Gateway National Recreation Area | BATTERY GUNNISON AT FORT HANCOCK

Battery Gunnison at Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area

Battery Gunnison at Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area


Sandy Hook Unit Main Page | Military Sites at Sandy Hook


Fort Hancock’s Battery Gunnison is located in the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. Construction began in 1903 and was completed in 1905. It was originally outfitted with two 6-inch M1903 guns mounted on Buffington-Crozier disappearing carriages. These allowed the guns to be loaded while hidden behind a defensive wall of the battery, then raised above the wall when ready to fire. The recoil from the blast sent the carriages back down to the loading position. All of this was done by a counterweight system provided by the carriage. With this type of system the guns could fire two rounds per minute. The following video demonstrates a 6-inch disappearing gun at Battery Chamberlain in San Francisco.


Battery Gunnison operated with the disappearing guns until 1943, at which time they were removed and the carriages scrapped. This was the fate of many older batteries at Fort Hancock once new batteries where built at the start of America’s entry into World War II. However, unlike some of the other obsolete batteries, Battery Gunnison remained in service by having the cavities used by the disappearing guns filled in to make a solid roof, and then having two 6-inch M1900 guns from Battery Peck installed on top. Now called New Battery Peck, Gunnison was used as an examination battery, which meant that it fired a warning shot at a ship that was not authorized to enter New York Harbor before shooting to destroy. It remained active until 1946.

6-inch M1900 gun at Fort Hancock's Battery Gunnison, Gateway National Recreation Area

6-inch M1900 gun at Fort Hancock’s Battery Gunnison, Gateway National Recreation Area

The two 6-inch M1900 guns are still mounted on top of Battery Gunnison, and this is the only battery at Fort Hancock with guns. In fact, these are the only two 6-inch M1900 guns that still exist. The interior of the battery has also been restored to its World War II appearance by the Armed Ground Forces Association and the National Park Service. Visitors are welcome to explore the exterior, including climbing to the top gun deck. However, the interior is only open during guided tours that are held during special event weekends. See the Army Ground Forces Association website for more information. The National Park Service does not conduct these tours.

Battery Gunnison at the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area

Battery Gunnison at the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area

Battery Gunnison is located right next to the concession stand for Gunnison Beach. Parking is at Lot G. This is a beach parking lot, so there is a fee to park here from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can park for free over by the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. The walk from there to Battery Gunnison is about a half mile.

Battery Gunnison is located next to the concession area at Gunnison Beach

Battery Gunnison is located next to the concession area at Gunnison Beach

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Last updated on December 1, 2024
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