Battery Whipple on Lovells Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Battery Whipple is an Endicott-era coastal battery that was part of Fort Standish on Lovells Island, now part of Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It was built between 1901 and 1904 and named after General Amiel Whipple, who died during the Civil War at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863. The battery was outfitted with two 6-inch M1900 guns mounted on M1900 pedestal mounts. The lower level was used as an ammunition magazine. Shells were moved to the gun platform by a hand-powered hoist.
During World War I, the guns were removed for shipment to France in August 1917 but were never transported. They were returned and remounted in April 1919. The battery also served during World War II; it was deactivated in 1947.
Battery Whipple is located at the south end of Lovells Island and is just a short walk from the ferry dock. It is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to walk around on the gun platforms. Next door is Battery Williams, which is also open—you can even walk around inside where the ammunition was stored.
Stairway to the gun emplacements of Battery Whipple on Lovells Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Gun emplacement of Battery Whipple on Lovells Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Lovells Island Map (click to enlarge)
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on January 5, 2024
