General Information: This Endicott-era battery was completed and armed in 1900 with three 5-inch rapid fire guns mounted on balanced pillar mounts. The three rapid-fire rifles were designed to defend against mine sweepers and fast torpedo boats. These guns had a range of 7 miles and could be fired at the rate of up to 30 rounds per minute. Like most guns not larger than 5-inches, these guns used ammunition packaged in metallic cases similar to the cartridges used in a infantry rifle. The weight of one cartridge was 59 pounds. The three five-inch rapid-fire guns were dismounted in 1917 for service as field artillery abroad during World War I. In the original plans, this battery was to have four emplacements, but the No.1 gun pit, on the right, was never built. The battery was constructed on the site of the Battery West and incorporated three of the older battery’s magazines for storage of non-explosive articles and to shelter the gun crews. Origin of Name: Battery Boutelle was named in honor of Lt. Henry M. Boutelle who entered active duty in 1898 and was killed in action near Aliago, Philippine Islands in 1899. Access and current condition: Battery Boutelle is located at the Presidio on the coastal bluffs near the Golden Gate toll plaza. It can be reached via Lincoln Boulevard to Merchant Street. Parking is available along Merchant Road in a graveled parking area. The Coastal Trail runs adjacent to the gun battery. Access to the interior magazines is not allowed. Encroaching vegetation was recently removed from around the battery and preservation work to stabilize the battery’s condition was carried out. Safety railings have been installed.
Blueprint
Pillar Mounted Guns..
Present day view of battery.