South Carolina > Charleston County > Landmark #181213

Battery Thomson

2013 Ion Ave., Sullivan's Island, South Carolina

Photo 

Battery Thomson, Observation Post

South Carolina Department of Archives and History

View this photo at nationalregister.sc.gov

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Description 

Battery Thomson, constructed 1906-1909 by Captain G.P. Howell, is one of a series of batteries extending from Fort Moultrie on the west to the eastern end of Sullivan’s Island. Charleston Harbor has always had some form of fixed harbor defense beginning with Fort Johnson in 1708 and culminating with the construction of these batteries in the fortification of Sullivan’s Island at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. This two, 10 inch gun, coastal defense battery was established in order to command the entrance to the Charleston harbor jetties. It was constructed following the recommendations of the Endicott Board under the Cleveland Administration. The battery, approximately 326 feet long and 84 feet wide, consists of two sections: The glacis and the armament complex. The glacis, a relatively smooth, slightly sloping area on the sides and front of the battery, protects the armament complex from bombardment. The armament complex consists of two recessed disappearing gun platforms, the loading platforms, ammunition hoists (one per gun), and observation post and various staircases and ramps for access. The ocean side of the battery is approximately 10 feet high. Walls and ceilings are of concrete. All machinery and guns were removed in 1947 at the decommissioning of the battery. Listed in the National Register June 25, 1974. - SCDAH

National Register information 

Status
Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1974
Reference number
74001843
Areas of significance
Military; Engineering
Level of significance
State
Evaluation criteria
A - Event; C - Design/Construction
Property type
Structure
Historic function
Fortification
Current function
Outdoor recreation
Period of significance
1900-1924
Significant years
1906; 1909

Tags 

20th Century (29,076)
Built 1906 (898)
Built during 1900s (9,435)
Capt. G. P. Howell (2)
Charleston County, South Carolina (211)
Fort (310)
Have Street View (46,104)
Owned by local government (11,500)
South Carolina (2,153)
Sullivan's Island, South Carolina (6)

Update Log 

  • August 18, 2014: Photo imported by Michael Miller
  • July 10, 2014: Updated by Michael Miller: Added "Description" & "Street View"
  • July 10, 2014: New Street View added by Michael Miller

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