Battery Chamberlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Six-Inch Rifled Gun No. 9
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Docent explaining "gun drill" procedures to park visitors as part of the gun's demonstration. The rifle is in the "in battery" or firing position. When "out of battery" for loading the gun barrel is hidden from the sea behind the parapet, and the breech is just above the loading platform.
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| Location | San Francisco, California |
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| NRHP reference No. | 79000255 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1976 |
Battery Chamberlin is a historic artillery battery located in the Presidio of San Francisco in San Francisco, California, United States. An artillery battery is a place where big guns are set up to defend an area. This battery was named after Captain Lowell A. Chamberlin, a brave soldier from the American Civil War. It became a recognized historic place on November 7, 1976.
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History of Battery Chamberlin
Battery Chamberlin was built in 1904. It was part of a plan to defend the coast, known as the Endicott era. The battery originally had four large six-inch guns. These guns were special because they were on "disappearing carriages." This meant the guns could pop up to fire and then drop back down. When they dropped, they were hidden behind a wall, making them safe while soldiers reloaded them.
Protecting the Golden Gate
These guns were meant to protect the Golden Gate, the entrance to San Francisco Bay. They guarded against enemy ships and protected underwater minefields. Minefields are areas in the water filled with explosives to stop ships. The guns could shoot up to 7.5 miles away. Trained crews could fire two shots every minute.
Changes Over Time
The original guns were taken away in 1917. They were needed for World War I. In 1920, the battery received two new six-inch guns. These guns were on simpler "barbette" carriages. This type of carriage kept the gun always visible.
During World War II, soldiers from the Sixth Coast Artillery Regiment lived at Battery Chamberlin. They manned the guns to protect the harbor. The battery was covered with camouflage netting. This helped hide it from enemy planes. These guns were removed in 1948 after the war ended.
The Disappearing Gun Today
In 1977, the National Park Service brought a special six-inch gun to Battery Chamberlin. This gun is similar to the ones first installed in 1904. It is a rare "disappearing gun" that still works! It can move from its hidden loading spot to its firing position. This gun and its carriage are also listed as historic items.
Visiting Battery Chamberlin
You can visit Battery Chamberlin and see the disappearing gun in action. The gun is usually demonstrated on the first full weekend of each month. These demonstrations happen from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Park rangers or volunteers explain how the gun works.
There is also an underground room, called a magazine. This magazine has photos and small exhibits. They show how San Francisco's harbor was defended in the past. Battery Chamberlin is located at the north end of the parking lot at Baker Beach.
