12-inch coast defense mortar
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The 12-inch coast defense mortar was a weapon of 12-inch caliber emplaced during the 1890s and early 20th century to defend US harbors from seaborne attack. In 1886, when the Endicott Board set forth
An M1890 M1 12-inch mortar elevated to firing position. The mortar in the background has been depressed to loading position.
The 1890M1 mortar, the most common type employed
A scaled drawing of the early types of shells fired by the 12-inch mortar
A powder charge for the M1890 mortar, made of up to 10 small powder bags strapped together. A larger powder charge increased the shell velocity, resulting in greater range.
Board of Fortifications
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Several boards have been appointed by US presidents or Congress to evaluate the US defensive fortifications, primarily coastal defenses near strategically important harbors on the US shores, its terri
12-inch coast defense mortar
…was a weapon of 12-inch (305 mm) caliber emplaced during the 1890s and early 20th century to defend US harbors from seaborne attack. In 1886, when the Endicott Board set forth its initial plan for upgrading the coast defenses of the United States, it relied primarily on mortars, not guns, to defend American harbors…
Board of Fortifications report, 1886
Endicott Period battery with two guns on disappearing carriages
10-inch disappearing gun at Battery Granger, Fort Hancock, New Jersey
Fire control searchlight at Fort Baker, California