Place

Battery Cooper

A very long gray gun barrel rests behind a high black wall. The sun sets over the sea in the distance.
Battery Cooper

Quick Facts
Location:
Fort Pickens, Florida
Significance:
World War 1
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No

Beach/Water Access, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Visit one of two remaining 6-inch disappearing guns in the country at Battery Cooper

Battery Cooper was named for Lieutenant George Cooper who was killed in action at Mavitac, Philippine Islands, in 1900. It homes two, 6-inch guns on disappearing carriages.

During World War I, the guns were removed for use on railway mounts in France.

The current cannon at Battery Cooper is an Alvin Jeffries disappearing rifle (B-4A). It is camouflaged by and earthen bunker making it invisible looking at it from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Smithsonian Institution provided the current gun in 1976, one of two remaining 6-inch disappearing guns in the country.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Last updated: April 8, 2021