Camp Varnum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Varnum |
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| Part of Harbor Defenses of Narragansett Bay | |
| Boston Neck, Narragansett, Rhode Island | |
6-inch M1900 gun on a pedestal mount, similar to the guns at Fort Varnum.
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 Fort Varnum
Location in Rhode Island
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| Coordinates | 41°26′47″N 71°26′00″W / 41.44639°N 71.43333°W |
| Type | Coastal Defense, later National Guard training center |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Rhode Island Army National Guard |
| Controlled by | Rhode Island Army National Guard |
| Open to the public |
no |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1942 |
| Built by | United States Army |
| In use | 1942-present |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Camp Varnum is a training place for the Rhode Island Army National Guard. It is located in the Boston Neck area of Narragansett, Rhode Island. During World War II, this site was known as Fort Varnum. It was a fort built to protect the coast.
A Fort for World War II
Fort Varnum was built around 1942. This was part of a big plan to make US coastal defenses stronger. The plan started in 1940 when war began in Europe. The fort is named after General James Mitchell Varnum. He was a hero from the American Revolutionary War.
The fort's main job was to protect Narragansett Bay. It helped guard the West Passage of the bay. Fort Varnum had two large guns called 6-inch M1900 guns. These guns were placed on special stands. They were moved here from another fort called Fort Getty.
There were also plans for smaller 3-inch guns. These guns were supposed to come from Fort Kearny. However, they arrived in bad condition and were never used. Later, in 1943, better light weapons were added. These were four 90 mm guns. Some were fixed in place, and others could be moved. These guns helped protect against small, fast boats like Motor Torpedo Boats.
After World War II ended in 1947, Fort Varnum's guns were removed. Most other US coastal artillery weapons were also taken away at that time.
What is Camp Varnum Today?
Today, Camp Varnum is a training center. It is used by the Rhode Island Army National Guard. It is home to the 243rd Regiment (Regional Training Institute).
