Fort Scott: Battery Saffold (1895-1943)

12-inch gun at Battery Saffold
A 12-inch gun mounted on a barbette carriage at Battery Saffold. Here, artillerymen in dress uniform receive a visit from the Post Hospital staff.

National Park Service, GGNRA

 

General Information

This Endicott-era battery was completed in 1895 and armed with two 12-inch guns mounted on barbette carriages. Initially, the guns had a range of 6.6 miles; however, by increasing the guns’ vertical angle and reducing the projectiles’ weight from 1100 to 800 pounds, an effective range of 12.5 miles was achieved. Built to defend the harbor against hostile warships, Battery Saffold was unique in that it could fire its guns both seaward and into the bay--though this range was eventually limited by the growth of trees and construction of buildings at the Presidio. In 1943, the War Department ordered the salvaging of this and 12 other batteries considered obsolete.

Origin of Name

Battery Saffold was named in honor of Captain Marion M. Saffold, 13th Infantry, who was killed in action at Cavite, Island of Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1899.

 
Battery Saffold today
Gun emplacement #2 at Battery Saffold as it appears today.

National Park Service, GGNRA

 

Access and Current Condition

Battery Saffold is located on the coastal bluffs just south of Fort Scott. It can be reached by driving on Lincoln Boulevard and turning at Kobbe Avenue. The battery is located immediately east of the intersection of Kobbe Avenue and Washington Boulevard. Parking is available at a small lot above the World War II Memorial; however, access to the battery is not permitted.

 

Last updated: February 28, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

201 Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415-561-4323
Phone is answered daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Leave a message otherwise and we will get back to you. United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

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