Battery White as seen from Fort Washington
See the Artillery Batteries web page for an interactive location map.
Battery White is located at the base of Fort Washington near the Potomac River. If you are inside the fort and looking out over the water, it is the battery you see down below. It can be reached from the fort by walking down the hill on the paved path near the fort entrance or by taking a five-minute walk from a parking lot located to the east of Light 80, a small lighthouse situated just behind the battery on the shore of the Potomac.
If you are standing near the lighthouse, the battery appears as nothing more than a hill. This is because it is covered by a mound of earth that not only absorbs the impact of incoming artillery shells fired from enemy ships on the Potomac, but also camouflages the battery from such ships. The stairs located at the base of the hill take you around to the front side were the guns were loaded and fired.
Battery White as seen from the Potomac River, Fort Washington Park
Construction on Battery White began in 1898 and was completed the next year. It was built on the location of the Water Battery, a former water-level battery that was constructed at the same time as Fort Washington (1814-1824). At water level, cannonballs could be skipped across the water, making it easier to hit enemy ships. Remnants of the original battery, including the gun platforms, ditches, and powder magazine, can still be seen.
Gun mounts of Fort Washington’s water battery from the early 1800s, Fort Washington Park
Remnants of Fort Washington’s Water Battery, Fort Washington Park
Named for William White, a surgeon who was killed during the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, Battery White was armed with two 4-inch rapid fire Diggs-Schroeder guns that had a six-mile range. Its purpose was to protect the Potomac River minefield from enemy minesweepers. The battery remained active until 1921, at which time the guns were removed.
Today you can walk in and around the battery. Of the eight batteries at Fort Washington, Battery White is in the best condition.
Battery White at Fort Washington Park
Top of Battery White at Fort Washington Park
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Last updated on November 20, 2024
