Existing comment:
Capital Guardian: The Endicott System:
Coastal fortifications moved into the 20th century with the development of the Endicott System. At Fort Washington, eight reinforced concrete batteries were constructed near the old fort to mount modern artillery. Many support buildings were erected including officer and enlisted quarters. In 1921, after the fort was no longer needed as a coastal defense, it housed part of the 12th U.S. Infantry Regiment.
The Endicott System consisted of several types of weapons designed to repel all classes of enemy naval vessels. It worked like this at Fort Washington:
* 6-inch and 10-inch disappearing rifles could reach enemy battleships and cruisers 6 to 7 miles downriver.
* Searchlights were added to the system in the early 1900s to spotlight enemy vessels attacking at night.
* Eight, 12-inch seacoast mortars could lob 700-pound shells almost vertically through the lightly armored decks of enemy battleships and cruisers.
* Submarine mines anchored in a predetermined pattern in the river could be fired electrically from the shore.
* Small caliber rapid-fire guns mounted near the river could protect the minefield from enemy destroyers and minesweepers. |