Fort Stevens – Battery Pratt

2012.09.30

Around 1900, the latest technological advancement in artillery was the “disappearing carriage”.  When the gun was fired, the recoil would cause the barrel to drop below the parapet.  In relative safety, the soldiers could then reload and raise the gun back up into firing position.  Not only did this arrangement provide more protection, it also made the coastal defenses more difficult to identify from sea.  There is a replica 6-inch gun at Battery Pratt.