National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

Gateway National Recreation Area
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT

FOR THE SANDY HOOK 

COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

FORT HANCOCK, NEW JERSEY

SITE HISTORY

EXISTING CONDITIONS

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

TREATMENT

Prepared by 

Timothy W. Layton, ASLA 

Historical Landscape Architect 

H. Eliot Foulds 

Senior Project Manager 

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation 

National Park Service, Boston, Massachusetts, 2010 

“New York City can be 

satisfactorily defended, if 

the outer defenses are 

placed at Sandy Hook...” 

Commander W. T. 

Sampson, U. S. Navy, 

Report of the Board on 

Fortifications or Other 

Defenses, 1886. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

ii 

The Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation promotes the stewardship of significant 

landscapes through research, planning, and sustainable preservation maintenance. The Center 

accomplishes its mission in collaboration with a network of partners including national parks, 

universities, government agencies, and private nonprofit organizations. Techniques and 

principles of preservation practice are made available through training and publications. 

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation 

Boston National Historical Park 

Charlestown Navy Yard, Quarters C 

Boston, MA 02129 

www.nps.gov/oclp/ 

Publication Credits: Graphics from sources other than federal repositories may not be 

reproduced without the permission of the owners noted in the captions. Other information in 

this publication may be copied and used with the condition that full credit be given to the authors 

and publisher. Appropriate citations and bibliographic credits should be made for each use. 

National Park Service, Denver Technical Information Center Report NPS 646/104869 

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data 

Layton, Timothy W. (Timothy William), 1974- 

 Cultural landscape report for the Sandy Hook coastal defense batteries, Gateway National 

Recreation Area / Timothy W. Layton, H. Eliot Foulds. 

 p. cm. -- (National Park Service, Denver Technical Information Center report ; NPS 

646/104869) 

 "Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, National Park Service"--T.p. verso. 

 Includes bibliographical references. 

 1. Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area (N.J.)--Antiquities. 2. Gateway 

National Recreation Area (N.J. and N.Y.)--Antiquities. 3. Coast defenses--New Jersey--Sandy 

Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. 4. Batteries (Ordnance)--New Jersey--Sandy 

Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area--History. 5. Historic buildings--Conservation 

and restoration--New Jersey--Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. 6. 

Military architecture--New Jersey--Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. 7. 

Landscape protection--New Jersey--Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. 8. 

Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area (N.J.)--History. 9. Sandy Hook Unit of 

Gateway National Recreation Area (N.J.)--Management. 10. Sandy Hook (N.J.)--History, 

Military. I. Foulds, H. Eliot, 1960- II. Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation (U.S.) III. Title. 

 F142.G37L39 2010 

 974.9'46--dc22 

 2010033060 

Cover Photograph: Detail of a color photograph of Fort Hancock’s “Nine Gun” battery in 

operation, circa 1940s. Gateway National Recreation Area Museum Collection #685.12 

Title Page: Hercules missiles at the NIKE launch site, circa 1958. Gateway National Recreation 

Area Museum Collection #8067 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

iii 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS V 

FOREWORD XIX 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS XXI 

INTRODUCTION 1 

Project Methodology and Objectives 1 

Project Setting and Geographic Scope 3 

Summary of Findings 3 

SITE HISTORY 7 

Pre-History and European Contact–1859 7 

Expansion of Coastal Defenses 1859–1919 35 

Caretaker Status and World War II 1919–1945 81 

NIKE Missile Systems and the Cold War 1945–1974 121 

National Park Service Administration 1975–Present 161 

EXISTING CONDITIONS 177 

Physical Setting 178 

Battery Urmston 179 

Battery Morris 180 

Batteries Engle and Peck 182 

Nine Gun Battery 184 

Battery Potter 186 

Battery Granger 188 

Mortar Battery 189 

Battery Gunnison 191 

Batteries Kingman and Mills 193 

NIKE Radar Site 195 

NIKE Launch Site 197 

Existing Conditions Mapping 241 

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 255 

National Register Status 255 

Statement of Significance 256 

Evaluation of Integrity 257 

Evaluation of Landscape Characteristics and Features 260 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

iv 

TREATMENT 313 

Framework for Treatment 314 

Treatment Philosophy 315 

Preservation Issues 316 

Treatment Goals and Approach 317 

Treatment Tasks Common to All Sites 323 

Site-by-Site Treatment Recommendations 343 

Battery Urmston 343 

Battery Morris 355 

Batteries Engle and Peck 367 

Nine Gun Battery 379 

Battery Potter 399 

Battery Granger 413 

Mortar Battery 425 

Battery Gunnison 437 

Batteries Kingman and Mills 447 

NIKE Missile Battery 471 

REFERENCES 507 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

v 

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

FIGURES 

INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Gateway National Recreation Area Location Map 5 

SITE HISTORY 

2.1 Formation of Sandy Hook 19 

2.2 Sandy Hook Lighthouse 19 

2.3 A Plan of Fort Gates Erected on Sandy Hook, 1813 20 

2.4 Spermaceti Cove Lifeboat Station, circa 1930 20 

2.5 Detail of Sandy Hook from “Portions of Middletown and Ocean 

Townships,” in Beers, Comstock and Cline Atlas of Monmouth 

County, New Jersey, 1873 21 

2.6 Detail of The Port of New York: Birds Eye View From Battery, 

Looking South 22 

2.7 The Ordnance Department dock or wharf, circa 1900–10 22 

2.8 Diagram of Sandy Hook landform, shipping channel, and Fort 23 

2.9 View looking west at the Fort at Sandy Hook, circa 1880–85 24 

2.10 Fort Sumter, South Carolina, September 8, 1863 24 

2.11 Section of masonry fort and smooth-bore cannons 25 

2.12 Section of disappearing gun in concrete and earth-shielded battery 25 

2.13 Annotated isometric view of Battery Potter 26 

2.14 Lift Gun Battery No. 1 at Sandy Hook, N.J., June 30, 1892 26 

2.15 Battery Potter’s north emplacement, September 12, 1892 27 

2.16 Proposed Main Entrance to the Lift Gun Battery at Sandy Hook, 

N.J., January 14, 1892 27 

2.17 West elevation of Battery Potter, circa 1893 28 

2.18 Four mortars mounted in a mortar pit, the Mortar Battery, 

June 30, 1894 29 

2.19 Illustration of projectile trajectory from the Mortar Battery 29 

2.20 Plan for counterscarp gallery, 1895 30 

2.21 Placing sand around the northwest mortar pit, the Mortar 

Battery, 1893 30 

2.22 Plan for concrete plant at the Mortar Battery, 1892 31 

2.23 Plan of sand borrow pit and relationship to the Mortar Battery 31 

2.24 HMS Dreadnought, circa 1906–07 55 

2.25 Interior of Battery Potter plotting room, circa 1907 55 

2.26 Battery commander’s station for Fort Tilden’s Battery Harris, 1927 56 

2.27 View looking northeast at Battery Potter, circa 1906 56 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

vi 

2.28 View looking southeast of Battery Potter, 1893 57 

2.29 Plans for fire control stations at Battery Potter, 1905 57 

2.30 West facade of Battery Potter showing switchboard rooms, 

circa 1907 58 

2.31 Southern entrance to New York Harbor, 1919 59 

2.32 Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Granger, 1921 60 

2.33 Map Showing Armament on December 3, 1898 61 

2.34 View looking southeast at Battery Granger, circa 1907 62 

2.35 Diagram of obstacles affecting Battery Granger’s emplacement #1 62 

2.36 View looking northwest at construction of Nine Gun Battery, 1897 63 

2.37 Diagram of Nine Gun Battery’s individual names and 

construction dates 63 

2.38 Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Arrowsmith, 1921 64 

2.39 Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Kingman, 1924 65 

2.40 Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Mills, 1924 66 

2.41 View looking northeast at entrance to covered passageway, 

Battery Kingman, circa 1940 67 

2.42 View of concrete route to emplacement #1, Battery Kingman, 

circa 1920s 67 

2.43 View looking south at emplacement #1, Battery Kingman, 

circa 1940–41 68 

2.44 Plan of control mine placement, southern approach to New York 

Harbor, 1898 68 

2.45 Sections through gun platform and magazine for Battery Engle, 1921 69 

2.46 Section of balanced pillar-mounted rapid fire gun 69 

2.47 Detail of Armament Sketch, Fort Hancock, New Jersey, 

December 31, 1901 70 

2.48 Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Urmston, 1921 71 

2.49 View looking northeast at Battery Urmston, circa 1904–08 72 

2.50 Plan and sections of cover over Battery Urmston’s commander’s 

station, 1921 72 

2.51 Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Morris, 1928 73 

2.52 Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Peck 1921 74 

2.53 Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Gunnison, 1921 75 

2.54 View looking northeast at Battery Gunnison, circa 1930–41 76 

2.55 Plan Showing Drainage and Electric Systems, Battery John 

Gunnison, 1905 76 

2.56 Detail of aerial photograph, 1920 77 

2.57 Harbor Defenses of New York, Field of Fire of all Major Caliber 

Guns, 1943 97 

2.58 Signal Corps Laboratories radar test facility at Sandy Hook, 1941 98 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

vii 

2.59 Harbor Defenses of New York, Area of Detection of SCR Units & 

Primary Assignments, 1943 99 

2.60 Elevation of SCR-682 radar installation, 1944 100 

2.61 Elevation of SCR-296 radar installation, 1943 100 

2.62 Location of Firing Tracks, 1931 101 

2.63 8-inch caliber railway artillery, circa 1939 101 

2.64 Detail of plan showing railroad spurs for mobile artillery, 1944 102 

2.65 Collapsible searchlight on railway car, no date 102 

2.66 Construction of cantonments at Camp Low, circa 1940 103 

2.67 Harbor Defenses of New York, Underwater Defenses New York 

Harbor and Vicinity, 1943 104 

2.68 Plan of anti-aircraft guns on top of the Mortar Battery, 1944 105 

2.69 View looking southwest at anti-aircraft gun on top of the Mortar 

Battery, circa 1941 105 

2.70 Plan and section of switchboard for fire control 

communications, 1936 106 

2.71 Room assignments for the Harbor Defense Command Post at the 

Mortar Battery, circa 1943 106 

2.72 View looking southeast at the Mortar Battery, 1943 107 

2.73 Elevation and plan for fire control station serving Batteries Kingman 

and Mills, 1922 107 

2.74 Elevation and plan for fire control station serving Battery 

Harris, 1927 108 

2.75 View of the fire control tower for Battery Harris, circa 1940 108 

2.76 Plan of casemated guns at Battery Kingman, 1944 109 

2.77 Plan of casemated guns at Battery Mills, 1944 110 

2.78 Section through Battery Kingman’s emplacement #2, 1944 111 

2.79 Plan of power room at Battery Kingman, 1944 111 

2.80 Coincidence range finding station for Battery Peck constructed on 

Battery Engle, 1927 112 

2.81 Open battery commander’s station at Battery Peck, circa 1905–10 113 

2.82 Covered battery commander’s station at Battery Peck, 1921 113 

2.83 New 90 mm - Battery No. 8 (Old Battery Peck), circa 1943 114 

2.84 Plan for relocating Battery Urmston’s guns, circa 1942 115 

2.85 Plan for coincidence range finding station at Battery Morris, 1921 115 

2.86 View looking northwest at coincidence range finder station east 

of Battery Morris, circa 1921 116 

2.87 New Battery Peck, Alterations & Additions (Old Battery 

Gunnison), 1943 117 

2.88 Detail of Fort Hancock Map, 1944 118 

2.89 NIKE Ajax missile flight diagram 135 

2.90 Warhead location in NIKE Ajax missile 135 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

viii 

2.91 “NIKE” Project, Topographical Plan Between Control and 

Launching Areas, 1954 136 

2.92 “NIKE” Project, Profile Between Control and Launch Area, 1954 137 

2.93 Overlay of NIKE sites and 1945 Period Plan 138 

2.94 “NIKE” Project, Control Area Site Plan, 1954 139 

2.95 Detail of acquisition radar and control trailers, “NIKE” Project, 

Control Area Site Plan, 1954 140 

2.96 Detail of visual cones to bore sighting mast, “NIKE” Project, 

Control Area Site Plan, 1954 141 

2.97 Detail of proposed walk to bore sighting mast, Special AAA 

Facilities, Site Plan and Water Line, 1955 142 

2.98 Section of perimeter fence, “NIKE” Project, Control Area Site 

Plan, 1954 143 

2.99 Limit of vegetation clearing, “NIKE” Project, Control Area Site 

Plan, 1954 144 

2.100 Pole-mounted light fixtures, “NIKE” Project, Control Area Electrical 

Distribution Plan, 1954 145 

2.101 Detail of basketball court, “NIKE” Project, Control Area Electrical 

Distribution Plan, 1954 146 

2.102 Battery Control Area Site Plan, NIKE Missile Base SL-40, Monroe 

County, Illinois 146 

2.103 Detail of HIPAR radar installations, Site Plan, Control Area, Fort 

Hancock, 1962 147 

2.104 Site Plan, Control Area, Fort Hancock, 1962 148 

2.105 Overall site configuration of NIKE launch site, 1962 149 

2.106 Engineered plateau, “NIKE” Project, Launching Area, Launching 

Area Site Plan 150 

2.107 Detail of perimeter fence and firebreak, “NIKE” Project, Launching 

Area, Launching Area Site Plan 151 

2.108 Detail of earth mounds in Missile Maintenance Area, “NIKE” 

Project, Launching Area, Launching Area Site Plan 151 

2.109 Missile Assembly and Test Building and Warheading Area, Site 

Plan; Paving and Sewage Disposal, 1958 152 

2.110 Detail of missile dolly walk, Missile Assembly and Test Building 

and Missile Maintenance Area, Site Plan; Paving and Sewage 

Disposal, 1958 153 

2.111 Detail of floodlight, Launching Area Plan, Electrical, 1958 153 

2.112 Detail of floodlights along inner perimeter fence, Launching Area 

Plan, Electrical, 1958 154 

2.113 NIKE sentry dog 155 

2.114 Launch Area Site Plan, NIKE Missile Base SL-40, Monroe 

County, Illinois 155 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

ix 

2.115 Proposed and revised kennel locations, Launching Area Plan, 

Electrical, 1958 156 

2.116 View looking north at New Jersey State Park entrance, 1967 157 

2.117 View looking northwest at beach usage, 1967 157 

2.118 Map of leased land, 1967 158 

2.119 Development Concept Sandy Hook / South Beach 165 

2.120 Multi-use path map 166 

2.121 Map of partner facilities 167 

2.122 Detail of Harbor Defenses of New York, Battery Gunnison, 

Alterations and Additions, Fort Hancock, New Jersey, 1943 167 

EXISTING CONDITIONS 

3.1 View looking west at gun platform #5, Battery Urmston 203 

3.2 View looking northeast at stairwells to magazines, Battery Urmston 203 

3.3 View looking northwest at gun platform #3, Battery Urmston 204 

3.4 View looking northeast from gun platform #4, Battery Urmston 204 

3.5 View looking west at U. S. Coast Guard fence and Battery Morris 205 

3.6 View looking north at emplacement #2, Battery Morris 205 

3.7 View looking southeast, Battery Morris 206 

3.8 View looking northeast at gun platform #1, Battery Morris 206 

3.9 View looking northeast at corner of structure, Battery Peck 207 

3.10 View of guardrail south of emplacement #1, Battery Peck 207 

3.11 View looking northwest at Battery Engle (CRF Station Peck) 208 

3.12 View looking north at a post World War II trailer, Batteries Engle 

and Peck 208 

3.13 View looking northeast at observation platform 209 

3.14 View looking northwest at Battery Peck 209 

3.15 Diagram of Nine Gun Battery’s individual names and 

construction dates 210 

3.16 Granite blocks northeast of emplacement #8, Nine Gun Battery 210 

3.17 View of failing metal door, Nine Gun Battery 211 

3.18 View looking west at battery commander’s station Halleck, 

Nine Gun Battery 211 

3.19 View looking south at existing guardrail, Nine Gun Battery 212 

3.20 View looking northwest at the concrete ramp to gun platform #1, 

Nine Gun Battery 212 

3.21 View looking west toward battery commander’s station 

Bloomfield, Nine Gun Battery 213 

3.22 View looking west at emplacement #7, Nine Gun Battery 213 

3.23 View looking north at main entry, Battery Potter 214 

3.24 View looking west at entry to parking area, Battery Potter 214 

3.25 View looking northeast across superior slope, Battery Potter 215 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

x 

3.26 View looking north across chemin de ronde, Battery Potter 215 

3.27 Fire control stations, Battery Potter 216 

3.28 View looking northwest at concrete pillars, Battery Potter 216 

3.29 View looking south at guardrails, Battery Potter 217 

3.30 View looking north across terreplein, Battery Potter 217 

3.31 View looking northwest at metal pole, Battery Potter 218 

3.32 View looking northeast at foundation, Hudson Drive, and 

Battery Potter 218 

3.33 View looking east from access stairs, Battery Potter 219 

3.34 View looking east at the chemin de ronde, Battery Potter 219 

3.35 Close-up view of concrete terreplein, Battery Granger 220 

3.36 View looking northwest at engineered slope, Battery Granger 220 

3.37 View looking west across southwest mortar pit, the Mortar Battery 221 

3.38 View looking north along perimeter wall, the Mortar Battery 221 

3.39 View looking northeast at toe of engineered earthwork, the 

Mortar Battery 222 

3.40 View near top of southwest mortar pit, the Mortar Battery 222 

3.41 View looking east at wayside, the Mortar Battery 223 

3.42 View looking northeast at emplacement #2, Battery Gunnison 223 

3.43 View looking north from emplacement #1 to emplacement #2, 

Battery Gunnison 224 

3.44 View looking southeast at emplacement #2, Battery Gunnison 224 

3.45 View looking south at eroded vehicular route, Battery Mills 225 

3.46 View looking northeast at Battery Kingman 225 

3.47 View looking east at entry to emplacement #1, Battery Mills 226 

3.48 View looking southwest at emplacement #2, Battery Kingman 226 

3.49 View looking west at emplacement #2, Battery Mills 227 

3.50 View looking north from the top of Battery Kingman 227 

3.51 Concrete pipe, Battery Kingman 228 

3.52 View looking northwest from the top of Battery Mills 228 

3.53 Concrete pipe, Battery Mills 229 

3.54 View looking south from the top of Battery Kingman 229 

3.55 Scrub pine south of emplacement #1, Battery Mills 230 

3.56 Post and wire fence, Battery Kingman 230 

3.57 View looking east at collapsed wood guardrail, Battery Kingman 231 

3.58 View looking east at wood guardrail, Battery Mills 231 

3.59 View looking southeast from vehicular route to Control Area #1, 

NIKE radar site 232 

3.60 View looking north at walkway, Control Area #2, NIKE radar site 232 

3.61 View looking north at HIPAR foundation, NIKE radar site 233 

3.62 View looking north along walkway to Ready Barracks, NIKE 

radar site 233 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

xi 

3.63 View looking northwest at the Ready Barracks, NIKE radar site 234 

3.64 View looking west at elevator to missile magazine (425), NIKE 

launch site 234 

3.65 View looking west along central access road, NIKE launch site 235 

3.66 View looking south at engineered earthwork, NIKE launch site 235 

3.67 View looking north at firearms range, NIKE launch site 236 

3.68 View looking southeast at engineered earthwork, NIKE 

launch site 236 

3.69 Outer fence, NIKE launch site 237 

3.70 Outer fence, NIKE launch site 237 

3.71 Floodlight, NIKE launch site 238 

3.72 Spotlights, NIKE launch site 238 

3.73 View looking east at antenna, NIKE launch site 239 

3.74 View looking northeast at antenna, NIKE launch site 239 

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 

4.1 The Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground Historic 

District, 1980 297 

4.2 View looking east at the south earthwork, Missile Maintenance Area, 

NIKE launch site 298 

4.3 Railroad tracks crossing asphalt road near Nine Gun Battery 298 

4.4 View looking northwest at Battery Kingman 299 

4.5 Conceptual section through a disappearing gun battery 300 

4.6 Blue print map showing construction of gravel roads at Ft. Hancock, 

N.J., August 31, 1907 301 

4.7 Oblique aerial photograph of Nine Gun Battery, 1942 301 

4.8 View looking southeast at artillery firing, Battery Richardson, Nine 

Gun Battery, circa 1905–10 302 

4.9 View looking north at Battery Potter, 1951 302 

4.10 View looking northeast at emplacement #1, Battery Granger, 1899 303 

4.11 View looking northwest at trail north of the Mortar Battery 303 

4.12 Aerial photograph of Battery Gunnison, 1962 304 

4.13 View looking north from emplacement #1 at commander’s station, 

shell hoist, and central structure, Battery Gunnison, circa 1940 304 

4.14 View looking northeast at central structure, Battery Gunnison, 1956 305 

4.15 Aerial photograph of Batteries Kingman and Mills, 1962 305 

4.16 Oblique aerial of the NIKE radar site, circa 1962 306 

4.17 View looking northwest at pedestrian walkway, Control Area #1, 

NIKE radar site 306 

4.18 View looking west at target tracking radars (417 and 473), Control 

Area #1, NIKE radar site, circa 1962 307 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

