Between 1890-1910, many coastal locations were refortified as part of the Endicott program. Three 6-inch disappearing guns were installed within the walls of Fort Gaines as a part of that program. This is a battery for two of those weapons, which were on the upper level of the structure.
The lower level of the structure was used for storage of powder and shells. Note the hooks for handling the ammunition, and moving it to the level above the door, where the guns were located.
Another addition to Fort Gaines during the Endicott period was this coincidence rangefinder station. It is located on one of the bastions facing away from Mobile Bay. Note the rifle embrasures on both the bastion, and the wall, showing that a majority of the walls height was supported by soil, although the top was free standing to give access to the rifle embrasures.Fort Gaines is an interesting example of a late Third System fortification. Although less elaborate than some of the earlier fortifications, it has many unique and interesting features. Fort Gaines is an Alabama State Park, and is located on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, near Mobile, Alabama.
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