Last updated: March 30, 2021
Place
Battery Jasper
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
The US Army constructed Battery Jasper, the primary Endicott System battery on Sulivan's Island, from 1897-98. The US Army hurried construction of Endicott System batteries after the outbreak of the Spanish American War. The structure was named for Sergeant William Jasper, a hero of the Battle of Sullivan's Island.
Four powerful 10-inch disappearing rifles were mounted on Battery Jasper. These new, breech-loading rifles each weighed 55 tons, had a range of 8.5 miles, and fired shells weighing 571 pounds. Rising above the parapet to fire, the rifle recoiled by moving back and down, "disappearing" behind the thick concrete walls to allow the crew to reload in safety. The rifle was raised and lowered by using a counterweight which rested in the deep center cavity of the gun mount. A well trained gun crew could fire the rifle once every 90 seconds. Battery Jasper's guns and carriages were scrapped in 1943.
One gun emplacement on Battery Jasper is open to the public, showing the magazine, shell room, and gun deck above it.
The powerhouse, the one-story brick building, on the north side of Battery Jasper is closed to the public. It housed two 25 kilowatt gas generators to supply power for Battery Jasper's lights, ammunition hoists, and other electrical needs. Completed in 1910, the powerhouse replaced old generators inside Battery Jasper that had been operational since 1899.
Four powerful 10-inch disappearing rifles were mounted on Battery Jasper. These new, breech-loading rifles each weighed 55 tons, had a range of 8.5 miles, and fired shells weighing 571 pounds. Rising above the parapet to fire, the rifle recoiled by moving back and down, "disappearing" behind the thick concrete walls to allow the crew to reload in safety. The rifle was raised and lowered by using a counterweight which rested in the deep center cavity of the gun mount. A well trained gun crew could fire the rifle once every 90 seconds. Battery Jasper's guns and carriages were scrapped in 1943.
One gun emplacement on Battery Jasper is open to the public, showing the magazine, shell room, and gun deck above it.
The powerhouse, the one-story brick building, on the north side of Battery Jasper is closed to the public. It housed two 25 kilowatt gas generators to supply power for Battery Jasper's lights, ammunition hoists, and other electrical needs. Completed in 1910, the powerhouse replaced old generators inside Battery Jasper that had been operational since 1899.