xii 

4.19 View looking northwest at the Missile Magazines, NIKE launch 

site, circa 1958 307 

4.20 View from Hartshorne Drive looking east at Ready Barracks, 

NIKE launch site, circa 1958 308 

4.21 View looking east at the Missile Magazines and Missile Maintenance 

Area, circa 1958 308 

4.22 Site plan for Missile Maintenance Area, 1958 309 

4.23 “NIKE” Project, Launching Area, Access Road to Launching Area 309 

4.24 Aerial view of the Ready Barracks, NIKE launch site, circa 1958 310 

4.25 View looking northeast at the Missile Magazines, NIKE launch site, 

circa 1968 310 

4.26 View looking northeast at access gate to Missile Magazines and 

Missile Maintenance Area, NIKE launch site 311 

4.27 Aerial photograph of the NIKE launch site, 1962 311 

4.28 View looking southeast across Missile Magazines, NIKE launch site 312 

TREATMENT 

5.1 Aerial photograph of Sandy Hook landform, 2006 319 

5.2 Mobile railway gun, circa 1939–40 320 

5.3 Collapsible railway searchlight, no date 320 

5.4 View looking northwest at Battery Arrowsmith 321 

5.5 Sand being hauled into place in front of the terreplein, Nine Gun 

Battery, 1928 335 

5.6 Storm-thrown tree, Union Fort Fisher, Petersburg National 

Battlefield 335 

5.7 Ailanthus stump at Battery Mills 336 

5.8 Application of triclopyr herbicide to a cut stump 336 

5.9 View looking northwest across gun platform #4, Battery Urmston 337 

5.10 Concrete separation at unreinforced steps 337 

5.11 View east from south gun platform, Battery Gunnison 338 

5.12 View looking west at safety railings, Battery Granger 338 

5.13 Example of the infill approach to retrofitting railing systems 339 

5.14 Cross-section, new railing installation 339 

5.15 Safety railing infill elevations 340 

5.16 Off-site repair of historic metal door for Battery Worth, Fort 

Casey, Washington 340 

5.17 Typical revegetation detail to close an existing social trail 341 

5.18 Typical repair of spalling concrete surface 341 

5.19 Typical concrete cracks 342 

5.20 Oblique aerial view of Nine Gun Battery, 1942 342 

5.21 View looking northeast at Battery Urmston, circa 1900 349 

5.22 View looking west at gun platforms #5 and #6, Battery Urmston 349 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

xiii 

5.23 View looking northwest, Battery Urmston, circa 1906 350 

5.24 View looking east toward water from Battery Urmston 350 

5.25 U. S. Coast Guard perimeter fence south of batteries 

Urmston and Morris 351 

5.26 Existing historic safety railing at Battery Urmston 351 

5.27 View looking down at gun platform #5, Battery Urmston 352 

5.28 Aerial photograph of Batteries Urmston and Morris, January 1933 352 

5.29 Coincidence range finder station, Battery Morris, circa 1920 361 

5.30 View looking northeast at Battery Morris 361 

5.31 Large hackberry growing on top of Battery Morris 362 

5.32 View looking northwest at south facade, Battery Morris 362 

5.33 Wood guard panels at Battery Morris 363 

5.34 Wood picket fence on top of Battery Morris 363 

5.35 Batteries Engle and Peck circa 1920 373 

5.36 View looking northwest at Battery Engle (CRF Station Peck) 373 

5.37 Blocked downrange view looking northwest from the Battery Peck 

battery commander’s station 374 

5.38 View looking northwest at Battery Peck, circa 1905–10 374 

5.39 View looking northwest at Battery Peck 375 

5.40 View of historic guardrail south of emplacement #1, Battery Peck 375 

5.41 View of northwest facade of Battery Peck’s commander station 376 

5.42 View looking north at a post World War II trailer located near 

Batteries Peck and Engle 376 

5.43 Aerial photograph of Nine Gun Battery, January 1933 389 

5.44 View looking west toward battery commander’s station Bloomfield, 

Nine Gun Battery 389 

5.45 Conceptual section through Nine Gun Battery 390 

5.46 View of phragmites in gun well #6, Nine Gun Battery 391 

5.47 View of failing metal door, Nine Gun Battery 391 

5.48 View of shell hoist metal door, Nine Gun Battery 392 

5.49 View looking northwest at the concrete ramp to gun platform #1, 

Nine Gun Battery 392 

5.50 Conceptual section through Nine Gun Battery and boardwalk 393 

5.51 Detail section of decking and handrails, Nine Gun Battery 393 

5.52 Aerial photograph of Nine Gun Battery, January 1933 394 

5.53 View of extant railroad track, Nine Gun Battery 394 

5.54 Construction of Nine Gun Battery, 1897 395 

5.55 Site plan of Fort Hancock, 1967 395 

5.56 Portion of northeast curtain wall belonging to former granite fort 396 

5.57 View looking southeast at Battery Potter, 1893 407 

5.58 View looking north at defensible main entry, Battery Potter 407 

5.59 View looking east at the chemin de ronde, Battery Potter 408 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

xiv 

5.60 Conceptual section through Battery Potter 409 

5.61 Recently installed contemporary safety railing, Battery Potter 410 

5.62 Plotting rooms, Battery Potter 410 

5.63 Battery Granger, circa 1900 419 

5.64 View looking north at emplacement #1 and battery commander’s 

station, Battery Granger 419 

5.65 Aerial photograph of Battery Granger, January 1933 420 

5.66 View looking northwest at engineered slope to rear of 

Battery Granger 420 

5.67 View looking southeast at Battery Granger 421 

5.68 Blocked view northeastward from the battery commander’s station 

at Battery Granger 421 

5.69 Existing safety railings, Battery Granger 422 

5.70 Close-up view of existing concrete terreplein, Battery Granger 422 

5.71 Oblique aerial photograph of the Mortar Battery, circa 1917, taken 

from an Army Signal Corps balloon 431 

5.72 View looking northwest above mortar pit, the Mortar Battery 431 

5.73 View looking northeast along interior trail, the Mortar Battery 432 

5.74 View looking northwest along interior trail, the Mortar Battery 432 

5.75 View looking southeast at concrete glacis, the Mortar Battery 433 

5.76 View looking northwest at trail north of the Mortar Battery 433 

5.77 Battery Gunnison, circa 1941 prior to converting the battery to 

barbette mounted guns 443 

5.78 View looking northeast at emplacement #2, Battery Gunnison 443 

5.79 View looking north of gun emplacements at Batteries Kingman 

and Mills 459 

5.80 View looking southwest at gun emplacement, Battery Kingman, 

circa 1940s 459 

5.81 View looking northeast at Battery Kingman engineered landform 460 

5.82 View looking south atop of the engineered slope, Battery Kingman 460 

5.83 North gun emplacement, Battery Kingman, circa 1940s 461 

5.84 View looking northwest at the south gun emplacement, 

Battery Kingman 461 

5.85 View looking southwest at north gun emplacement, 

Battery Kingman 462 

5.86 Concrete pipe on north slope of Battery Kingman 462 

5.87 Installation of cap over concrete pipe and ABS plastic 

ventilation cap 463 

5.88 Animal burrow on north slope of Battery Kingman 463 

5.89 View looking east at southern end of Battery Mills 464 

5.90 View looking east at a bulkhead entry, Battery Mills 464 

5.91 Japanese knotweed growing on western side of Battery Mills 465 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

xv 

5.92 Injection tool for delivering herbicide to Japanese knotweed 465 

5.93 Concrete pipe on southern slope of Battery Mills 466 

5.94 Eroded loop road on western side of Battery Mills 466 

5.95 View looking northeast at the western side of Battery Mills, 

circa 1950s 467 

5.96 View looking northwest at the missile magazines, NIKE launch site, 

circa 1958 489 

5.97 Oblique aerial view, NIKE radar site, circa 1962 489 

5.98 View looking southeast at the Generator Building (414), Control 

Area #1, NIKE radar site 490 

5.99 View looking northwest at pedestrian walkway, Control Area #1, 

NIKE radar site 490 

5.100 View looking southeast at engineered earthwork, NIKE launch site 491 

5.101 View looking north at the firearms range, NIKE launch site 491 

5.102 View looking northeast at CODAR antenna, NIKE launch site 492 

5.103 View looking west at target tracking radars (417 and 473), Control 

Area #1, NIKE radar site, circa 1962 492 

5.104 View looking north of sidewalk from Control Area #2 to the Ready 

Barracks, NIKE radar site 493 

5.105 Existing perimeter fence, NIKE launch site 493 

5.106 Plan of proposed access stairs to acquisition radar tower (Building 

421), NIKE radar site 494 

5.107 Existing expanded metal mesh on guardrails at radar tower, NIKE 

radar site 494 

5.108 Plan of the Ready Barracks, NIKE radar site, 1962 495 

5.109 Section of the perimeter fence, NIKE radar site, 1954 495 

5.110 Existing light fixture, NIKE radar site 496 

5.111 Existing light fixture between building 404 and 405, NIKE radar site 496 

5.112 View looking northeast at the missile magazines, NIKE launch site, 

circa 1968 497 

5.113 View looking northwest toward Ready Barracks, NIKE launch site 497 

5.114 Oblique aerial view of the Ready Barracks, NIKE launch site, 

circa 1958 498 

5.115 View looking northwest at the kennel buildings, NIKE launch site 498 

5.116 View looking southeast at Missile Maintenance Area historic 

earthwork, NIKE launch site 499 

5.117 View looking east at the missile magazines, NIKE launch site 499 

5.118 Site plan for Missile Maintenance Area, 1958 500 

5.119 View looking east at Missile Maintenance Area historic earthwork, 

NIKE launch site 500 

5.120 View looking southeast at Missile Maintenance Area historic 

earthwork, NIKE launch site 501 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

xvi 

5.121 View looking northwest at Warhead Building (450), NIKE 

launch site 501 

5.122 View looking northeast across missile magazines, NIKE 

launch site 502 

5.123 Elevation of floodlight, NIKE launch site, 1958 502 

5.124 Plan for reconfigured visitor parking lot, NIKE launch site 503 

5.125 View looking northwest toward the Ready Barracks, NIKE 

launch site 503 

5.126 Example of a cut and cover tunnel, Minute Man National 

Historical Park 504 

TABLES 

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 

4.1 Battery Urmston 268 

4.2 Battery Morris 270 

4.3 Batteries Engle and Peck 272 

4.4 Nine Gun Battery 274 

4.5 Battery Potter 276 

4.6 Battery Granger 279 

4.7 Mortar Battery 280 

4.8 Battery Gunnison 282 

4.9 Battery Kingman 284 

4.10 Battery Mills 286 

4.11 NIKE Radar Site 288 

4.12 NIKE Launch Site 291 

TREATMENT 

5.1 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Battery Urmston 348 

5.2 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Battery Morris 360 

5.3 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Batteries Engle 

and Peck 372 

5.4 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Nine Gun Battery 388 

5.5 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Battery Potter 405 

5.6 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Battery Granger 418 

5.7 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Mortar Battery 430 

5.8 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Battery Gunnison 441 

5.9 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Battery Kingman 456 

5.10 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, Battery Mills 457 

5.11 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, NIKE Radar Site 484 

5.12 Summary of Treatment Recommendations, NIKE Launch Site 485 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

xvii 

DRAWINGS 

INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Study Area Battery Locations 6 

SITE HISTORY 

2.1 1895 Period Plan Site Wide 33 

2.2 1895 Period Plan Sandy Hook Batteries 34 

2.3 1919 Period Plan Site Wide 79 

2.4 1919 Period Plan Sandy Hook Batteries 80 

2.5 1945 Period Plan Site Wide 119 

2.6 1945 Period Plan Sandy Hook Batteries 120 

2.7 1974 Period Plan Site Wide 159 

2.8 1974 Period Plan Sandy Hook Batteries 160 

EXISTING CONDITIONS 

3.1 Existing Conditions Site Wide 241 

3.2 Existing Conditions Sandy Hook Batteries 242 

3.3 Battery Urmston 243 

3.4 Battery Morris 244 

3.5 Batteries Engle and Peck 245 

3.6 Nine Gun Battery 246 

3.7 Battery Potter 247 

3.8 Battery Granger 248 

3.9 Mortar Battery 249 

3.10 Battery Gunnison 250 

3.11 Battery Kingman 251 

3.12 Battery Mills 252 

3.13 NIKE Radar Site 253 

3.14 NIKE Launch Site 254 

TREATMENT 

5.1 Battery Urmston 353 

5.2 Battery Morris 365 

5.3 Batteries Engle and Peck 377 

5.4 Nine Gun Battery 397 

5.5 Battery Potter 411 

5.6 Battery Granger 423 

5.7 Mortar Battery 435 

5.8 Battery Gunnison 445 

5.9 Battery Kingman 469 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

xviii 

5.10 Battery Mills 470 

5.11 NIKE Radar Site 505 

5.12 NIKE Launch Site 506 
FOREWORD

xix 

FOREWORD 

Starting in 1893, Sandy Hook represented the first line of defense of America’s 

most important seaport. Large caliber and rapid fire gun batteries, such as 

Batteries Gunnison, Potter and Mortar, played an important part of an ever 

changing coastal fortification strategy which kept the United States an arm’s 

length from its enemies. The defensive strategy shifted focus, but continued into 

the Cold War-era with the installation of a NIKE missile battery at Sandy Hook. 

The following report details the present conditions for these significant batteries 

within Fort Hancock, part of the Sandy Hook Unit within Gateway National 

Recreation Area. As the park moves forward in developing more comprehensive 

planning and treatment strategies in preserving these facilities, this plan will keep 

us headed in the right direction. 

The Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation has done a great job in 

organizing the details through attainable objectives for the park to build upon in 

future preservation and rehabilitation efforts. As we move forward in our efforts 

to fulfill the NPS mission, this document will provide the needed guidance and 

documentation to reach that goal. 

Pete McCarthy 

Unit Coordinator 

Sandy Hook Unit Gateway NRA 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

xx 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

xxi 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

This report represents a collaborative effort between the Olmsted Center for 

Landscape Preservation and the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National 

Recreation Area. At the Olmsted Center, Lisa Nowak and Allison Crosbie, 

Historical Landscape Architects, conducted research at the National Archives 

and the Center for Military History. Timothy W. Layton, Historical Landscape 

Architect, served as lead author with guidance and contributions from Eliot 

Foulds, Senior Project Manager. Margie Coffin Brown, Senior Project Manager, 

reviewed draft documents and Robert Page, Director, provided project oversight 

and reviewed draft documents. 

At the Sandy Hook Unit, Pete McCarthy, Unit Coordinator, and Lou Venuto, 

former Chief of Interpretation and Cultural Resources, participated in the 

formulation, coordination, and review of this project. Brian Forseth, Chief of 

Maintenance, participated in identifying and reviewing treatment tasks. Mike 

Thomas, Park Ranger, assisted in the on-site documentation of the coastal 

defense batteries during several bitterly cold January days. Thomas Hoffman, 

Interpretative Ranger, graciously dialogued with the authors, reviewed draft 

documents, and shared his wealth of knowledge about the park’s coastal 

defenses. Mary Rasa, former Museum Curator, provided digital copies of images 

from the park’s collection and Mark Christiano, GIS Specialist, shared GIS and 

orthophoto data. 

Additionally, this report was aided by contributions from Wade Myers, Technical 

Information Specialist at the Harpers Ferry Center, who provided digital copies 

of images from the center’s Commissioned Art Collection. The authors greatly 

benefitted from conversations with Bolling Smith and Mark Berhow and 

direction to the Coastal Defense Study Group’s e-library of Report of Completed 

Works and NIKE missile documentation. Finally, the Historic Fortification 

Preservation Handbook prepared through a partnership between the National 

Park Service, the University of Oregon, and the Washington State Parks and 

Recreation Commission, served as an invaluable guide to preparing treatment 

recommendations for Sandy Hook’s coastal defense batteries. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

xxii 
INTRODUCTION

1 

INTRODUCTION 

This report recounts the past, documents the present and prescribes an 

appropriate future for the essential surviving elements of Sandy Hook’s historic 

coastal defense batteries. Over the course of more than one-hundred years, 

facilities at Sandy Hook have had major roles in the testing and deployment of 

weapons systems including nearly every kind of seacoast artillery, harbor mines, 

searchlights and RADAR systems, of which there is little tangible evidence 

remaining above ground. The purpose of this report is to provide park managers 

with preservation measures focused on the surviving and visible coastal defense 

infrastructure and the associated landscape characteristics and features that since 

1975 have been the responsibility of the National Park Service. 

