Place

Mortar Battery

The high grey walls of the entrance to the Mortar Battery protect a large complex of storage rooms and mortar pits.
Mortar Battery Entrance

Quick Facts

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Sandy Hook was the site of America's first mortar battery. Completed in 1894, it mounted sixteen 12-inch caliber, breech-loading rifled mortars, which were divided equally in four massive concrete and earth covered "firing pits." The mortars were designed to fire armor-piercing projectiles, weighing up to 1,000 pounds, in high arcs to bombard an approaching enemy battleship or cruiser from above. This site is open to the public. 

 

Gateway National Recreation Area

Last updated: June 2, 2022