Fort Stevens: The West Batteries (photo diary)

Fort Stevens began in 1863 as a Civil War fortification guarding the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. The West Batteries were the first concrete emplacements to be installed at Fort Stevens, during the Spanish-American war. They featured the latest technology: six 10-inch rifles, each positioned on a disappearing carriage. The 10-inch, 617 lb. shells were designed to penetrate the exterior armor of enemy ships. The West Batteries contained Battery Mishler, Battery Lewis, and Battery Walker.

The four guns of Batteries Lewis and Walker were removed during World War I and shipped to France. In 1941, the guns of Battery Mishler were scrapped, and the facility was converted to the Harbor Command Post.

From the Museum

The Batteries

The Steam Plant