To aid in navigation and defend the metropolitan New York area, public and 

government agencies have been present on Sandy Hook since the late eighteenth 

century. Most recently, the U. S. Army used the peninsula as a missile defense 

site until the mid-1970s when the missile system was deemed obsolete and the 

Army’s land was transferred to the National Park Service. Prior to that time, the 

gun batteries built between 1893 and 1917 had been disarmed and mothballed by 

the Army following the end of World War II. The Army then briefly took Fort 

Hancock off-line until the onset of the Korean Conflict in 1950, and soon 

thereafter used the property to locate missile defenses protecting the New York, 

New Jersey metropolitan area against bombardment by high-altitude aircraft and 

intercontinental missiles. When the Department of Defense transferred the 

property to the National Park Service, the extant missile defense infrastructure 

remained sound, while the former gun batteries had been deteriorating in 

obsolescence for nearly thirty years. 

Gateway National Recreation Area’s Sandy Hook Unit, provides opportunities 

for outdoor recreation and enjoyment of natural and cultural resources that are 

unusually accessible to large urban populations (Figure 1.1). The park’s 

successful new Multi-Use Path (MUP) has begun attracting visitors beyond the 

popular ocean beaches, introducing thousands to the peninsula’s diverse natural 

and cultural environments and broadening the typical visitor experience. As the 

Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path continues to attract visitors, the park anticipates that 

many will become interested in learning more of Sandy Hook’s military history, 

and the historic purpose of the coastal defenses arranged along its length. 

PROJECT METHODOLOGY AND OBJECTIVES 

The scope of this report includes a brief site history, a description of existing 

conditions, and a landscape analysis based on National Register of Historic 

Places definitions and criteria. The final chapter of the report concludes with 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

2 

treatment recommendations intending to preserve the characteristics and 

features of the landscape that give the property historical significance. 

As Sandy Hook’s complex history has been well examined in research presented 

by others, the purpose of this report is not to retell the comprehensive history of 

Sandy Hook’s coastal defenses. Rather, the purpose of this report is to supply 

background information and to organize a logical framework supporting 

recommendations for the preservation of the most tangible remnants of the 

former defensive system. Relying on comprehensive histories prepared by 

others, the preparers of this report have focused new research efforts entirely 

upon the question of vegetation management. Work has also been focused on 

providing graphic "period-plans" of the coastal defense system as it developed 

and evolved, and providing adequate mapping to guide and illustrate treatment 

recommendations. Given that coastal defense infrastructure is primarily 

structural, prior National Park Service reports and documents give scant 

attention to the historic role of vegetation. Yet, the engineering of these concrete 

structures relied fundamentally on the cushioning effect of sand and soil to 

absorb the explosive force of munitions. Vegetation was encouraged, even 

cultivated, on these engineered landforms in order to protect the steep 

engineered slopes against erosion and to protect the batteries from detection by 

hostile parties. 

As more definitive histories are available elsewhere, this report provides a brief 

historical overview of the development of the coastal defense system sufficient to 

provide a sound basis for choosing appropriate preservation treatments. This 

overview is followed by an inventory and assessment of existing landscape 

conditions. This in turn is followed by an analysis and evaluation of the historical 

significance of the military landscape and the relative contribution of its surviving 

elements in conveying that significance. This analysis provides base inventory 

data and cultural resource evaluations for use in managing these landscape 

resources. This report concludes with landscape treatment recommendation. 

Regarding the NIKE missile battery sites, recommendations include site-planning 

intending to sensitively accommodate visitation and interpretation. Elsewhere 

within the various earth-sheltered coastal battery sites, treatment 

recommendations center upon management strategies for treating the vegetation 

growing on the earthen slopes integral to the coastal defense sites. 

The objectives of this report include the following: 

1. To provide additional details needed to both preserve, make accessible, and 

to interpret Sandy Hook’s surviving coastal defense sites. The identification 

and preservation of significant downrange views and views between 

rangefinding stations are of particular interest in helping to interpret the 

coastal defenses as an integrated system. 
INTRODUCTION

3 

2. To guide the preservation and accessibility modifications of the Sandy Hook 

coastal fortifications insuring that proposed alterations to the historic 

landscape meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of 

Historic Properties: Rehabilitation. 

3. To organize and present the proposed treatment of the Sandy Hook coastal 

defenses landscape to facilitate consultation and to satisfy Gateway National 

Recreation Area’s responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act of 1966. 

PROJECT SETTING AND GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE 

Fort Hancock, the historic Sandy Hook Proving Ground, and the accompanying 

coastal defense batteries are located near the northern tip of the Sandy Hook 

peninsula at the mouth of New York City's outer harbor. Fort Hancock was 

established in 1895 as part of a new nationwide system of coastal fortifications 

proposed in the 1880's by the Endicott Board. Acquired by the National Park 

Service in 1975 for use as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, the 

Sandy Hook Unit is comprised of the greater part of a narrow 2,000 acre 

peninsula extending north from coastal New Jersey. The park lies at the 

northern end of the New Jersey barrier island system. More than two million 

people visit the Sandy Hook Unit each year. While this cultural landscape report 

documents a dozen military fortifications made up of discontinuous sites, the 

historic fortification system at Sandy Hook is unified by other surviving base 

infrastructure, including roads, railroad rights-of-way, and utility corridors. This 

report does not report upon or make recommendations for coastal batteries that 

currently lie within the boundaries of the U. S. Coast Guard Reservation at the 

northern extremity of the Sandy Hook peninsula (Drawing 1.1). 

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 

This report has defined working boundaries for each of Sandy Hook’s coastal 

battery sites, excluding Battery Arrowsmith, a structural fragment occupying an 

unstable site undermined by water. These working battery site boundaries 

extend beyond the above-ground masonry battery features to include engineered 

slopes in front of the masonry structures, and battery service areas to the rear of 

the masonry structures. Originally designed to be indistinguishable at a distance 

from the surrounding naturalized landscape, it is understandable that park 

visitors and staff unfamiliar with the historic function of the batteries might 

mistake the engineered landforms for naturally occurring sand dunes. The 

battery site boundaries defined in this report are both minimal and reasonable 

boundaries sufficient to protect and preserve these cultural resources for the 

enjoyment of future generations. Within these boundaries, cultural resource 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

4 

values, and the preservation of cultural resources should be well understood as 

fundamental to the National Park Service mission at the Sandy Hook Unit of the 

Gateway National Recreation Area. 

This report recommends that effective management of vegetation growing within 

each of these working battery site boundaries is critical to both short and long 

term preservation of the historic resources. A mix of woody and herbaceous 

vegetation were historically encouraged to grow on the engineered landforms to 

prevent soil erosion and to conceal the batteries from view. Soil erosion 

continues to be an issue affecting the preservation of these resources, and the 

park should avoid the removal of large areas of vegetation from battery slopes 

without a robust corresponding plan for immediately revegetating cleared areas 

with plantings known for their ability to protect against soil erosion. 

However, the presence of large trees growing on battery slopes presents a threat 

to the preservation of Sandy Hook’s coastal batteries because large trees have the 

potential to uproot during storm events and displace large volumes of soil that 

make up the historic engineered landforms. Woody vegetation of any size should 

also not be permitted to become established in cracks and voids in the historic 

concrete structures, or otherwise allowed to take root in accumulated organic 

matter on concrete battery surfaces. Historically inappropriate growths of tall 

vegetation should not be permitted to block historic downrange views that were 

critical to the historic operation of the ordnance as well as to a contemporary 

understanding of the operation of the historic defenses. 

Providing park managers with a useful rule-of-thumb, this report presents 

vegetation management recommendations that might be conveniently 

remembered as “4-by-4-by-Fore.” The first of the two “4’s” representing the 

elimination of all trees greater than four-inches, in diameter measured at breast 

height, growing upon engineered landforms; the second of the two “4’s” 

representing elimination of woody vegetation of any size growing within fourfeet of buildings and structures or masonry battery features. The third “Fore” 

representing the effective management of vegetation forward of battery sites in 

perpetuation of historic downrange views and enhancing public interpretation 

and understanding of these sites. 
5 

Introduction

Figure 1.1. Gateway National Recreation Area Location Map. Sandy Hook is one of three units of the Gateway National Recreation Area 

(Harpers Ferry Center, National Park Service Maps, http://data2.itc.nps.gov/hafe/hfc/carto-detail.cfm?Alpha=GATE#).
Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

www.nps.gov/oclp Drawing 1.1

LEGEND Study Area

Battery Locations

SOURCES

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho

 Imagery, Captured 2006

0’ 1650’ 3300’ 825’

Battery Location

Battery Location (beyond scope of report)

DRAWN BY

NOTES

1. All features shown in

 approximate location

 and scale

Tim Layton

AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 

2009

Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Gateway National

Recreation Area

NIKE

Launch

Site

NIKE

Radar

Site

Battery

Kingman

Battery Morris &

Battery Urmston Battery Peck &

Battery Engle

Battery

Gunnison

Mortar

Battery

Battery

Arrowsmith

Dynamite

Gun Battery Nine Gun

Battery

Battery

Granger

Battery Potter

Battery

Mills

SANDY HOOK BAY ATLANTIC OCEAN
SITE HISTORY

7 

SITE HISTORY 

PRE-HISTORY AND EUROPEAN CONTACT–1859 

Located in the northeast corner of Monmouth County, New Jersey, Sandy Hook 

extends six and a half miles from the town of Highlands into lower New York 

Harbor. The landform parallels the primary deep water channel into New York 

Harbor and is nineteen miles south of the southern tip of Manhattan. 

Approximately 10,000 years ago during the late Pleistocene epoch, glaciers 

covered northern New Jersey and Long Island, but did not extend south to Sandy 

Hook. Sea levels rose as the glaciers melted and about 8,000 years ago, a south to 

north littoral drift began depositing sand and forming a spit between the 

Navesink River and Atlantic Ocean. The currents continued to shape an 

elongated landform with major deposits accumulating at the northern end of the 

peninsula creating a recurved or hook-shaped formation (Figure 2.1).1

 

Based on archeological data, the earliest Native Americans arrived in New Jersey 

from 12,000 to 10,000 years ago. Settlements were located along major rivers and 

competing theories assert that either these base camps were occupied for long 

periods throughout the year or seasonally, when food resources were available. 

Archeological surveys at Sandy Hook have identified Native American artifacts 

and possible sites on the southern portion of the peninsula away from recent 

littoral deposits at the northern end of the peninsula and inland from the 

dynamically changing shoreline.2

The first European encounters with the Sandy Hook landscape occurred in the 

sixteenth century as countries vied for western trade routes to Asia. Italian 

explorer Giovanni da Verrazano sailed past Sandy Hook in 1524 and was 

followed the next year by Estevan Gomez. Although born in Portugal, Gomez 

sailed for Spain and by 1529 a Spanish map recorded the peninsula as “Cabo de 

Arenas” or Cape of Sands.3

 

Sailing on behalf of the Dutch United East India Company, English explorer 

Henry Hudson sailed along the Atlantic coast and anchored in the Sandy Hook 

Bay in 1609. Given its proximity to the shipping channel, the Dutch and English 

disputed claims over Sandy Hook through the mid-seventeenth century until 

Dutch governor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered all Dutch New World lands to the 

English in 1663.4

In the early 1600s, the Unami branch of the Lenni Lenape occupied central New 

Jersey. The Lenape were part of the Algonquian language group and were 

dispersed throughout New Jersey in autonomous bands. European contact 

brought warfare, disease, and alcoholism that decimated the Lenape population. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

8 

By 1759, estimates placed the Lenape population at 300 for all of New Jersey with 

few remaining in the state by the start of the nineteenth century.5

EARLY DEVELOPMENTS AND FORTIFICATIONS 

From the colonial era to the mid-nineteenth century, Sandy Hook lacked 

permanent coastal defenses. Early developments on the peninsula focused on 

maritime safety, transportation, and temporary fortifications. One of the first 

permanent structures on Sandy Hook provided navigational assistance to ships in 

the narrow channel to New York Harbor. After several shipwrecks in 1761, 

merchants pressured the New York Assembly to purchase a four-acre site on 

Sandy Hook in order to construct a lighthouse. For the next three years, Isaac 

Contro led the building effort to erect an octagonal, masonry structure that rose 

to 105 feet in height. The beacon was lit on June 11, 1764 and became the fifth 

operational lighthouse in the thirteen original colonies (Figure 2.2).6

During the Revolutionary War, the lighthouse aided friend and foe alike 

including British troops navigating the waters off of Sandy Hook. Recognizing 

the importance of the lighthouse, the British occupied the peninsula during the 

war and constructed a stockade around the structure to deter an attack. In 

addition, the British Army used Sandy Hook as a secure staging ground to 

disembark from after the Battle of Monmouth in 1778.7

During the War of 1812, American troops were stationed on the peninsula to 

prevent British reoccupation and to secure naval access to New York City. A half 

mile north of the lighthouse, a wooden stockade called Fort Gates was 

constructed and armed with cannon (Figure 2.3). After the war, American troops 

were withdrawn from Sandy Hook and the stockade and other temporary 

structures deteriorated. Playing a role in the young nation’s first wars, the 

strategic importance of Sandy Hook was well established and the United States 

purchased two large parcels of land comprising most of the peninsula in 1817.8

After the War of 1812, the government continued development on Sandy Hook 

in support of maritime activities. Although the lighthouse aided navigation, 

violent storms punished mariners along Sandy Hook and the New Jersey coast 

prompting Congress to pass a bill in 1848 for a series of lifeboat stations between 

Sandy Hook and Little Egg Harbor. By May 1849, the U. S. Treasury 

Department’s Revenue Marine Board completed eight stations, set at ten-mile 

intervals, from Spermaceti Cove on Sandy Hook south to Long Beach Island near 

Little Egg Harbor.9

 The Spermaceti Cove station was located three miles south of 

the Sandy Hook Lighthouse (Figure 2.4). 

In 1855, the Revenue Marine Board constructed a second station on Sandy Hook 

northeast of the lighthouse.10 New stations were constructed in 1872 at both 
SITE HISTORY

9 

Sandy Hook locations and the northern station was designated Station No. 1 

while the Spermaceti Cove station was designated Station No. 2. In subsequent 

decades, conflicts arose between the Sandy Hook Proving Ground and the 

location of both stations. In 1891, a new station was completed northwest of the 

Sandy Hook Lighthouse along the bay and in 1894, a new station was completed 

232 yards west of the 1872 station at Spermaceti Cove.11

As early as 1759, commercial ferry service operated between New York City and 

Sandy Hook.12 The Raritan and Delaware Bay Railroad Company, a predecessor 

of the New Jersey Southern Railroad, created a ferry and railroad service between 

New York City and Long Branch, New Jersey in 1860. New York passengers first 

traveled on a ferry to Port Monmouth, New Jersey and then transferred to a train 

for the remainder of the trip to Long Branch. Five years later, the company 

established a shorter route from Sandy Hook to Long Branch. Ferries arrived at a 

wharf on Spermaceti Cove and proceeded south along the coast making stops at 

towns growing with recreational amenities.13 The wharf was relocated to 

Horseshoe Cove in 1870 and rail service did not extend north of the cove until 

the Army Ordnance Department established a line in 1889 (Figure 2.5).14

THE FORT AT SANDY HOOK 1859–1895 

By the early 1800s, permanent stone fortifications such as Fort Wadsworth on 

Staten Island and Castle Clinton at the southern end of Manhattan guarded 

upper New York Harbor and the city (Figure 2.6). Mindful of Sandy Hook’s role 

in the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, the Army Corps of Engineers 

prepared plans in 1857 for a fort to protect the lower harbor shipping channel 

and prevent an enemy force from anchoring and staging an attack from the 

peninsula. Work began the same year with the construction of a dock near the 

northwest tip of Sandy Hook. With a facility established to receive material and 

laborers, construction began on a large, five-bastioned granite fort in 1859 

(Figure 2.7). 

Known as the Fort at Sandy Hook, the pentagonal structure stood at the north 

end of the peninsula and enclosed approximately eighteen and a half acres. The 

north and east facade of the fort paralleled the shipping channel along Sandy 

Hook’s Atlantic coastline where it northwest into the lower harbor (Figure 2.8). 

Construction accelerated with the start of the Civil War in 1861 but halted in 

1868 before the entire fort was completed (Figure 2.9).15 The defenses offered by 

the fort, and other stone and masonry fortifications, were surpassed by Civil 

War-era artillery improvements. With construction stopped on the fort, a cycle 

began at Sandy Hook that would last throughout the Cold War of new defensive 

structures and technologies being implemented just as offensive capabilities 

advanced that rendered the prior generation of defenses obsolete. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

10 

CIVIL WAR-ERA ARTILLERY ADVANCEMENTS 

The Civil War allowed emerging artillery technologies to be battle tested and 

conclusions about the effectiveness of rifled bores and pointed projectiles 

changed the design of coastal defense batteries at Sandy Hook and across the 

country. Prior to the Civil War, major artillery on land, at sea, and at coastal 

fortifications consisted of cast iron, smooth bore guns with spherical projectiles. 

Coastal fortifications, like the Fort at Sandy Hook, were not immune to damage 

from this type of artillery. However, the projectiles were being fired from a ship, 

moving under sail power, making it difficult to obtain repeated direct hits 

necessary to destroy a stone and masonry wall. 

The first Civil War-era innovation in artillery was the successful implementation 

of pointed projectiles. Spherical projectiles, or cannonballs, could do more 

damage if they were increased in size and had a corresponding larger barreled 

gun. A pointed projectile could be designed with the same diameter as a sphere, 

but with more mass and less drag as it traveled through the air. Fired from the 

same caliber gun, pointed projectiles were heavier and faster moving, resulting in 

more damage upon impact. 

The superior pointed projectiles were coupled with an innovation in producing 

rifled bores. Rifling is a term describing the spiral grooves on the inside of a gun’s 

bore that spin the projectile. As the projectile travels, the spin stabilizes its 

trajectory and results in faster speeds, longer range, and improved accuracy. 

Artillery with rifled bores and pointed projectiles could have more destructive 

power at a greater distance than earlier ordnance. A single direct hit from this 

new weaponry could obliterate a rigid stone and masonry wall (Figure 2.10). 

Coastal defense batteries were also made more vulnerable by steam-powered 

ships that had better maneuverability and could be equipped with defensive 

metal plating. 

In response to the powerful impacts of this new artillery, Civil War troops 

discovered that earthen embankments, often reinforced by wood pilings, 

provided better protection and the promise of easier repairs compared to stone 

and masonry construction. Unlike shattering stone, the earth could absorb the 

projectile’s force and the resulting crater could be readily filled with nearby earth 

and sand.16 Observation and experience with defensive earthen structures in the 

Civil War would influence the design of coastal defense batteries during the 

second half of the nineteenth century. 

SANDY HOOK PROVING GROUND 

Civil War artillery advancements harkened the beginning of a new generation of 

armaments, but did not address what the United States should do with over a 

thousand existing smooth bore guns. Congress concurred with the need to test 
SITE HISTORY

11 

the conversion of smooth bore to rifled artillery and appropriations were signed 

into law in 1872 to facilitate the tests.17 Various locations along the eastern 

seaboard of the United States were considered for establishing a new proving 

ground with a seven to eight mile uninhabited range. While potential locations 

and their acquisition were debated, the military reservation at Sandy Hook was 

selected as a temporary facility in 1874. The Army hastily constructed wood 

platforms and carriages and the first test fire of a converted smooth bore gun 

occurred in October 1874.18 The temporary facility became more permanent in 

1881 with the construction of a Proof Battery and concrete platforms for 

mounting and testing guns.19 The Sandy Hook Proving Ground, with a proof 

battery and supporting, auxiliary structures, was the first development on the 

peninsula that responded to artillery advancements from the Civil War era.20 A 

new generation of coastal defenses would join the granite fort and Proving 

Ground within the next decade. 

