Fort Crockett was located along the seawall of Galveston Island. Fortifications were initially constructed at the turn of the century as part of the Endicott fortification plan. Three batteries, Izard (eight 12-inch mortars), Hampton (two 10-inch disappearing guns), and Laval (two 3-inch barbette mount guns) were constructed.
A final battery, Hoskins, was constructed shortly after the end of World War 1. It consisted of two 12-inch guns mounted in the open on barbette carriages, with protected magazines between the guns. These emplacements were common during and shortly after the war, and took advantage of mounting guns built as spares for disappearing gun batteries on barbette carriages, which greatly increased their range and utility.
During World War 2, it was realized the open guns of Battery Hoskins were very vulnerable to both air and sea bombardment. It was decided that a concrete casemate (often referred to as a "bunker") be built over the gun emplacements to increase their protection.
By 1943, Batteries Izard and Hampton were considered obsolete, and were disarmed. In 1946, the weapons of Batteries Hoskins and Laval were also removed. Since that time, Izard and Hampton have been either destroyed or completely buried. Battery Laval is present as part of the seawall, but the magazine spaces are buried, with only the gun platforms visible. Battery Hoskins is still present, though structures have been built on top of and behind it. The following pictures show Battery Hoskins in December of 1998.
The western emplacement of Battery Hoskins is readily visible from Seawall Boulevard. In front of the emplacement is the helipad for a large resort, and the resort pool is located almost directly on top of this emplacement.
Another view of the western emplacement of Battery Hoskins.Continue
Back to main page