ would be his from 1801-02, and then again from 1803-12 when he returned to the Army for the War of 1812; Congress would follow from 1817-21. He dies, age 69 in Burlington on October 3rd, 1823. He was buried in town. However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order 194 on December 27th, 1904, he becomes the namesake to “Battery Joseph Bloomfield,” a two-gun 12-inch disappearing Battery at Ft. Hancock, NJ. Part of the larger “9-Gun Battery,” it occupies two of the gun positions on the southern end of the gun line. Construction began in 1898 as the panic over the Spanish American War fueled the Coast Artillery Budget. It was transferred to the Coast Artillery in December 1899. The Battery enjoys a long and honorable service life, a key part of the harbor defenses until Oct. 1943. Along with adjacent Battery Richardson, it was the last of Ft. Hancock’s disappearing guns to meet the scrapper’s torch during WWII. Today, the Battery is in poor condition, closed off from public access. It will most certainly never be stabilized or restored. Although the Battery may be allowed to vanish, General Joseph Bloomfield’s legacy of service, the Battery that carries his name, and the legacy of the Soldiers who manned it across four decades is in good hands, here.

~ Edward Ord ~ We have a #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate! Today, we honor Major General Edward Otho Cresap Ord, born on (Sun) October 18th, 1818 in Cumberland, MD. He attends the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating July 1, 1839, commissioning into the Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was immediately engaged in the Second Seminole War in Florida from 1839-42. He then served in California, and was hired on as a surveyor and cartographer (mapmaker) to make ends meet. He helped layout both Sacramento and Los Angeles. He then was engaged against the Indians again in Oregon in 1856. Back east at Ft. Monroe, he was mobilized for John Brown's attack on Harper's Ferry in West Virginia, and was then sent to Washington in 1861. An outstanding Field Commander, the Civil War saw Ord serve primarily in the western theater, and was wounded at Hatchie's Bridge, TN in Oct.1862. He held command during the Siege of Vicksburg, Miss. (the loss of which broke the back of the Confederacy). He was wounded again at Fort Harrison VA in Sept. 1864. As Petersburg VA fell, he commanded the 'Army of The James' as the North chased the Confederates to Appomattox Court House in April, 1865. Following the war, he continued his career in the Army, designing present day Ft Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX before retiring. Working on a railroad project in Mexico, he contracted Yellow Fever. Returning to the US, he was taken ashore Havana Cuba in poor health, where he died on July 22nd, 1883, age 64. He was brought home and buried in Arlington. However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. In 1909, he became the namesake of a new US Army Mineplanter, the “USAMP E.O.C. Ord.” Built in Delaware, she served along the east coast, before coming ‘home’ to Ft. Hancock in 1927. A forgotten part of the Coast Artillery, the minefields were a key part of the defenses. The Ord was 165 ft long, 32 ft at the beam, and drew 17 ft of water. Weighing in at 590 tons, her twin steam engines drove her at 900 shaft horsepower. She served honorably, laying and plucking the submarine mines in and out of New York Harbor until the end of WWII, when she was sold.

“320th Barrage Balloon Battalion” One of the most unique of all displays at AHEC this past weekend was the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. Part of the Coast artillery’s Anti-Aircraft mission, barrage balloons were monstrous balloons strung from both ships and ground installations. Tethered to the ground by strong, steel cables, they were used as a deterrent against low-level aircraft attack. If an enemy plane came in too low, it would collide with the cables and would rip wings off – or slam into the balloon outright and cause its explosive hydrogen filler to explode. Thus, the presence of the barrage balloons kept enemy aircraft at higher altitudes, where their attacks would be less effective. The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion is extremely important to our history – they were the only all African American unit to land on the shores of Normandy, France on June 6th, 1944, where they provided yeoman’s service in protecting our forces during the amphibious assault. It was a pleasure to get to rub elbows with fellow Coast Artillery living historians with such an incredible impression. Their display included a scaled-down model of a barrage balloon, which was kept at ground level to prevent an accident in the high winds. We look forward to seeing our new friends again, and working with them in the future. 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photos: (c) Tom, via Sandy Hook History, 20231015 #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #battleoftheatlantic #stemforkids #stemeducation #stemlearning #vintagestem #coastartillery #trigonometry #historyisfun #wehavearrived #upandcoming #keepaneyeout #livinghistory #wesetthestandard #carlislepa #cumberlandcounty