THE ENDICOTT BOARD 

As experts debated the location for a permanent proving ground site, an economic 

crisis started with the Panic of 1873 and lasted until 1878. As a result, Congress 

reduced coastal defense spending and ultimately stopped its funding in 1875.21 

Pressure for a new generation of coastal defenses came from the public, officers 

in the Army and Navy, and members of Congress who were concerned about the 

advancement of foreign navies and the lack of maintenance on existing defenses. 

During President Grover Cleveland’s first term, in 1885 to1889, Secretary of War 

William C. Endicott convened a board comprised of Army and Navy personnel 

and knowledgeable civilians to study locations, fortification types, armament, 

and protective materials for coastal defenses. The Endicott Board met in 1885 

and early the following year released findings that called for defensive structures 

at twenty-six coastal locations, including Sandy Hook, and three additional sites 

along the Great Lakes.22

Prior to the Endicott Board, coastal defenses placed canons within parapet 

openings and on top of stone and masonry forts (Figure 2.11). In contrast to this 

approach and to address the threat posed by improved artillery, the Endicott 

Board recommended that new coastal defenses utilize rifled artillery emplaced in 

concrete platforms. The platforms would be shielded by a concrete wall and 

from the top of the wall, additional concrete would slope away and then be 

covered with earth for impact absorption and concealment into the surrounding 

landscape (Figure 2.12). As a result of the Endicott Board’s recommendations, 

the first steam-powered, gun-lift battery and the first concrete mortar battery in 

the nation would be constructed at Sandy Hook. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

12 

BATTERY POTTER (GUN LIFT BATTERY #1) 

In advance of constructing two new batteries, the Army upgraded transportation 

and housing facilities. The wharf near the northwest point of the peninsula, 

primarily used by the Ordnance Department to receive artillery for the Proving 

Ground, was extended in 1891 to receive cement, broken stone, and lumber for 

the battery projects. Narrow gauge railroad lines were installed on the wharf and 

laid out to the proposed battery sites for delivering materials. The Army also 

constructed temporary buildings to house a civilian workforce needed on Sandy 

Hook for the new battery projects.23

Excavations began for the Mortar Battery in November 1890 and were followed 

three months later by the groundbreaking for Battery Potter. Construction on 

both batteries occurred simultaneously throughout the early 1890s. Battery 

Potter has the distinction of being the first completed, partially armed, and tested 

battery following the Endicott Board’s recommendations and therefore, the 

discussion will now focus on Battery Potter and be followed by the Mortar Battery. 

Prior to its designation as Battery Potter, Sandy Hook’s first coastal defense 

battery utilizing concrete construction and rifled guns was referred to as the Gun 

Lift Battery #1. In addition to incorporating new materials and artillery, the 

battery’s innovative design featured a steam-powered hydraulic lift that raised the 

guns up into firing position after they had been loaded within a protective 

structure. Viewed from above, the Gun Lift Battery was D-shaped with the 

straight segment of the “D” facing west and a curving facade facing the Atlantic to 

the east. The terreplein stood approximately forty feet above surrounding grades 

and contained two openings for raising and lowering the 12-inch caliber guns. 

East of the guns, a concrete superior slope gently descended to a sentry route 

known as a chemin de ronde that was fronted by a parapet wall. A concrete slope 

angled away from the parapet and met an engineered earthwork that continued 

to slope down to surrounding grades and blended the massive concrete structure 

with the surrounding dune landforms (Figure 2.13). 

Before excavating for the Gun Lift Battery, the Army constructed temporary 

storage facilities and installed mixing equipment to the west of the battery site for 

concrete production. Rail cars transported cement and broken stone from the 

wharf to the construction site, which were mixed with water and sand to produce 

concrete in close proximity to the building site. Sand was excavated and brought 

to the production site from nearby pits (Figure 2.14). 

In April 1891, two months after excavation work began, workers started placing 

concrete for the Gun Lift Battery.24 Construction continued until winter weather 

slowed concrete production. By June 1892, a majority of the battery’s northern 

section was complete and the boiler, gun lift mechanism, and carriage were 

installed at the north emplacement. Two months later, the first 12-inch gun was 
SITE HISTORY

13 

raised to the terreplein and mounted at the north emplacement. Two rounds 

were test fired in September 1892 inaugurating a new era of coastal defense for 

metropolitan New York (Figure 2.15).25

As winter approached, colder weather again slowed concrete production and 

work crews focused on creating the engineered earthwork around the exterior 

walls of the battery. From December until June 1893, over 5,000 cubic yards of 

sand were added around the structure to a height of twenty feet above the 

surrounding grades.26 The Army placed sand at a 2:3 slope resulting in a steep 

finished surface that was susceptible to erosion. In order to limit erosion and 

camouflage the earthwork with the surrounding dunes, the north, south, and east 

facing slopes were planted with cedar trees and small shrubs. The plant material 

was likely obtained from other locations on the peninsula and transplanted to the 

engineered earthwork.27

The west facing slope was also planted, however, this earthwork was part of a 

defensible entrance for the Gun Lift Battery and received low growing sod instead 

of small cedars and shrubs. Concerned about a land-based assault on the battery, 

the Army Corps of Engineers designed a castellated entry that extended west 

from the main concrete structure. The entry was constructed with granite blocks 

salvaged from the Fort at Sandy Hook. Two octagonal towers flanked either side 

of a main door. The door and first and second stories of the towers contained 

gun loop slots so machine guns could fire on potential attackers (Figure 2.16). As 

part of the defensive scheme, vegetation on the west slope needed to be low 

growing in order to permit an unobstructed field of fire (Figure 2.17). 

By the end of 1893, the Gun Lift Battery was essentially complete with masonry 

construction finished, the engineered earthwork installed, and plant material 

added to the steep, sandy slopes. However at this time, the battery only had one 

12-inch gun emplaced. The gun lift mechanism for the south emplacement was 

installed in February 1894 and then delays in manufacturing the gun carriage 

hindered the full operational start of the battery.28 Over a year later, the carriage 

was delivered and installed and the second 12-inch gun emplaced. After 

successfully test firing ten alternating shots from the two guns, the Gun Lift 

Battery was cleared for service in August 1895.29

MORTAR BATTERY 

Complementing the capabilities of the artillery at the Gun Lift Battery was a 

battery of sixteen mortars, recessed in a massive earthen landform, just south of 

the Sandy Hook lighthouse. Compared to the long-barreled guns at the Gun Lift 

Battery, mortars were stubby and set at steep angles to fire their projectiles in a 

high, arcing trajectory. A group of eight or sixteen mortars was planned to fire 

together and their respective 700-pound projectiles would collectively descend 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

14 

on the decks of ships like oversized pellets from a shotgun blast (Figure 2.18). To 

achieve high arcing trajectories that struck ships in the channel, Sandy Hook’s 

Mortar Battery had to be located further away from the shoreline than the Gun 

Lift Battery (Figure 2.19).30

Construction began in 1890 on the Mortar Battery. The battery contained four 

concrete platforms that were recessed in a protective mound of earth and sand 

that rose to almost thirty-five feet. A rectangular concrete wall bounded the 

earthen mound, the longer legs of which were oriented in a southeast to 

northwest direction. At the wall’s southwest and northeast corners, the Army 

constructed counterscarp galleries to defend against a land-based attack. If 

enemy forces ever penetrated the Mortar Battery’s perimeter wall, machine 

gunners stationed in the counterscarp galleries had unobstructed lines of fire 

along the face of the wall (Figure 2.20). 

Given the orientation of the battery, recessed platforms were located in the 

southwest, southeast, northwest, and northeast portions of the structure. 

Vertical retaining walls rose up from each platform and met a concrete blast slope 

that tapered to a wider opening and held back the mounded earth (Figure 2.21). 

The southwest and northwest platforms were entered through a concrete gallery 

featuring high, concrete retaining walls. Passageways to access the southeast and 

northeast platforms, as well as ammunition magazines, were located under the 

protective cover of the built up earthwork. 

The first step in constructing Mortar Battery was excavating a stable base for each 

mortar platform, then pouring a concrete slab for the base. Similar to the work 

undertaken at the Gun Lift Battery, concrete was produced on site with 

dedicated storage space for broken stone and cement. Ships transported both 

products to Sandy Hook and then rail cars brought stone and cement to a site 

southwest of the Mortar Battery (Figure 2.22). The Army excavated sand from 

nearby pits and mixed with the other two components in close proximity to 

where the final concrete was placed. 

In addition to the concrete facility, rail lines were installed to three sand pits near 

the Mortar Battery in order to transport sand for the battery’s mounded, 

protective covering (Figure 2.23). When temperatures were too cold to mix and 

place concrete, laborers began filling rail cars by hand with sand. When the cars 

arrived at Mortar Battery, derricks hoisted a removable container and dumped 

the sand around the finished concrete work. The sand filling progressed slowly 

and during the winter months of 1892 and 1893, steam-powered shovels were 

brought to the site to improve the quantity and speed of the excavation and 

placing work.31

Over 150,000 cubic yards of sand were placed at Mortar Battery and settling and 

high winds displaced some of the material.32 To better secure the fill material and 
SITE HISTORY

15 

protect their tremendous construction expenditures, site engineer Lt. James G. 

Warren directed the planting of sod, cut from a marsh south of the battery, on the 

slopes rising form the concrete blast slopes to the top of the mound. The 

remainder of the mound was covered in native heather and cedar boughs that 

were tolerant of dry and sunny conditions. Additionally, records show that oats 

were sown on the slopes to help deter erosion.33 

Masonry construction was completed at Mortar Battery in 1893 and a year later, 

each of the four platforms was armed with four 12-inch guns. The guns were test 

fired in June 1894 and Sandy Hook’s Mortar Battery became the first completed 

and operational concrete mortar battery in United States. 

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FORT HANCOCK 

The creation of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground and the construction of new 

coastal defense batteries brought personnel from the Army Ordnance 

Department and the Army Corps of Engineers respectively to the peninsula. In 

addition to Battery Potter and the Mortar Battery, the Army constructed an 

experimental Dynamite Gun Battery in 1893. Located at the northern end of the 

peninsula, the battery utilized compressed air to fire projectiles instead of 

gunpowder.34 With three batteries completed, additional personnel from the 

Army Corps of Artillery were needed for fulltime operation and maintenance of 

the new structures. 

In order to provide housing and support facilities for the Army Corps of Artillery, 

the Secretary of War issued a general order establishing Fort Hancock on 

October 30, 1895. The Army designated the fort in honor of Major General 

Winfield Scott Hancock, a veteran of the Mexican and Civil Wars, who rose to 

national recognition for his heroics during the Civil War.35 The Army Corps of 

Engineers, based out of New York City, would be on Sandy Hook as needed for 

battery construction and shoreline stabilization projects. The Ordnance 

Department and Corps of Artillery would have permanent facilities but each 

would retain separate and distinct identities under the supervision of their own 

commanding officers.36

At the time Fort Hancock was established, the Army Ordnance Department, 

Army Corps of Engineers, and Army Corps of Artillery shared the peninsula with 

federal personnel for the U. S. Lighthouse Service, the U. S. Lifesaving Service, 

and Western Union Telegraph Company.37 All of these organizations shaped and 

modified the landscape in performing their duties. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

16 

LANDSCAPE SUMMARY – 1895 

The general arrangement of developed versus non-developed areas at Sandy 

Hook appeared by 1895. Development was concentrated at the northern end of 

the peninsula with the former granite fort, wharf, lifesaving station, lighthouse, 

Proving Ground, and coastal defense batteries all north of Horseshoe Cove 

(Drawing 2.2). The railroad bisected the middle section of the peninsula which 

was primarily undeveloped except for a wharf and ice houses near Horseshoe 

Cove (Drawing 2.2). The southern portion of the peninsula contained limited 

development but was marked by the Spermaceti Cove lifesaving station and a 

dike south of the cove that sheltered it from the currents of the Navesink River 

(Drawing 2.1). 

An 1889 map prepared by the Army Corps of Engineers shows the overall 

composition of vegetation and natural features several years prior to Fort 

Hancock’s establishment. Large woody vegetation covered the undeveloped, 

middle section of the peninsula. Sand dune and beach areas were wider on the 

Atlantic side and narrower along Sandy Hook Bay. A relatively large marsh 

extended north of Horseshoe Cove and a tidal marsh bordered the edges of 

Spermaceti Cove. A string of long, narrow ponds punctuated the middle of the 

peninsula east of a primary north-south circulation route. Vegetation cover was 

sparse and clearing occurred around the Ordnance Department quarters and the 

Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Additional cleared areas appeared in association with 

the newly constructed batteries and the railroad lines (Drawings 2.1-2.2). 

At the northern end of Sandy Hook, the pentagonal outline of the Fort at Sandy 

Hook dominated the landscape. Never completed, the Army removed portions 

of the Fort’s exterior walls by the 1890s and reused the massive granite blocks for 

shoreline stabilization and new projects such as Battery Potter’s defensible west 

facade. The southwest bastion of the Fort served as a control and observation 

facility for underwater mines. A storage building for the mines stood 

immediately south of the bastion. West of the Fort, the Dynamite Gun Battery 

stood isolated near the extreme northwest tip of the peninsula. The battery was 

oriented to engage enemy ships as they headed west in the main channel across 

the northern tip of the peninsula (Drawing 2.2). 

East of the Fort, the Sandy Hook Proving Ground consisted of concrete 

platforms, a Machine Shop, and smaller supporting structures to store and 

observe ordnance tests. North of the Proving Ground, Western Union 

established a telegraph station. The Ordnance Department housed personnel 

south of the Fort and west of the Proving Ground. South of this housing, the 

Army constructed Battery Potter and the Mortar Battery, emplaced their guns, 

and prepared the batteries to defend the southern approach to New York. 

Construction was ongoing at Battery Granger and would be finalized in 1896 

(Drawing 2.2). 
SITE HISTORY

17 

Immediately north of the Mortar Battery, the 1764 lighthouse continued to warn 

mariners of the shallow waters around the peninsula. A keeper’s house was 

located west of the lighthouse and secondary beacons were positioned north of 

the Fort and along Sandy Hook Bay. To further aid sea travel, lifesaving stations 

were established northwest of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and at Spermaceti 

Cove (Drawings 2.1-2.2). 

Access to and from the peninsula was by ships arriving at one of two wharves or 

via the railroad that stretched down the coastline to Long Branch, New Jersey. A 

wharf near the northern end of the peninsula featured separate docks for the 

Ordnance Department and Army Corps of Engineers. Another wharf, originally 

constructed for New Jersey Southern Railroad, was located at Horseshoe Cove. 

Three railroad lines originated from the northern wharf and branched off to 

separate destinations. The northern line covered the shortest distance and 

terminated at a storage building for underwater mines near the southwest bastion 

of the Fort. The central line carried ordnance east to the Proving Ground and a 

branch off this line continued south across the entire length of the peninsula. 

The southern line from the wharf divided into three separate branches that 

served construction efforts and later munitions delivery to Battery Potter, the 

Mortar Battery, and Battery Granger (Drawing 2.2). 

An east-west roadway paralleled the rail line from the northern wharf to the 

Proving Ground and secondary branches off of this road provided access to the 

Officers’ Quarters. Also branching off of this east-west road was a north-south 

road that began east of the Ordnance Department Wharf and extended south to 

Spermaceti Cove. In addition to the roadways, the Ordnance Department 

constructed a wood plank walk from the Proving Ground south along the 

Atlantic coastline to the 3,000 yard target. The walk allowed ordnance officers to 

easily make their way across the dunes and evaluate shell impacts (Drawing 2.2). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

18 
19 

Site History

Figure 2.1. Formation of Sandy Hook. A south to north littoral drift 

deposited sand and formed a spit between the Navesink River and 

Atlantic Ocean. Waves and winds moving westward continued to shape 

the landform with major deposits accumulating at the northern end 

creating a recurved or hook-shaped formation (Charles B. Hunt, Natural 

Regions of the United States and Canada, San Francisco: W. H. Freeman 

and Company, 1974).

Figure 2.2. Sandy Hook Lighthouse. At the conclusion of three years of construction, the beacon was lit

at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse on June 11, 1764 and became the fifth operational lighthouse in the 

thirteen original colonies (Gateway National Recreation Area Museum Collection, hereafter GATE, 28836).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

20

Figure 2.4. Spermaceti Cove Lifeboat Station, circa 1930. In 1849, the U. S. 

Treasury Department’s Revenue Marine Board established a lifesaving station 

at Spermaceti Cove to protect mariners along the southern portion of Sandy 

Hook (U. S. Coast Guard, “Station Spermaceti Cove, New Jersey,”

http://www.uscg.mil/history/stations/SPERMACETICOVE.pdf).

Figure 2.3. A Plan of Fort Gates Erected on Sandy Hook, 1813. Located a half-mile north of the 

lighthouse, a wooden stockade called Fort Gates was constructed to prevent British occupation 

and to secure naval access to New York City during the War of 1812 (James J. Lee III and Lauren 

Laham, Historic Structure Report: Battery Potter, Mortar Battery and Battery Gunnison, United 

States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 2007).
21 

Site History

Figure 2.5. Detail of Sandy Hook from “Portions of Middletown and Ocean Townships,” in the Beers, Comstock 

and Cline Atlas of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1873. In 1865, ferry service was established from Manhattan to 

Sandy Hook where passengers transferred to a train headed to Long Branch. The railroad line, as seen on this 1873 

map, did not extend north of Horseshoe Cove until the U. S. Army Ordnance Department established a line in 1889 

(GATE 2255).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

22

Figure 2.6. Detail of The Port of New York: Birds Eye View From Battery, Looking South. By the early 1800s, permanent 

stone fortifications such as Castle Clinton and Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island guarded Upper New York Harbor and the 

city (Library of Congress, annotated by Olmsted Center).

Figure 2.7. The Ordnance Department dock or wharf, circa 1900–10. In 1857, work began on construction of a dock near 

the northwest tip of the peninsula to facilitate construction on a five-bastioned granite fort (GATE 7319).

Castle Clinton

Castle Williams

Fort Hamilton Fort Wadsworth
23 

Site History

Figure 2.8. Diagram of the Sandy Hook landform, the shipping channel, and the Fort. The north and east facade of the Fort at Sandy 

Hook paralleled the natural shipping channel that avoided shallow waters near the peninsula. The channel followed Sandy Hook’s 

Atlantic coastline and turned northwest into Lower New York Harbor (Olmsted Center, 2010).

