Battery Gunnison

Battery Gunnison is a coastal defense installation at Fort Hancock with two large gun platforms positioned to guard the New York Harbor entrance. The site includes ammunition storage, observation areas, and concrete structures that connected the different firing systems.

The installation was built in 1904 to defend the increasingly important New York Harbor shipping lanes. In 1943 the original guns were replaced with new models that offered better firing angles and greater flexibility.

The battery shows how Americans in the early 1900s built defenses for their harbors and what engineering skills were needed. The structures you see reflect the military thinking of that era about protecting a vital shipping entrance.

You can tour the gun positions, ammunition areas, and observation posts on guided visits led by preservation groups. Wear comfortable shoes and check ahead about visiting hours, as access can change depending on the season.

The site preserves restored concrete bridges that carried ammunition from storage to the gun platforms, showing the complex logistics needed to operate coastal artillery. These pathways were essential for moving shells quickly while protecting the crews.

Location: New Jersey

Inception: 1904

GPS coordinates: 40.46000,-73.99550

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:44