General Information: This Endicott-era battery was completed and armed in 1900 with two 6-inch guns mounted on disappearing carriages. The battery was built to protect underwater minefields laid outside the Golden Gate during the time of war and against destroyers and minesweeper warships. During World War II these guns were assigned to the "Mine Groupment," which was to concentrate fire on the harbor entrance and the minefields. The guns had a range of 8 miles and could fire at the rate of two rounds per minute. In 1943 the War Department ordered the salvaging of this battery along with 12 other batteries no longer needed. During World War II Battery Crosby was manned by the Sixth Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense) Regiment, Battery "B". Origin of Name: Battery Crosby was named in honor of Lt. Franklin B. Crosby, Fourth Artillery. Lieutenant Crosby was killed in the Civil War battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, in May 1863. Access and Current Condition: Battery Crosby is located at the Presidio on the coastal bluffs just north of Baker Beach. It can be reached via a foot trail extending several hundred yards west from the Coastal Trail and Lincoln Boulevard. Parking along Lincoln is limited. The interior magazines can not be accessed. Encroaching vegetation was recently removed from around the battery and preservation work to stabilize the battery’s condition is ongoing.
Blue Print
A 6-inch gun firing.
Present day view of battery.