Atlantic Ocean

Sandy

Hook

Bay

Shoals

The Fort

at Sandy

Hook

Shipping Channel

Shoals

Shoals

0 0.25 0.50 1 mile
Cultural landSCape report for tHe Sandy Hook CoaStal defenSe BatterieS

24

Figure 2.9. View looking west at the Fort at Sandy Hook, circa 1880–85. With the start of the Civil War in 1861, construction accelerated 

on the Fort but was halted in 1868 before the entire structure was completed. The Proving Ground machine shop can be seen in the 

foreground (GATE 7298 and 7299).

Figure 2.10. Fort Sumter, South Carolina, 

September 8, 1863. Similar to Fort Sumter, 

coastal defense batteries using stone and 

masonry construction were made obsolete 

by artillery with rifled bores and pointed 

projectiles (Library of Congress).
25 

Site HiStory

Figure 2.11. Section of masonry fort and smoothbore cannons. Early coastal defenses placed canons 

within parapet openings and on top of stone and 

masonry forts (Emanuel Raymond Lewis, Seacoast 

Fortifications of the United States: An Introductory 

History, Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1993).

Figure 2.12. Section of disappearing gun in concrete and earth-shielded battery. Following the Endicott Board’s recommendations, new 

coastal defenses utilized rifled artillery emplaced in concrete platforms that were shielded by concrete and earth for impact absorption 

and concealment into the surrounding landscape (Hugh Brown, Harpers Ferry Center Commissioned Art Collection, Exhibit 12/Graphic # 

12-7 and Olmsted Center).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

26

Figure 2.14. Lift Gun Battery No. 1 at Sandy Hook, N.J., June 30, 1892. Prior to excavation starting for Battery Potter, 

temporary storage facilities were constructed and mixing equipment installed for concrete production. Cement and broken 

stone were transported by railroad to the production site west of the battery (Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report).

Figure 2.13. Annotated isometric view of Battery Potter. Battery Potter’s west facade featured a defensible entrance that 

resembled a castle. At the top of the battery, two openings were constructed in the terreplein for raising and lowering 

the guns. East of the guns, a concrete superior slope gently descended to a sentry route known as a chemin de ronde that 

was fronted by a parapet wall. A concrete slope angled away from the parapet and met an engineered earthen slope that 

blended the massive concrete structure in with the surrounding land (GATE 10312 and Olmsted Center).

Plan North
27 

Site History

Figure 2.16. Proposed Main Entrance to the Lift Gun Battery at Sandy Hook, N.J., January 14, 1892. Concerned 

about a land-based assault, the Army Corps of Engineers designed a castellated entry for Battery Potter. The 

entry was constructed with granite blocks salvaged from the Fort at Sandy Hook and the two towers contained 

gun loop slots so machine guns could fire on potential attackers (Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report).

Figure 2.15. Battery Potter’s north emplacement, September 12, 1892. The first of Battery Potter’s two 12-inch 

guns was mounted at the north emplacement in August 1892. A month later, two rounds were test fired 

inaugurating a new era of coastal defense for metropolitan New York (GATE 7804).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

28

Figure 2.17. West elevation of Battery Potter, circa 1893. As part of the defensive scheme for Battery Potter’s west facade, vegetation on 

the west slope was low growing in order to permit an unobstructed field of fire from the granite towers (GATE 7813).
29 

Site History

Figure 2.19. Illustration of projectile trajectory from the Mortar Battery. In order to achieve high arcing trajectories that would strike 

ships in the channel, Sandy Hook’s Mortar Battery had to be located further west from the Atlantic shoreline than Battery Potter (Hugh 

Brown, Harpers Ferry Center Commissioned Art Collection, Exhibit 15/Graphic # 15-7).

Figure 2.18. Four mortars mounted in a mortar pit, the Mortar Battery, June 30, 1894. Compared to 

the long-barreled guns at Battery Potter, mortars were stubby and set at steep angles to fire their 

projectiles in a high, arcing trajectory (GATE 7864).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

30

Figure 2.20. Plan for counterscarp gallery, 1895. In the event that enemy forces penetrated the Mortar 

Battery’s perimeter wall, machine gunners were stationed in counterscarp galleries that had unobstructed 

lines of fire along the face of the wall (GATE 10669).

Figure 2.21. Placing sand around the northwest mortar pit, the Mortar Battery, 1893. Vertical concrete walls 

rose up from each mortar platform and met a concrete blast slope that tapered to a wider opening. The 

vertical walls and blast slope held back the Mortar Battery’s engineered earthwork (Lee and Laham, Historic 

Structure Report).
31 

Site History

Figure 2.22. Plan for concrete plant at the Mortar Battery, 1892. 

Similar to the work undertaken at Battery Potter, concrete for 

the Mortar Battery was produced at a dedicated, constructed 

facility that stored and mixed broken stone, cement, sand, and 

water. Broken stone and cement arrived at the site by a railroad 

that originating at the government wharf (GATE 10676).

Figure 2.23. Plan of sand borrow pit and relationship to the Mortar Battery. Sand for concrete production and to create the Mortar 

Battery’s engineered earthwork was excavated from nearby deposits known as borrow pits (highlighted by gray tone) and brought to 

the site by rail lines (Olmsted Center, 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

32
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

1895 Period Plan

Site Wide

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

LEGEND

Drawing 2.1

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 525’ 1050’ 2100’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Map Showing Armament on December 3, 1898

3. Map of Sandy Hook, NJ, Corps of Engineers, 1892

4. Map of Sandy Hook, NJ, Corps of Engineers, 1889

Beach

Battery Landscape Extents

Canopy Vegetation

Marsh

Rail Line

Road / Walk

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location

2. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Plum

Island

Life-Saving

Station #2

Former New Jersey

Southern Railroad Wharf

Atlantic Highlands

Highlands

Ordnance Department and

Army Corps of Engineers Wharves

Dynamite Gun Battery

S p e r m a c e t i C o v e

Skeleton Hill Island

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

Dike

Remnants of the

Fort at Sandy Hook

Proving Ground Plank Walk

Mortar Battery

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Proving Ground

Machine Shop

Battery Granger

(under construction)

Battery Potter

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

1895 Period Plan

Sandy Hook Batteries

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

Drawing 2.2

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 300’ 600’ 1200’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Map Showing Armament on December 3, 1898

3. Map of Sandy Hook, NJ, Corps of Engineers, 1892

4. Map of Sandy Hook, NJ, Corps of Engineers, 1889

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location

2. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

LEGEND

Beach

Battery Landscape Extents

Canopy Vegetation

Marsh

Rail Line

Road / Walk

Former New Jersey

Southern Railroad Wharf

Ice Houses

3,000 Yard

Target

1,760 Yard

Target 1,000 Yard

Target

Cemetery

Army Corps of Engineers Wharf

Ordnance Department Wharf

Superintendent’s House

Dynamite Gun Battery

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

Remnants of the

Fort at Sandy Hook

North Beacon

Life-Saving

Station #1

Proving Ground

Plank Walk

Mortar Battery

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

and Keeper’s House

West Beacon

Soldiers’ Quarters

Proving Ground

Machine Shop

Battery Granger

(under construction)

Battery Potter

Officers’

Quarters

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y
SITE HISTORY

35 

EXPANSION OF COASTAL DEFENSES 1895–1919 

Following the establishment of Fort Hancock in1895, the Army constructed 

additional coastal defense batteries recommended by the Endicott Board at 

Sandy Hook during the early twentieth century. When the United States entered 

World War I on April 6, 1917, seven coastal defense structures had been 

completed in addition to Battery Potter and the Mortar Battery and two more 

were under construction. 

The Endicott Board outlined an ambitious coastal defense program that if fully 

implemented, required funding amounting to roughly half the entire federal 

budget.38 The pace of construction at Sandy Hook and throughout the country 

fluctuated with varying appropriations but finally peaked with the start of the 

Spanish-American War in 1898. Public fears rose about an inadequately 

defended coastline and in response, robust military budgets were approved and 

construction accelerated on coastal defense batteries. 

The defensive system recommended by the Endicott Board consisted of three 

categories—large caliber gun batteries, rapid fire gun batteries, underwater 

control mines. The battery types and mines were designed to engage specific 

threats and to work together as part of a defensive system. For example, 

strategically placed control mines would force an enemy battleship to travel 

slowly through a shipping channel allowing large caliber gun batteries more time 

to fire and disable or eliminate the ship. Rapid fire gun batteries would defend 

against minesweepers and shallow-draft boats that could travel outside the 

shipping channel. Lacking a component of this system made a coastal site 

vulnerable to a specific attack. Given the commercial and military importance of 

New York City, Sandy Hook required both battery categories and control mine 

facilities to defend the southern approach to the harbor. 

Although an important component in the history of Sandy Hook’s coastal 

defenses, the Mine Casemate is presently on U. S. Coast Guard property and is 

outside the study area for this Cultural Landscape Report. The review of the 

coastal defense batteries is divided according to category and first covers the 

large caliber gun batteries and then the rapid fire gun batteries. Within each 

category the batteries are presented chronologically according to the dates of 

artillery emplacement. 

NAVAL ARMS RACE AND THE TAFT BOARD 

At the start of the twentieth century, naval artillery consisted of a mixture of 

caliber sizes with none approaching the size and range of the 12-inch guns 

emplaced at Sandy Hook’s coastal defense batteries. Engineers in Italy, Japan, 

and Great Britain all proposed battleships with large caliber armament schemes 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

36 

and the British completed the first such vessel with the successful launching of 

the HMS Dreadnought in 1906. The Dreadnought’s launch and early trials were 

closely observed as the ship combined large caliber armament, electronic range 

finding system, and faster steam-powered propulsion (Figure 2.24). The ship’s 

design was groundbreaking and nations raced to build comparable battleships of 

their own that were generally categorized as dreadnoughts while all earlier ships 

were disparagingly referred to as pre-dreadnoughts.39

For the battleship’s armament, the Dreadnought replaced a mixture of caliber 

sizes with ten 12-inch guns arranged as pairs on five separate turrets. When a 

pre-dreadnought ship fired mixed-caliber artillery at a target and missed, it was 

difficult to identify the different projectiles and make adjustments to the 

corresponding guns. Dreadnought’s uniform-sized artillery simplified 

adjustments and resulted in volleys of projectiles with increased precision.40

Following Dreadnought’s launch, the United States and other world powers 

strategically shifted from naval defense to offensive capabilities at sea. In an 

effort to display United States naval power, President Theodore Roosevelt 

ordered four squadrons of battleships and escorts on a tour around the world in 

December 1907. The touring squadrons were popularly called the Great White 

Fleet due to their brightly painted hulls. 

As the Navy’s role changed to engaging an enemy force hundreds of miles away 

from the United States, coastal defense systems required reevaluation yet again. 

In similar fashion to the Endicott Board, Roosevelt convened military and civilian 

experts headed by Secretary of War William Howard Taft to review the nation’s 

coastal defenses in 1905. In addition to reviewing Endicott Board 

recommendations, the Taft Board sought to incorporate technological changes 

made during the twenty-year period.41

The Taft Board did not alter the armament and defensive recommendations 

made by the Endicott Board. Instead, the Taft Board reinforced and accelerated 

the implementation of new technology including searchlights to illuminate 

channels and harbors at nighttime and the general electrification of coastal 

defenses.42 In 1913, an approved project called for thirteen 60-inch searchlights 

and two 36-inch searchlights at several locations guarding the southern entrance 

to New York Harbor. Five of the 60-inch searchlights were designated to go to 

Sandy Hook, and by November 1916, the peninsula’s first searchlight was 

operational at a location 1,000 feet south of Battery Gunnison.43 By March 1918, 

the Army installed the remaining four searchlights with one located at the 

northwest point of the peninsula, one directly east of the Mine Casemate, and 

two approximately a mile south of Battery Gunnison.44 The Taft Board also 

addressed coastal defenses for American territories acquired from Spain at the 

conclusion of the Spanish-American War. Except for six batteries at Fort 
SITE HISTORY

37 

MacArthur near Los Angeles, new coastal defenses built after the Taft Board 

report were outside the continental United States in Hawaii, the Philippines, and 

at the Panama Canal.45

Part of the Taft Board’s recommendations addressed improving fire control—the 

process of acquiring and firing on enemy ships. Available land to construct 

multiple observation points as well as advances in optical instruments and 

electronic communications among the observation points, plotting rooms, and 

batteries resulted in the continued superiority of land artillery over naval artillery 

through the early part of the twentieth century. Target systems were established 

that used both single and two observation points equipped with precise optical 

instruments. With two observations points, called base end stations, a ship and 

its distance from each station would be identified simultaneously. The readings 

would be communicated to a plotting room and triangulated to find the ship’s 

position and projected course. After calculating this information, instructions 

would be relayed for aiming and firing the artillery. The communications 

between observation, plotting, and firing were increasingly handled by telephone 

(Figure 2.25). In addition to using two observation points, single observation 

points were installed in elevated structures and towers. Using this system, the 

distance to a ship was calculated based on the known height of an optical 

instrument and the angle it was depressed to sight the target. The Army used 

both systems for the coastal defense batteries at Sandy Hook and the systems, 

“...represented the most significant advance to be made in harbor defense fire 

control until the introduction of radar during World War II.”46

The accuracy of triangulation improved with greater distance between two 

observation points. The Army’s ability to locate stations at greater distances on 

land than between ships at sea gave coastal defense artillery an advantage over 

naval artillery. The coastal defense batteries at Sandy Hook were one component 

of a system that guarded the southern approach to New York Harbor. Batteries 

were also constructed at Fort Tilden on the Rockaway peninsula and at Fort 

Wadsworth and Fort Hamilton guarding the Narrows between the lower and 

upper harbor. In order to improve triangulation accuracy, the Army constructed 

an observation tower for Fort Tilden at Sandy Hook (Figure 2.26).47 For the 

high-angle gun carriage batteries built on Sandy Hook’s western coast, a pair of 

observation stations stood a mile north of the batteries and another pair stood 

south of the peninsula in the Navesink Highlands. Electronic communication 

among the stations, batteries, and forts permitted targeting and firing information 

to be shared across greater distances. 

Controlling new territories, specifically Hawaii and the Philippines, allowed 

American military personnel to observe former coastal defense batteries 

constructed and maintained by the British and Japanese. An April 1910 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

38 

memorandum notes a difference in the design of earthworks and the use of 

vegetation and camouflage to conceal these batteries. Specifically, the author cites: 

...the great care that had evidently been taken by each of these governments 

to conceal the gun batteries and positions finder stations by means of screens 

of trees and shrubbery, and also, in case of English barbette batteries, by 

painting both guns and carriages in splotched or splashed colors of the varied 

hues of the surrounding landscape. In contrast with this I was equally 

impressed with the lack of concealment of our own coast defenses on the 

Pacific Coast and the way the batteries and position finder stations on that 

coast are exposed. The smooth geometrical slopes or our batteries, differing 

entirely from the rough natural slopes of the English and Japanese batteries, 

showed their locations at once, – making them stand out in bold relief against 

the natural background.48

Planting efforts to conceal or obscure coastal defense batteries at Sandy Hook 

and other American locations were not an innovation of the Taft Board. Before 

the Taft Board convened, the Army completed Battery Potter and the Mortar 

Battery and added vegetation in order to limit erosion and blend the batteries 

into the adjacent landscape. Following the increase in naval power around the 

world and the Taft Board report, the Army was more formal in articulating the 

need for vegetation to conceal coastal defense batteries from detection at sea. 

Three weeks after highlighting the differences between American and foreign 

coastal defense batteries, the Army’s Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery issued a 

memorandum instructing that new batteries should be constructed while 

minimizing the number of existing trees removed and with engineered slopes that 

“conform in appearance” to the surrounding landscape and avoid “geometric 

contours.”49 The instructions also call for a general planting scheme composed 

of, “tall trees as a rule, should be planted in rear or and between adjacent 

batteries and in rear and on the sides of stations; low trees at the foot of batteries, 

bushes and shrubs on the superior slopes of batteries and low shrubs in irregular 

splotches between guns.” The memorandum acknowledges that effective 

concealment cannot be achieved in a single planting effort and that one week 

every spring and fall should be devoted to planting on and around the batteries. 

The instructions also cite the need for future replacement plantings and routine 

watering.50 Using vegetation to conceal batteries from ships was deemed so 

important that in 1914, the Army assigned a forester to examine batteries and 

recommend tree planting.51

LARGE CALIBER GUN BATTERIES 

Sandy Hook’s coastal defense batteries were constructed, armed, and modified in 

response to the needs identified by the Endicott and Taft boards. As part of the 

strategy articulated by the boards, coastal defenses were comprised of large 

caliber gun batteries, rapid fire gun batteries, and underwater mines. Sandy 

Hook’s first batteries, Battery Potter and the Mortar Battery, were both large 
SITE HISTORY

39 

caliber gun batteries. From their initial construction to the World War I 

armistice, these two would be joined by other large caliber gun batteries designed 

to engage enemy ships in the narrow channel north and east of the peninsula. 

The additional large caliber batteries at Sandy Hook were developed in response 

to technological improvements in artillery design, particularly the gun carriages, 

but also to provide a more effective defensive system. Test firing of Battery 

Potter’s two guns in 1895 demonstrated an average firing rate of three and a half 

minutes per shot.52 Improvements in steam-powered propulsion meant enemy 

ships would spend less time in a battery’s field of fire. The Army countered 

increased ship speed by placing control mines along the channel and also by 

constructing successive large caliber batteries. Located from south to north 

along Sandy Hook, the successive batteries provided a greater field of fire against 

faster ships. 

Improvements in artillery design also resulted in a cycle of construction and 

disarmament for Sandy Hook’s large caliber gun batteries during the first two 

decades of the twentieth century. In addition to the main shipping channel, 

defenses at Sandy Hook could fire on a ship on the western or bay side of the 

peninsula beginning with Battery Potter’s 360-degree field of fire. When new 

artillery made Battery Potter’s steam-powered gun lifts obsolete and the guns 

were disarmed, the Army constructed Battery Arrowsmith was constructed on 

the western shoreline. The cycle repeated when longer-range guns at Batteries 

Kingman and Mills lead to the disarmament of Battery Arrowsmith. 

Battery Potter 

In 1896, one year after emplacing the second gun at Battery Potter, the Army 

successfully tested the Buffington-Croizer counterweight gun carriage at the 

Sandy Hook Proving Ground. After loading a gun mounted on this new carriage, 

a counterweight raised the gun barrel into firing position above a concrete 

structure. The recoil from firing the gun brought the barrel back down below the 

structure to conceal it and provided cover to the artillerymen reloading the gun. 

A trained crew could fire two rounds per minute with a counterweight carriage 

gun compared to a single round every three a half minutes with the steampowered gun lift at Battery Potter.53 Just as advances in artillery during the Civil 

War eclipsed the defensive capabilities of the Fort at Sandy Hook, the new 

carriage produced in the closing years of the nineteenth century made Battery 

Potter’s steam-powered gun lifts obsolete. 

