Fort Greene (Narragansett) (Narragansett, Rhode Island)
Narragansett · Rhode Island · World War II
History & Significance
Fort Greene was built as part of a general modernization of US coast defenses, begun in 1940 with the outbreak of war in Europe and the Fall of France. The goal was to replace all previous heavy weapons, many of which were over 35 years old, with long-range 16"/50 caliber Mark 2 guns, while lighter weapons would be replaced by 6-inch guns on high-angle shielded barbette carriages, with ammunition magazines and the 16-inch guns in casemated bunkers to protect against air attack.
Battery Hamilton (BCN 108) on the East Reservation held two 16-inch guns, while BCN 109 on the West Reservation was designed for two 16-inch guns but was never armed. BCN 211 with two 6-inch guns was on the South Reservation, along with four "Panama mounts" for towed 155 mm guns.
The 16-inch battery at Fort Greene was test-fired several times during the war. In 1947, with the war over, Fort Greene's guns were scrapped along with almost all other US coast artillery weapons.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- WWII-era coastal defense installation with 16-inch and 6-inch gun emplacements
- Narragansett Bay approaches and Long Island Sound defensive positioning
- Active Army Reserve facility with public-accessible sections
- Integrated into Fishermen's Memorial State Park setting
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Greene_(Narragansett,_Rhode_Island)
- https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Fort_Greene_(Rhode_Island)
- https://varnumcontinentals.org/feature-article-rhode-island-enters-world-war-ii-the-aftermath-of-pearl-harbor-and-block-islands-defiant-response/
- https://fortwiki.com/Fort_Greene_(2)
- https://abandonedonline.net/location/fort-greene/
- https://narragansettri.gov/373/1917---1945
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbor_Defenses_of_Narragansett_Bay
- http://www.denix.osd.mil/sri/upload/Fort-Nathaniel-Greene-ORAP.pdf
Other Forts in Rhode Island
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