Although its gun lift mechanism was inferior, Battery Potter’s contribution to 

coastal defenses at Sandy Hook continued for another fifty years. Early 

modifications at Battery Potter focused on improved target identification and 

new utilities for the entire fort. In 1899, the Army built a sixty foot tall range-
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

40 

finder tower west of Battery Potter. The steel tower supported a wood 

observation shelter sheathed with galvanized iron.54 

Between 1901 and 1902, the Army constructed a central powerhouse for Fort 

Hancock’s lighting system near the northwest corner of Battery Potter. The onestory brick building with a slate roof housed the lighting system’s boilers and 

transformers. In addition, the Army constructed a coal shed to store fuel for the 

boilers north of the powerhouse in 1903.55 

The powerhouse stood several feet west of Battery Potter’s defensible, west 

facade. Given its proximity to the facade, the Army removed a portion of the 

grass-planted earthen slope to accommodate the building (Figure 2.27). The 

engineered slope had been a defensive feature specifically planted with low 

growing species instead of the shrubs and cedars used on the battery’s other 

facades. The low growing vegetation permitted an unobstructed field of fire for 

machine guns stationed in Battery Potter’s castellated entry. 

The construction of the powerhouse and coal shed would appear contradictory 

to Battery Potter’s defensive scheme, however, it represented a shift in the Army’s 

coastal defense philosophy. Instead of defending against a land-based assault at 

Battery Potter, the Army decided to counter an invading force before they 

reached land with rapid fire guns and electronically controlled mines. Sacrificing 

the slope was arguably an easy decision with rapid fire guns emplaced and 

controlled mines laid. Future large caliber gun batteries in a system of coastal 

defenses emphasized firepower toward the shipping channel and a lack of 

defensive features on the rear approach of the batteries. 

Although new large caliber batteries were constructed and operational in the 

early years of the twentieth century, Battery Potter remained active during this 

time because it offered a 360-degree field of fire and could also engage a ship on 

the west side of the peninsula. In 1906, with construction planned for Battery 

Arrowsmith to guard the western shoreline, the Army disarmed Battery Potter 

and sold the steam-powered gun-lift mechanism for salvage.56

Although disarmed, Battery Potter was not abandoned. To improve the targeting 

of enemy ships, the Army retrofitted Battery Potter with fire control buildings to 

assist nearby batteries. Potter’s expansive viewshed and high terreplein made it a 

logical choice for siting equipment that relied on a clear view of approaching 

ships (Figure 2.28). 

The Army submitted final plans for a small building containing two fire control 

stations in March 1905. Construction started that spring in the southwest corner 

of Battery Potter’s terreplein and was completed in September. The Army 

designed the building to serve the Mortar Battery and divided each station into 

an observation room and a plotting room.57 Two years later, the Army 
SITE HISTORY

41 

constructed two more buildings north of the first fire control building. One 

building was configured as a grouping of five distinct, interconnected structures 

and the other building was designed as a grouping of two (Figure 2.29). The 

buildings served the large caliber guns at Nine Gun Battery and Battery Granger 

as well as the rapid fire guns at Battery Peck and Battery Gunnison.58

In order to support the communications between the fire control buildings and 

various batteries, the Army built two switchboard rooms at the southwest corner 

of Battery Potter in 1907.59 Similar to the powerhouse constructed five years 

earlier, the two buildings stood close to Potter’s west facade and required further 

removal of the grass-planted earthen slope. Having been interrupted by two sets 

of buildings, the slope now started from either side of the castellated entrance 

and quickly wrapped back into the concrete wall (Figure 2.30). 

West of Battery Potter, the Army constructed two dormitory buildings were 

constructed in 1908 for the expanded personnel needed to operate the fire 

control systems. The larger of the two buildings housed officers and the smaller 

housed enlisted men. The final modification related to improving identification 

and targeting was the addition of an exterior stairway in 1915.60 Located at the 

southwest corner of the battery, the stairs provided easy access for personnel 

manning the nine fire control stations on the terreplein. 

Mortar Battery 

Test firings at the Mortar Battery during 1894 impacted the protective earth and 

sand slopes. The steep grade above each pit’s concrete blast slope proved 

difficult to stabilize. In 1900, post commander Major Burbank recorded the 

“dislodgement of a quantity of turf revetment of the slope in front of the mortar 

used.”61 In order to improve the slope’s stability, the Army re-graded these 

slopes at a 2:1 ratio. 

The sand slopes also presented problems in maintaining the artillery. Having 

been promoted to colonel, post commander Burbank wrote of drifting sand in 

the gun emplacements causing maintenance problems. To address this problem, 

three to four inches of wet cinders were placed on Mortar Battery’s slopes.62

In 1901, the Army constructed a steel tower inside Mortar Battery’s western 

perimeter wall. At the top, the structure supported a wood-frame building 

approximately fifteen feet square with a surrounding three foot wide catwalk. 

The tower served as a battery commander’s station that identified targets for 

crews in the four pits.63 To facilitate better communication between the 

acquisition of targets and aiming of artillery, construction began on telephone 

data booths in 1905. The Army installed the booths above the southwest corner 

of each pit and supported each by arched, concrete spans.64
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

42 

In 1903, a decade after completion, the Army designated the Mortar Battery 

Battery Reynolds in honor of Major-General John F. Reynolds who died during 

the first day of fighting at Gettysburg. The first decade of the twentieth century 

also witnessed new structures added at the Mortar Battery to improve the 

process of identifying, targeting, and firing on enemy ships. 

Following the construction of the data booths, the designation of the Mortar 

Battery was split to identify separate batteries for the north and south firing pits. 

A 1906 general order designated the north pits in honor of Major-General 

Alexander McCook, another Civil War veteran. The south pits retained the 

earlier Battery Reynolds name.65 Between 1906 and 1907, the Army added two 

battery commander’s stations on top of the earth and sand cover to correspond 

with the separate batteries. From these concrete commander’s stations, aiming 

and firing instructions were relayed to the telephone data booths and then down 

to the firing pits. With the commander’s stations and data booths completed, the 

Army converted the steel tower to a weather station to provide information on 

atmospheric conditions affecting the trajectory of projectiles.66

Although measures were enacted to deal with displaced sand from the artillery 

fire, difficulties continued with Mortar Battery’s engineered earthwork. A 1910 

plan for upgraded drainage and electrical systems provided instructions to 

inspect the earth slopes after each rain storm to look for gullying. Personnel were 

not permitted to walk on the slopes except for inspection or repair.67

To improve coastal defenses during World War I, the Army established a battery 

in the high bluffs of Navesink that overlooked Sandy Hook and the Atlantic 

Ocean. Fort Hancock operated the battery and transferred one mortar from each 

of Mortar Battery’s pits to adequately arm the new site.68 The new Navesink 

battery, located further south than any of the batteries on Sandy Hook, expanded 

the range at which enemy targets could be engaged and improved the defensive 

system. Ships approaching New York City from the south would first encounter 

mortar fire from the Navesink battery. Whether unscathed or crippled, ships 

proceeding north would then face fire from the Mortar Battery and the other 

large caliber gun batteries at Sandy Hook. If a ship made it past the northern tip 

of Sandy Hook, large caliber gun batteries positioned at Fort Hamilton and Fort 

Wadsworth, on the east and west side of the Narrows respectively, were prepared 

to fire as the ship approach the entry to Upper New York Harbor. The new 

battery at Navesink, along with those at Sandy Hook, Fort Hamilton, and Fort 

Wadsworth, combined to form a redundant defense system that provided 

continued resistance against an enemy advancing north toward New York City 

(Figure 2.31).69

The World War I efforts to mobilize troops and expand coastal defenses abruptly 

ended following the armistice on November 11, 1918. At Sandy Hook and across 
SITE HISTORY

43 

the country, personnel were drastically reduced during the early months of 1919. 

Coupled with the reduction in personnel and spending, advances in naval 

artillery during the war eclipsed the range of the Mortar Battery’s guns. The 

mortars were subsequently disarmed and sold to civilians between the winter of 

1919 and spring of 1920.70

Battery Granger 

In the mid-1890s, as trials were underway at the Proving Ground to test the new 

counterweight gun carriage for service, construction began on a new concrete 

battery that would incorporate this new system. Completed in 1896, the Teninch Battery #1 was the first large caliber gun battery at Sandy Hook to use the 

new counterweight carriage. Located between Battery Potter to the north and 

Mortar Battery to the south, each of the battery’s two platforms was armed with a 

10-inch gun in 1897. The Army installed concrete platforms fourteen feet above 

the surrounding grade to meet a parapet wall that rose an additional ten feet 

higher. From the platforms, a series of concentric steps proceeded down three 

feet to the wells where the carriages and guns were mounted. One hundred 

twenty-four feet separated the center lines of the two guns with the south 

emplacement labeled #1 and the north emplacement #2.71 From the top of the 

parapet wall, a concrete superior slope continued away from the structure for 

twenty feet followed by an additional thirty feet of earth and sand. The concrete 

and engineered earthwork descended away from the wall at a ten percent slope. 

The slope of the earthwork then increased to a 2:3 ratio and met the surrounding, 

unaltered grades (Figure 2.32). 

Prior to receiving an official designation, typically in honor of a military hero, 

new coastal defense batteries were named according to their projectile diameter 

followed by a sequential number for the order in which they were constructed. 

Plans for defending the southern approach to New York City called for other 

batteries on Sandy Hook and an 1898 map identifies the Ten-inch Battery #1 

and several other batteries with this descriptive naming convention (Figure 

2.33). Replacing the descriptive name, the army designated the Ten-inch 

Battery #1 as Battery Granger in 1900 in honor of Civil War veteran Major 

General Gordon Granger.72 

A decade after the guns were emplaced, the Army updated Battery Granger to 

reflect the current practices on the efficient operation of a counterweight 

carriage gun.73 They extended the platforms behind the guns in order to allow 

for more convenient loading of munitions. In addition, they added an enclosed, 

concrete battery commander’s station between the two gun emplacements 

providing a central location and greater protection for the commanding officer 

(Figure 2.34). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

44 

Adjacent batteries and existing structures, such as the Sandy Hook lighthouse, 

imposed limits on a battery’s field of fire. At Battery Granger and at other 

batteries on Sandy Hook, the Report of Completed Works recorded information 

on interference and obstacles in the field of fire. Based on current research, the 

report for Battery Granger records the only instance of trees creating an obstacle. 

For emplacement #1, trees are listed as an obstacle between 298 degrees 17 

minutes and 332 degrees 3 minutes (Figure 2.35). After listing the angle 

measurements, the report notes in parentheses that “trees can be cut away.” The 

report does not provide additional information on where the trees were located 

in relation to Battery Granger or confirm if the trees were removed to improve 

the field of fire.74

Nine Gun Battery 

Having successfully tested the counterweight carriage at the Proving Ground and 

installed it at Battery Granger, the Army built additional batteries for the faster 

firing carriage with a greater range. To compliment the two 10-inch guns at 

Battery Granger, construction began on a three-gun emplacement—the Ten-inch 

Battery #2—in 1897. The battery was located north of batteries Granger and 

Potter and was built over the east facade of the former granite fort (Figure 2.36). 

This location paralleled the main shipping channel along Sandy Hook’s eastern 

shoreline. The Army completed construction and emplaced the three guns in 

1898. That same year, the United States declared war on Spain following the 

explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor and a public outcry for military 

action. Funding increased for additional coastal defenses, including two batteries 

to the north and south of the Ten-inch Battery #2.75

To supplement the first set of 12-inch guns at Battery Potter, the Army equipped 

the two new batteries with 12-inch guns on counterweight carriages. They 

constructed a Twelve-inch Battery #2 north of the Ten-inch Battery #2, which 

followed the angle between the east and north facades of the former granite fort. 

The new 12-inch guns provided fire on the shipping channel as it turned 

northwest and headed around the tip of Sandy Hook toward lower New York 

Harbor. South of the Ten-inch Battery #2, the Twelve-inch Battery #3 was 

designed to emplace two more guns along the peninsula’s eastern shoreline. The 

new batteries were completed in 1899 and armed in 1900. With seven guns 

emplaced, the structure was commonly referred to as the Seven Gun Battery. 

The Army dedicated the battery in honor of Civil War veteran Major-General 

Henry W. Halleck in 1900.76

Following the Spanish-American War, the Filipinos fought U. S. annexation and 

the military budget remained robust. At the southern end of Battery Halleck, the 

Army completed an additional battery in 1902 and armed in 1904 with two 12-

inch guns. The combined nine guns mounted across a continuous concrete 
SITE HISTORY

45 

structure was the largest grouping of artillery built following the Endicott and 

Taft recommendations. The scale of this coastal defense demonstrates the 

strategic importance of the channel approach to New York City.77

With nine guns emplaced, the Army determined that one battery commander 

could not efficiently coordinate firing all of the guns. To address this problem, 

they designated the Nine Gun Battery as four separate batteries (Figure 2.37). 

The original three 10-inch guns remained Battery Halleck. The northern most 

guns, built in the second phase, were designated Battery Alexander in honor of 

Revolutionary War General William Alexander. The other second phase guns 

south of Halleck were designated Battery Bloomfield in honor of New Jersey 

governor and Revolutionary War General Joseph Bloomfield. The southernmost guns were designated Battery Richardson in honor of Major General Israel 

B. Richardson who was killed during the Civil War at the Battle of Antietam. 

Battery Arrowsmith 

Battery Arrowsmith represented a unique and first-of-its-kind coastal defense 

construction at Sandy Hook. When Battery Potter’s guns were removed in 1906, 

the peninsula no longer had large caliber artillery with a 360-degree field of fire. 

Fearing that Fort Hancock was susceptible to an attack from Sandy Hook Bay 

and its western shore, planning began for a battery at Horseshoe Cove Point. 

Crews completed masonry construction in 1908 and that same year, the battery 

was named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel George W. Arrowsmith who was 

killed at Gettysburg during the Civil War. A year later, the Army emplaced three 

8-inch guns at Battery Arrowsmith to defend against any attack on Sandy Hook’s 

western shore. 

The guns were spaced 128-feet apart and a separate magazine was located east of 

each gun platform. The magazines were concealed with earth and sand cover 

that rose slightly over twenty feet above the surrounding grades (Figure 2.38). 

Just as Battery Potter’s steam gun lifts were quickly eclipsed by the counterweight 

carriage, Battery Arrowsmith’s protection of the bay side was not needed after 

the installation of new coastal artillery in 1919.78 The new artillery, mounted on a 

different carriage design, provided a 360-degree field of fire that could defend 

Sandy Hook Bay. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

46 

Batteries Kingman and Mills 

The British introduced improved artillery on the Dreadnought and as World War 

I approached, foreign navies developed similar artillery that threatened the 

relatively small counterweight carriage guns at Sandy Hook. Battleships were 

equipped with new turrets that positioned and fired artillery at higher angles. 

With this modification that utilized the same guns and projectiles, ships could 

now be positioned further offshore and out of the range of coastal defense 

batteries. In addition, the counterweight carriages that lowered a battery’s guns 

behind protective concrete and earth for loading were now susceptible to 

incoming fire from a ship’s higher trajectory projectiles. 

In response to this new threat, construction began on two large caliber gun 

batteries utilizing a high-angle gun carriage with a greater range. In comparison 

to the seven to eight mile range of counterweight carriage guns, the new artillery 

had a range of over twenty miles.79 The Army mounted the high-angle carriages 

on rotating platforms that resulted in a 360-degree field of fire. Instead of relying 

on concrete and mounds of earth and sand to protect the artillery, the new 

batteries were located on the bay side of the peninsula to be as far away as 

possible from potential enemy fire and sight lines. 

The Army completed masonry construction of both batteries in late 1917.80 Each 

battery included two open, circular platforms that were 100 feet in diameter. 

Mounted in the center of the circle, the emplaced guns were 420 feet apart with 

the south gun identified as #1 and the north as #2. In the area between the 

platforms, earth covered concrete structures that housed artillery shells, 

gunpowder, plotting rooms, a storeroom, a latrine, and quarters for the soldiers 

stationed at either battery. Located approximately two miles from the quarters at 

Fort Hancock, the engineered earthwork also served to protect the neighboring 

platform from a misfire and rose approximately twenty-eight feet above the 

surrounding grades (Figures 2.39 and 2.40). 

The storeroom, latrine, and quarters were located in the western quarter of the 

underground structures and were separated from the shell, powder, and plotting 

rooms to the east by a covered passageway. The passageway was eighteen feet 

wide, paved with concrete, and featured standard-gauge railroad tracks 

embedded into the paving to accommodate rail deliveries of shells and 

gunpowder to the batteries (Figure 2.41). When needed, soldiers retrieved shells 

and gunpowder from the casemated storage areas and transported them on hand 

carts to either circular platform (Figure 2.42). To improve the conditions for 

soldiers at both batteries, steam heat was added to the plotting rooms, quarters, 

and latrines in September 1919. 
SITE HISTORY

47 

That same year, the Army emplaced both batteries with twelve-inch guns that had 

no concealment or protection from above (Figure 2.43). The northern battery 

was designated in honor of Brigadier General Dan C. Kingman who served as 

Chief of Engineers for the Army Corps between 1913 and 1916. The southern 

battery, 750-feet from Kingman’s #1 emplacement, was designated in honor of 

Brigadier General Albert L. Mills, a Medal of Honor recipient from the SpanishAmerican War.81

RAPID FIRE GUN BATTERIES 

As a complement to the large caliber gun batteries that guarded the approach to 

New York Harbor, rapid-fire gun batteries protected areas outside the main 

shipping channel that were susceptible to attack by swift, shallow-draft boats like 

landing craft and torpedo boats. In addition, the rapid-fire gun batteries 

protected the minefields laid outside the channel from enemy minesweepers. At 

Sandy Hook, the Army located the majority of rapid fire gun batteries at the 

northern tip of the peninsula. This position allowed the batteries to protect 

control mines laid adjacent to the shipping channel north of the peninsula 

(Figure 2.44). 

Battery Engle 

Construction started on Sandy Hook’s first rapid fire gun battery in 1897. The 

battery was located near the northern end of the peninsula and designed to 

mount a single 5-inch gun. As tension grew between the United States and Spain 

over control of the Caribbean and the approach to the Panama Canal, 

construction on the battery was completed and it was armed on April 21, 1898. 

Four days later, Congress declared war on Spain and public pressure and funding 

increased for coastal defenses.82

The Army constructed the battery was constructed with a twenty-one foot 

diameter concrete platform set approximately eight feet above surrounding 

grades (Figure 2.45). The platform contained a deep, cylindrical opening to hold 

a balanced pillar mounted gun (Figure 2.46). To the east of the platform, a 

magazine included six feet of concrete cover. 

In 1903, the 5-inch rapid fire battery was designated in honor of Captain 

Archibald H. Engle who was killed in the Civil War Battle of Resaca. Battery 

Engle and the single 5-inch gun did not have a long service life. At the close of the 

nineteenth century, rapid-fire guns were manufactured with 3-, 4-, 4.7-, 5-, and 6-

inch caliber sizes. During World War I, caliber sizes were simplified to either 3-

inch or 6-inch. As a result, Battery Engle’s 5-inch gun was declared obsolete and 

disarmed in 1918.83
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

48 

Battery Urmston 

Beginning in 1899, the Army constructed a six gun, rapid-fire battery west of 

Battery Engle along Sandy Hook’s northern shoreline. Construction occurred in 

three phases and spanned five years beginning with building gun emplacements 

#1 and #2 at the eastern end of the battery. Following this first phase, construction 

started on the western end for gun emplacements #5 and #6. These emplacements 

were completed in November 1900 and all four were armed with balanced pillar 

mounted guns (Figure 2.47). When not in use, the pillar mounted guns could be 

mechanically lowered below the concrete parapet. As they were lowered, the gun 

barrels rotated ninety degrees and were placed in a notch in the parapet. 

Battery Urmston’s initial four emplacements shared a similar design with steps 

leading to a rear platform approximately five feet above surrounding grade. 

From the rear platform, another set of steps led to the gun platforms 

approximately four feet higher in elevation. A separate magazine stood to the 

east of each platform, and like Battery Engle, included six feet of concrete cover. 

The top of the magazine protruded approximately three and a half feet above the 

gun platform. 

In June 1904, the final phase of construction at Battery Urmston included gun 

emplacements #3 and #4 between the two previous sections. Unlike the earlier 

rapid-fire guns, the artillery at emplacements #3 and #4 were set on fixed 

pedestal mounts that could not be lowered. With all six emplacements 

completed, the battery was named in honor of Lieutenant Thomas D. Urmston 

who was killed during the Civil War (Figure 2.48). 

In order to identify targets and direct the firing of the guns, the commanding 

officer at Battery Urmston stood on top of the concrete magazine located 

between two emplacements (Figure 2.49). As a component of the Taft Board’s 

recommendations to improve the targeting of enemy ships, a dedicated 

observation station with an optical instrument known as a coincidence range 

finder (CRF) was completed at Battery Urmston in February 1919. The 

observation station was an open concrete structure that measured ten feet wide 

by thirteen feet long. Located between emplacements #4 and #5, the station was 

also fitted with a pipe frame and covered with canvas to provide some protection 

against the weather (Figure 2.50). 

Battery Morris 

To provide a complete field of fire along Sandy Hook’s northern tip, the Army 

constructed a third rapid fire gun battery between Battery Engle and Battery 

Urmston. Masonry construction was completed in 1903 on the four platform 

battery and it was designated in 1904 in honor of Colonel Lewis Morris who was 

killed during the Civil War Battle of Cold Harbor. The guns at Battery Morris 
SITE HISTORY

49 

were intended to be mounted on pedestal carriages. Due to development and 

production delays of the carriages, the guns were not emplaced until 1909.84

The four platforms were constructed approximately nine feet above surrounding 

grades and were accessed by steps that led to two intermediate levels. Between 

the four emplacements were three magazines that featured a combination of 

concrete and earth cover. The top of the earth cover on the magazines rose seven 

feet above the gun platforms (Figure 2.51). 

Battery Peck 

A final rapid fire battery joined Urmston, Morris, and Engle on the northern 

end of Sandy Hook. Located immediately east of Battery Engle, construction 

began in 1901 on a battery that supported two 6-inch rapid fire guns. This new 

battery had a greater range and worked in conjunction with the remotelydetonated minefields to stop a shallow-draft boat that ventured out of the main 

shipping channel. 

The Army emplaced the 6-inch guns in 1903 on barbette mounts that did not 

lower the guns behind a protective parapet. A semi-circular, armor plate that 

wrapped around either side of the gun barrel provided minimal protection. That 

same year, the Army designated the battery in honor of Lieutenant Freemont P. 

Peck who was accidentally killed at the Sandy Hook Proving Ground in 1895. 

Battery Peck’s two emplacements were spaced 112 feet apart with gun #1 and #2 

located on the east and west halves respectively. Soldiers accessed the gun 

platforms by steps on the west and east sides and in the middle of the structure. 

The steps led to a rear platform approximately nine feet above surrounding 

grades. From the rear platform, steps proceeded up five and a half feet to the gun 

platforms. The magazines were located below this built-up structure and 

accessed from the ground level through one of three doors (Figure 2.52). 

Battery Gunnison 

In 1898, the Army planned to build a rapid fire battery southeast of Nine Gun 

Battery’s southern end.85 However, this proposed location conflicted with the 

ongoing operation of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground and construction was 

delayed. In 1903, the Army selected an alternative location further south on the 

peninsula than any battery previously built. Initial work included an extension of 

the rail lines and clearing for the new battery.86 Construction was completed a 

year later and the battery was designated in honor of Captain John W. Gunnison 

who was killed in the Utah Territory in 1853. In 1905, two six-inch guns were 

mounted on disappearing counterweight carriages. These six-inch rapid-fire 

guns worked in the same manner as their larger caliber siblings. A counterweight 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

50 

raised the gun barrel into position and the recoil from firing the gun lowered the 

barrel below a concrete parapet wall. 

Two gun emplacements, aligned on a north-south line, faced the Atlantic Ocean 

to the east and were spaced 125 feet apart on center. The platforms were 

constructed approximately five and a half feet above surrounding grades. On 

each platform, steps led down two feet to gun wells where the carriages and guns 

were mounted. A parapet wall rose eight feet above each platform and 

transitioned to a concrete superior slope that pitched away from the structure. In 

between the two platforms, numerous interior rooms for communications, 

offices, and equipment storage were shielded with concrete and earth cover that 

rose three and a half feet higher than the top of the parapet wall (Figure 2.53). 

The earth and sand slope on the east side of the battery helped to blend the 

structure into the surrounding landscape and camouflage it from ships at sea. 

Grasses and low-growing shrubs on the engineered earthwork contributed to the 

concealment. The west facade was not camouflaged and the concrete and metal 

framework of the structure was clearly visible when approaching from the west 

(Figure 2.54). 

The importance of the engineered earthwork in protecting the concrete structure 

from artillery fire and providing camouflage can be seen in a plan prepared in 

October 1905 (Figure 2.55). The plan includes notes for the artillery garrison 

stationed at Battery Gunnison and instructs that: 

Immediately after each rain the earth slopes shall be carefully inspected; any 

slight tendency to gully or slough shall be at once remedied. Any serious 

gullying shall be at once reported in writing to the Engineer Officer in charge 

of the district. No person shall be allowed to walk up or down the earth 

slopes at any time, except when necessary to inspect or repair them. 

The earth and sand cover was susceptible to erosion from heavy storms and 

unnecessary foot traffic. Regular inspection and maintenance were required to 

ensure the earthwork remained an intact component of the battery’s defenses. 

The October 1905 plan for drainage and electrical systems highlights the issues of 

water infiltration and moisture buildup that resulted from covering a concrete 

structure with earth. The plan shows the layout of pipes to remove water from 

the recessed gun wells and also floor drains and associated drain lines on the 

interior of the battery. In addition to the drainage structures that remove 

accumulated water on the interior, notes at the bottom of the plan instruct that, 

“All doors should be opened from daylight until 2 P.M. on clear days, when there 

is a good breeze and temperature is above 60°.” At Battery Gunnison, moisture 

inside the structure was limited by drainage infrastructure and by routinely 

opening doors for improved air movement. 
SITE HISTORY

51 

CLOSURE OF THE SANDY HOOK PROVING GROUND 

In order to support the expanded coastal defenses at Sandy Hook, Fort Hancock 

grew to provide housing, administration, and facilities to cover all facets of 

military life. With the United States entering World War I in April 1917, personnel 

at the fort swelled to over 4,000 and the Army constructed temporary wooden 

structures for officers, enlisted men, and mess halls in groups called cantonments.87

The expansion created a danger to personnel and property as testing continued 

at the Proving Ground. Additionally, the Proving Ground needed greater 

distances to test longer-range artillery being developed to counter improved 

naval armament. Given the conflict between the Proving Ground and coastal 

defenses, Sandy Hook seemed less than ideal for testing new artillery. The 

Proving Ground’s commanding officer in 1917, Lieutenant Colonel Ruggles, 

cited other shortcomings for Sandy Hook. In a February letter to Army Chief of 

Ordnance William Crozier, Ruggles highlighted the shortcomings including tests 

disrupted by frequent bad weather, conflicts with ships in the channel, and an 

inability to test if a naval war broke out. Ruggles suggested several sites on the 

Chesapeake Bay with adequate space for a new proving ground. In March 1918, 

the Army established the Aberdeen Proving Ground on the western shore of the 

Chesapeake Bay in Harford County, Maryland. As facilities became operational 

at Aberdeen, testing at Sandy Hook transitioned to the new site and the Sandy 

Hook Proving Ground was phased out by 1919.88

LANDSCAPE SUMMARY – 1919 

For forty-five years, Sandy Hook housed both the Proving Ground and coastal 

defenses that represented the latest in military technology and armament. With 

the departure of the Proving Ground and end of World War I, personnel and 

activity at Sandy Hook diminished. The coastal defense batteries, Proving 

Ground, and development related to World War I can all be seen on the period 

plans for 1919 (Drawings 2.3-2.4). 

Aerial photographs from 1920 greatly enhanced the information presented on the 

period plans of Sandy Hook (Figure 2.56). The Beach Erosion Board took the 

photographs along the New Jersey coast from Cape May to Sandy Hook. The 

board was a component of the Army Corps of Engineers that has since been 

incorporated into the Corps’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. Some of the 

historic images contain a 1920 annotation and the date is further supported by 

photographs showing an open inlet near Cape May that naturally closed in 1921.89

The general arrangement of development concentrated at the northern end of 

the peninsula continued as coastal defenses expanded, Fort Hancock responded 

to World War I, and the Proving Ground relocated to Aberdeen, Maryland. 

Total developed area at the northern end increased with the construction of Fort 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

52 

Hancock’s barracks, mess halls, and supporting structures along the western 

shoreline (Drawing 2.4). Development in the southern section of the peninsula 

increased as well with the addition of Batteries Kingman and Mills and a series of 

long railroad spurs lined with sheds for ammunition storage (Drawing 2.4). With 

the additional personnel mobilized for World War I, the density of developed 

areas increased with cantonments and temporary facilities. Cantonments can be 

seen on the period plans west of Nine Gun Battery, south of the Ordnance 

Department Wharf, and north of Horseshoe Cove (Drawing 2.4). 

In addition to increased development, the peninsula’s landform grew in the early 

decades of the twentieth century. The littoral drift along Sandy Hook’s Atlantic 

coastline resulted in deposits accumulating at the northeast end of the landform. 

The east facade of the Fort at Sandy Hook had once been approximately 600 feet 

from the Atlantic Ocean when Fort Hancock was established. In contrast, Nine 

Gun Battery—constructed over the east facade—was located over 1,200 feet from 

the shoreline by 1920 (Drawing 2.3). 

As the northern end of the peninsula gained land area, it lost areas of large, 

woody vegetation with the construction of Fort Hancock, additional batteries, 

and World War I cantonments. Although not indicated on late 1890s plans, the 

semi-circular layout of Fort Hancock’s Parade Ground and buildings was 

arguably influenced by low-lying, marshy ground to the south that would have 

been too troublesome to fill and build upon (Drawing 2.4). 

Circulation routes traversed the middle of the peninsula, but the area remained 

primarily undeveloped. Except at a World War I cantonment, the middle section 

retained contiguous areas of large, woody vegetation. A series of railroad spurs 

interrupted several elongated ponds that punctuate the middle of peninsula. The 

ponds appeared smaller in area than indicated on earlier maps (Drawing 2.4). 

The greatest concentration of structures for coastal defenses lay at the northern 

end of the peninsula, strategically positioned in relation to the major shipping 

channel. Near the northwest tip of the peninsula the Dynamite Gun Battery, 

completed in 1893, was disarmed in 1902 and converted into the Mine Casemate. 

As part of the coastal defense system, the casemate was used to electronically 

detonate control mines placed outside the major shipping channel. 

East of the Mine Casemate, the rapid fire gun batteries Urmston, Morris, Engle, 

and Peck provided a field of fire against attack by swift, shallow-draft boats that 

could venture out of the major shipping channel. Southeast of Battery Peck, the 

Nine Gun Battery was constructed over the east facade of the former midnineteenth century granite fort and emplaced with a mixture of 10- and 12-inch 

large caliber guns on counterweight carriages. South of Nine Gun Battery, the 
SITE HISTORY

53 

Proving Ground expanded its Proof Battery and the number of supporting 

buildings for testing ordnance (Drawing 2.4). 

East of the Proof Battery, Battery Potter was disarmed in 1906 but continued to 

perform a role in the coastal defense mission. Fire control stations were added to 

Battery Potter’s terreplein and immediately west of the structure, a powerhouse, 

coal shed, and switchboard rooms were constructed. South of Battery Potter, 

Battery Granger was completed in 1896 and was the first battery at Sandy Hook 

to use the Buffington-Croizer counterweight carriage. South of Battery Granger, 

Battery Gunnison was constructed as the only rapid fire battery on the 

peninsula’s eastern shore. West of Battery Gunnison, the Mortar Battery 

included a battery commander’s tower inside the structure’s perimeter wall and 

telephone data booths above each firing pit to improve aiming and firing. 

West of the Mortar Battery, the Army completed housing and support facilities 

for Fort Hancock and positioned around a triangular Athletic Field and semicircular Parade Ground. Officers’ Row, the most pronounced feature of Fort 

Hancock’s design, was achieved by constructing a line of eighteen homes west of 

the Athletic Field and Parade Ground with front facades oriented to Sandy Hook 

Bay (Drawing 2.4). 

South of the Parade Ground, the Army constructed Battery Arrowsmith on a 

point of land projecting into Horseshoe Cove. The battery protected against 

enemy ships entering Sandy Hook Bay after the 360-degree field of fire guns atop 

Battery Potter were disarmed (Drawing 2.4). Further south along the western 

shoreline, Batteries Kingman and Mills were constructed north of Spermaceti 

Cove. The two batteries featured high trajectory, longer-range guns that could 

engage enemy ships further out in the Atlantic while remaining out of the 

enemy’s view and artillery range (Drawing 2.4). 

The increased number of coastal defense batteries and structures for Fort 

Hancock necessitated an expansion of the road and railroad circulation systems 

in order to move people and supplies. Railroad access had been the only 

connection between Sandy Hook and the mainland to the south. Paralleling the 

railroad, Hartshorne Drive was established as the major north-south vehicular 

route across the peninsula. A secondary north-south route, Atlantic Drive, started 

at Battery Gunnison, proceeded south, and then turned west to form a perimeter 

loop with Hartshorne Drive. Between Battery Gunnison and Fort Hancock’s 

barracks, a major east-west connector called Gunnison Road was established. 

The Ordnance Department Wharf near the northern end of peninsula expanded 

and a small dock in Horseshoe Cove remained from the mid-nineteenth century 

wharf constructed by the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Railroad lines 

diverged from the Ordnance Wharf and provided access to points north, south, 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

54 

and east. North of the Mortar Battery, a railroad line terminated for Fort 

Hancock’s coal storage area. Additionally, the number of railroad lines increased 

for the Proving Ground with five spurs constructed to align with the individual 

bays of the Proof Battery (Drawing 2.4). 
55 

Site History

Figure 2.24. HMS Dreadnought, circa 1906–07. The British completed the first battleship featuring 

12-inch caliber guns with the successful launching of the HMS Dreadnought in 1906. Dreadnought’s 

artillery matched the range of coastal defense artillery and lead to an international naval arms race 

(“British Navy Ships--HMS Dreadnought 1906-1922,” U. S. Department of the Navy, Naval Historical 

Center, http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/uk/uksh-d/drednt9.htm).

Figure 2.25. Interior of Battery Potter plotting room, circa 1907. Part of the Taft Board’s 

recommendations to incorporate the latest technology resulted in improvements to fire control—the 

process of acquiring and firing on enemy ships. The communications between observation, calculating, 

and firing were increasingly handled by telephone, seen mounted on the wall in this image (GATE 7819).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

56

Figure 2.27. View looking northeast at Battery Potter, circa 1906. Between 1901 and 1903, the 

Army constructed a central powerhouse and coal shed for Fort Hancock’s lighting system near the 

northwest corner of Battery Potter. A portion of engineered earthwork on the battery’s west facade 

was removed to accommodate the buildings, visible on the left (GATE 7818).

Figure 2.26. Battery commander’s station for Fort Tilden’s Battery Harris, 1927. The accuracy of 

triangulating an enemy ship’s position improved with greater distance between two observation 

points. The Army erected a tower at Sandy Hook to support the aiming accuracy of the guns at Fort 

Tilden, located on the Rockaway peninsula in New York (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
57 

Site History

Figure 2.28. View looking southeast of Battery Potter, 1893. Battery Potter’s expansive viewshed of the main shipping 

channel and high terreplein made it a logical choice for siting fire control stations. Note the relationship between the 

battery and a ship in the Atlantic seen in the distance (GATE 7811).

Figure 2.29. Plans for fire control stations at Battery Potter, 1905. By 1907, the Army constructed three fire control 

buildings on top of Battery Potter’s terreplein. The buildings were divided into distinct, interconnected structures that 

served the Mortar Battery, Nine Gun Battery, Battery Granger, Battery Peck, and Battery Gunnison (GATE 10706).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

58

Figure 2.30. West facade of Battery Potter showing switchboard rooms, circa 1907. In order to support the communications between 

the fire control buildings and various batteries, the Army built two switchboard rooms at the southwest corner of Battery Potter in 1907. 

The two buildings required further removal of the engineered earthwork along the battery’s west facade (GATE 7814).
59 

Site History

Figure 2.31. Southern entrance to New York Harbor, 1919. During World War I, four mortars from the Mortar 

Battery were transferred to a new battery at Navesink. This new battery, along with those at Sandy Hook, Fort 

Hamilton, and Fort Wadsworth, combined to form a defense-in-depth system against an enemy advancing north 

toward New York City (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

60

Figure 2.32. Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Granger, 1921. From the two emplacements at Battery Granger, a concrete slope 

and engineered earthwork extended fifty feet to the east. The earthwork sloped at ten percent then increased to a 2:3 ratio and 

reunited with the surrounding, unaltered grades (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
61 

Site History

Figure 2.33. Map Showing Armament on December 3, 1898. Prior to receiving an official designation, 

typically in honor of a military hero, new coastal defense batteries were named according to their 

projectile diameter followed by a sequential number for the order in which they were constructed. 

Battery Granger is identified on this map as Ten-inch Battery #1 (GATE files, as cited in Norma E. Williams, 

Cultural Landscape Report for Proving Ground and Wartime Expansion Areas, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway 

National Recreation Area, United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, July 1999).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

62

Figure 2.34. View looking southeast at Battery Granger, circa 1907. In 1907, Battery Granger was updated by extending platforms 

behind the guns for more convenient loading of ammunition. Additionally, an enclosed, concrete battery commander’s station was 

added between the gun emplacements (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).

Figure 2.35. Diagram of obstacles affecting Battery Granger’s emplacement #1. The Report of Completed Works recorded information 

on interference and obstacles in a battery’s field of fire. At Battery Granger, trees are listed as an obstacle for emplacement #1 between 

298 degrees 17 minutes and 332 degrees 3 minutes (shaded area). In parentheses the report notes that “trees can be cut away” but the 

report does not confirm if trees were removed (Olmsted Center, 2010).

F I E L D O F F I R E

#2 #1
63 

Site History

Figure 2.37. Diagram of Nine Gun Battery’s individual names and construction dates. The emplacements at Nine Gun Battery were 

constructed in phases and divided into four separate batteries. The first three emplacements were designated Battery Halleck, south 

of Halleck was Battery Bloomfield and south of Bloomfield was Battery Richardson. The northernmost guns were designated Battery 

Alexander (Olmsted Center, 2009).

Figure 2.36. View looking northwest at construction of Nine Gun Battery, 1897. Construction began on a 

three-gun emplacement (center) in 1897 that would become the first component of the Nine Gun Battery. 

The first phase was built over the east facade of the Civil War-era granite fort whose projecting bastions can 

be seen in the photograph. The east facade of the fort and the new concrete battery paralleled the main 

shipping channel along Sandy Hook’s eastern shoreline (GATE 7880).

Battery

Halleck

Battery

Alexander

Battery

Bloomfield

Battery

Richardson

3 10-inch Guns

1898

2 12-inch Guns

1900

2 12-inch

Guns

1900

2 12-inch Guns

1904
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

64

Figure 2.38. Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Arrowsmith, 1921. Battery Arrowsmith’s three emplacements were spaced 128-

feet apart and a separate magazine was located east of each gun platform. The magazines were concealed with earth and sand cover 

that rose slightly over twenty feet above the surrounding grades (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
65 

Site History

Figure 2.39. Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Kingman, 1924. The battery’s design featured two open emplacements 

separated by an engineered earthwork. The earthwork covered a concrete structure for storage and personnel and also served to 

protect the neighboring platform from a misfire (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

66

Figure 2.40. Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Mills, 1924. Battery Mills featured an identical design to Battery Kingman. The 12-

inch caliber guns emplaced at both batteries had a range of over twenty miles (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
67 

Site History

Figure 2.41. View looking northeast at entrance to covered passageway, Battery Kingman, circa 1940. A 

covered passageway featured standard-gauge railroad tracks embedded into concrete paving to accommodate 

rail deliveries of shells and gunpowder to the battery (GATE 8092).

Figure 2.42. View of concrete route to emplacement #1, Battery Kingman, circa 1920s. Soldiers retrieved shells 

and gunpowder from the casemated storage areas (background) and transported them on hand carts to either 

circular gun platform (GATE 17820).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

68

Figure 2.44. Plan of control mine placement, southern approach to New 

York Harbor, 1898. At Sandy Hook, the majority of rapid fire gun batteries 

were located at the northern tip of the peninsula in order to protect 

control mines from minesweepers and shallow-draft boats that ventured 

outside of the main shipping channel (GATE 21843).

Figure 2.43. View looking south at emplacement #1, Battery Kingman, 

circa 1940–41. In 1919, both Batteries Kingman and Mills were armed with 

twelve-inch guns that had no concealment or protection from above. The 

guns were mounted on high-angle carriages set on rotating platforms that 

resulted in a 360-degree field of fire. Battery Mills’ emplacement #2 and 

central earthwork can be seen in the background (GATE 938).
69 

Site History

Figure 2.45. Sections through gun platform (top) and magazine (bottom) for Battery Engle, 1921. The Army constructed Battery Engle 

with a twenty-one foot diameter concrete platform set approximately eight feet above surrounding grades. East of the platform, the 

Army constructed a magazine with seven feet of concrete cover (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).

Figure 2.46. Section of balanced pillar-mounted rapid fire gun. The single emplacement at Battery Engle was designed to hold a 5-inch 

caliber, balanced pillar mounted gun. Counterweights raised or lowered the gun above or below a concrete parapet wall (Thomas 

Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

70

Figure 2.47. Detail of Armament Sketch, Fort Hancock, New Jersey, December 31, 1901. The first 

two phases of construction for Battery Urmston produced two separate structures containing two 

emplacements each. This map labels the artillery as “15-pdr.” because the 3-inch caliber projectiles 

weighed fifteen pounds (GATE 4628).
71 

Site History

Figure 2.48. Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Urmston, 1921. The final phase of construction at Battery Urmston, completed in 

June 1904, built two emplacements between the two previously finished sections (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

72

Figure 2.49. View looking northeast at Battery Urmston, circa 1904–08. The commanding officer at Battery Urmston stood on top of the 

concrete magazine located between two emplacements in order to identify targets and direct the firing of the guns (Thomas Hoffman, 

Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).

Figure 2.50. Plan and sections of cover over Battery Urmston’s 

commander’s station, 1921. In order to improve the targeting of 

enemy ships, a dedicated concrete structure was constructed between 

Battery Urmston’s emplacements #4 and #5 for observation. The 

open station was fitted with a pipe frame and covered with canvas to 

provide some protection against the weather (Report of Completed 

Works, CDSG ePress).
73 

Site History

Figure 2.51. Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Morris, 1928. Each of Battery Morris’ four emplacements was separated by a 

magazine that featured a combination of concrete and earth cover. The top of the earth cover on the magazines rose seven feet above 

the gun platforms (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

74

Figure 2.52. Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Peck 1921. Soldiers accessed Battery Peck’s guns by steps that led to an 

intermediate platform and then additional steps that proceeded up five and a half feet to the gun platforms. The battery’s 

magazines were located below this built-up structure and accessed from the ground level through one of three doors (Report of 

Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
75 

Site History

Figure 2.53. Plan, elevation, and sections of Battery Gunnison, 1921. Between Battery Gunnison’s two emplacements, interior rooms 

used for communications, offices, and equipment storage were shielded with concrete and earth cover that rose three and a half feet 

higher than the top of the parapet wall (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

76

Figure 2.54. View looking northeast at Battery Gunnison, circa 1930–41. Although the east facade featured an engineered 

earthwork and planting compatible with the surrounding area, the west facade was not camouflaged or concealed. The 

concrete and metal framework of the structure was clearly visible when approaching from the west (Thomas Hoffman, Fort 

Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).

Figure 2.55. Plan Showing Drainage and Electric Systems, Battery John Gunnison, 1905. The plan includes notes for regularly 

inspecting and maintaining the engineered earthwork as component of Battery Gunnison’s defenses. The engineered earthwork 

was susceptible to erosion from heavy storms and unnecessary foot traffic (Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report).
77 

Site History

Figure 2.56. Detail of aerial photograph, 1920. The information presented on the 1919 period plans was greatly enhanced 

by aerial photographs of Sandy Hook from 1920. The photographs were taken along the New Jersey coast from Cape May to 

Sandy Hook by the Beach Erosion Board, a component of the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps of Engineers Coastal and 

Hydraulics Laboratory).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

78
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

1919 Period Plan

Site Wide

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

Drawing 2.3

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 525’ 1050’ 2100’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Aerial Photographs, Coastal and Hydraulics

 Laboratory, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1920

3. Map of Sandy Hook Defenses, 1910

4. Blue Print Map Showing Construction of Gravel Roads

 at Fort Hancock, NJ, 1907

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location

2. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

LEGEND

Beach

Battery Landscape Extents

Canopy Vegetation

Rail Line

Road / Walk

Plum Island

Spermaceti Cove

Life-Saving Station

Battery Arrowsmith

Battery Kingman

Atlantic Highlands

Highlands

Ordnance Department and

Army Corps of Engineers Wharves

Battery Mills

Mine Casemate

S p e r m a c e t i C o v e

Skeleton Hill Island

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

Battery Morris

Battery Urmston

Outline of the

Fort at Sandy Hook

Battery Engle

and Peck

Battery Gunnison

Mortar Battery

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Nine Gun Battery

Battery Granger

Battery Potter

Proof Battery

(Sandy Hook Proving Ground)

Dike

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

1919 Period Plan

Sandy Hook Batteries

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

Drawing 2.4

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 300’ 600’ 1200’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Aerial Photographs, Coastal and Hydraulics

 Laboratory, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1920

3. Map of Sandy Hook Defenses, 1910

4. Blue Print Map Showing Construction of Gravel Roads

 at Fort Hancock, NJ, 1907

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location

2. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

LEGEND

Beach

Battery Landscape Extents

Canopy Vegetation

Rail Line

Road / Walk

Ammunition

Storage, Typ.

Battery Arrowsmith

Dock

Cantonment

Army Corps of Engineers Wharf

Ordnance Department Wharf

Cantonment

Mine Casemate

(Dynamite Gun Battery)

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

Outline of

the Fort at

Sandy Hook

Battery Gunnison

Mortar Battery

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Nine Gun Battery

Battery Granger

Battery Potter

Proof Battery

(Sandy Hook

Proving Ground)

Battery Morris

Battery Urmston

Battery Engle

and Peck

Battery Kingman

Battery Mills

Parade

Ground

Athletic

Field

Coal

Storage

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y
SITE HISTORY

81 

CARETAKER STATUS AND WORLD WAR II 1919–1945 

The World War I efforts to mobilize troops and expand coastal defenses abruptly 

ended following the armistice on November 11, 1918. At Sandy Hook and across 

the country, personnel were drastically reduced and the coastal defense batteries 

were assigned to a minimal level of upkeep referred to as caretaker status. 

Between December 1918 and June 1919, Sandy Hook’s batteries saw their 

personnel reduced from twenty-four officers and 1,535 enlisted men to fifteen 

officers and 386 enlisted men.90

From the armistice to the conclusion of World War II, personnel levels fluctuated 

at Sandy Hook due to caretaker status, the activation of National Guard units, 

and training and coastal defense functions during the war. The Army reduced 

the number of operational batteries at Sandy Hook and other sites defending 

New York Harbor because the range of large caliber 12- and 16-inch guns 

provided a greater field of fire. At Sandy Hook, Batteries Kingman and Mills 

were positioned on the western side of the entry to Lower New York Harbor. 

On Long Island, New York, the Rockaway peninsula marked the eastern side and 

in this location, 16-inch guns were emplaced at Fort Tilden’s Battery Harris. 

These three batteries covered any possible approach of a major battleship and 

during World War II, were joined by Battery Lewis in the Navesink Highlands. 

Similar to Battery Harris, Battery Lewis had 16-inch guns that extended the field 

of fire further south and east into the Atlantic Ocean (Figure 2.57). 

Advances in aviation technology during the inter-war period redefined coastal 

defense strategies. The potential to use airplanes in reconnaissance and bombing 

campaigns required the redesign of large caliber batteries, including Kingman 

and Mills. The expanded role of aviation also resulted in new detection 

technologies, which were tested and installed at Sandy Hook. In the mid-1930s, 

the Army Signal Corps Laboratories at nearby Fort Monmouth developed 

detection systems that transmitted radio waves and determined aircraft location, 

range, and azimuth based on the reflected waves. The system became known as 

radar—an acronym for Radio Detecting and Ranging.91 Due to its secure location 

and the opportunity to test radio waves on passing ships and planes, the Army 

Signal Corps established radar facilities at Sandy Hook (Figure 2.58).92 Working 

with Western Electric, the Signal Corps built a group of eight wooden 

warehouses approximately a half mile east of Batteries Kingman and Mills near 

the Atlantic coastline. Each warehouse contained a SCR-268 radar unit, the 

Army’s first operational radar, and allowed tests on the systems in relative secrecy 

without exposure to weather. 

By August 1943, the Army installed eleven radar sites in New Jersey, Staten 

Island, and the Rockaway peninsula to help guard the southern approach to New 

York Harbor (Figure 2.59). Two of the radar sites stood on the Sandy Hook 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

82 

peninsula to detect ships and low-flying planes and transmit range and azimuth 

data to specific batteries. The first site at Sandy Hook for a SCR-682 radar unit 

was the top of an existing fire control tower (Figure 2.60). The tower was 

constructed in the late 1920s for Battery Harris and was located approximately 

700 feet west of Battery Gunnison. For the second site, the Army constructed a 

new tower approximately a quarter mile south of the Signal Corps’ wooden radar 

shelters (Figure 2.61). This tower housed a SCR-296 radar unit that sent target 

information to the rapid fire guns at Battery Gunnison. 

CARETAKER RESPONSIBILITIES 

The primary goal for caretaker status personnel was to prevent the serious 

deterioration of the batteries’ armament, fire control, and communication 

systems. The Army maintained these components so they could be immediately 

placed into active service when required. 

In order to maintain the batteries, caretaker’s duties involved monthly 

inspections and emphasized the cleaning and maintenance of the guns and 

carriages. In addition, caretakers were to inspect the emplacement, slopes, and 

interior rooms during their monthly inspections. If deemed by the inspection, 

gutters and drainage sumps had to be cleaned out and problems with vegetation 

addressed, including watering during hot summer months. Following 

instructions on battery construction drawings, such as the 1905 drainage plan for 

Battery Gunnison, damp interiors were improved by opening doors on warm, 

sunny days and promoting better ventilation. Performing all of these tasks and 

successfully maintaining a battery depended on the number of caretaker 

personnel assigned and whether they had to divide their time and energies among 

numerous duties.93

Personnel reductions immediately after World War I were followed by new 

national policy and an international treaty that kept the caretaker system active 

until the mid-1930s. With the defeat of Germany and the exhaustion of other 

European powers, future conflicts seemed unlikely at this time and public 

support for military spending waned. In this political environment, Congress 

passed the National Defense Act of 1920 that provided a new organizational 

model and regulations for the Army. The Act significantly cut active Army 

personnel and restructured the service to be comprised of the Regular Army, the 

National Guard, and the Organized Reserves. The National Guard and Reserves 

would provide the necessary manpower if conflict erupted and the focus of the 

Regular Army became training these non-permanent forces. Reduced active 

personnel were coupled with decreased funding and Sandy Hook’s coastal 

defenses remained in caretaker status.94
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83 

In addition to a new national military policy, emphasis on coastal defenses was 

further diminished by the Washington Naval Treaty, ratified in 1922. Under the 

terms of the treaty, the United States, Great Britain, Italy, France, and Japan all 

agreed to limit new naval construction and armament. With the strength of 

international navies a known and fixed quantity, there was little support beyond 

rudimentary maintenance for coastal defenses. 

By 1930, thirty-five coastal defense groups that were developed and active 

between 1890 and 1917 were reduced to only ten in active status. Sandy Hook, 

part of the Southern New York Harbor Defenses, and the Eastern New York 

Harbor Defenses at the confluence of the East River and Long Island Sound, 

joined an additional thirteen defense groups in caretaker status. Ten defense 

groups were abandoned and of the ten active groups, half were located in the 

foreign territories of Hawaii, Panama, and the Philippines. In the northeast 

United States, only the Long Island Sound Harbor Defenses that guarded the 

eastern entry to the Sound remained on active status.95 

MOBILE ARTILLERY 

Changes in the overall military strategy following World War I and the reduction 

in personnel and funding created an emphasis on mobile artillery. In the 1919 

annual report to the Secretary of War, the Chief of Coast Artillery stated: 

In the past our seacoast guns were mounted on fixed carriages because we 

had no others on which guns of requisite power could he mounted. But now 

we have mobile mounts for long range, powerful guns, and economy of force 

would seem to demand that we take advantage of this strategical and tactical 

mobility to effect artillery concentration at threatened points and thus use to 

the fullest possible extent our available artillery resources.96

The flexibility afforded by tractor-drawn artillery had been proven during World 

War I. Additionally, a stock of large caliber guns manufactured for use in Europe 

had never been shipped and being available, could be readily converted into new 

mobile artillery.97 

Mobile artillery was comprised of large caliber guns and mortars mounted on 

either tractor-drawn flatbeds or railway cars. At Sandy Hook, a railroad line 

branched off the main line and proceeded in a north-south direction closer to the 

Atlantic coast line. From this branch, the Army constructed three spurs were 

constructed to the west that extended into a dune area near the middle of the 

peninsula (Figures 2.62). On these spurs, the Army positioned two 8-inch railway 

guns and two 12-inch railway mortars between the dunes facing the shipping 

channel (Figure 2.63).98 By July 1944, a map prepared by the Army Corps of 

Engineers indicates the original spurs were removed and reconstructed with an 

orientation to the east. The total number of spurs was also increased from three 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

84 

to five (Figure 2.64). To support the mobile artillery, the Army also mounted 

collapsible searchlights on railway cars to illuminate and identify enemy ships 

and appeared in service at Sandy Hook by March 1918 (Figure 2.65).99

THREATS FROM THE AIR AND CHANGES IN CONCEALMENT STRATEGIES 

The focus of coastal defense batteries countering naval strength shifted following 

World War I. During the war, aircraft—including lighter than air blimps and 

balloons—were used primarily for reconnaissance but also engaged in strategic 

bombing and aerial combat. Less than a year after the armistice, defenses to 

counter an aerial attack were approved for Sandy Hook and 3-inch anti-aircraft 

guns were planned for installation at the former Dynamite Gun Battery, the 

Mortar Battery, Battery Arrowsmith, and Sandy Hook’s Coast Guard station.100

Billy Mitchell, a brigadier general in the Army’s Air Service during World War I, 

recognized the offensive capabilities of aircraft and their potential to 

revolutionize warfare. In 1921, the Navy conducted bombing test on seized 

German ships with Mitchell coordinating the Army’s bombers. The ships were 

stationary targets lacking crews and sank after successive attacks with larger 

bombs. Navy officials argued that a maneuvering ship and responsive crew could 

have escaped the attack, however for Mitchell and the press covering the event, 

the test demonstrated the effectiveness of airpower over surface targets.101

In addition to bombing tests, the 1920s witnessed advances in aviation design. 

Pilots competed to finish longer-distance flights and in 1927, Charles Lindbergh 

completed the first transatlantic flight to continental Europe. Taking less than a 

day and a half, Lindbergh’s journey demonstrated that the vast oceans that had 

kept America separated from European and Asian conflicts were increasingly 

easy to cross. As plane engines became more powerful, more sophisticated 

weaponry could be added and aerial bombing campaigns would become a 

standard component of warfare. Aerial bombing represented a major threat to 

coastal defenses. The existing concealment strategy relied on earth and sand 

cover to blend the battery into the surrounding dune landscape. This engineered 

earthwork was then planted with a combination of trees and shrubs at various 

heights to conceal the battery when viewed from a ship at sea. A 1910 

memorandum from the Army’s Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery outlined 

concealment procedures and clearly instructed that, “Before the actual planting 

begins the post and company commanders should observe the defenses carefully 

from the water to see where the screening effect is most needed and to decide as 

to how it can best be effected.”102 However, the efforts made to conceal a battery 

and its seaward-facing slope could not protect the concrete structure from 

overhead identification. 
SITE HISTORY

85 

In order to protect coastal defense batteries when viewed from the air, the 

concealment strategy expanded to include increased plant cover, netting, and 

camouflage painting. In May 1943, the Chief of Coast Artillery at Fort Hancock 

provided a status on the batteries, reporting: 

Obscurement grading and netting installed at Kingman and Mills. Planting 

90% complete at Kingman and 30% complete at Battery Mills. Obscurement 

planting and painting at Battery Gunnison completed. Obscurement planting 

and painting completed at Urmston, Morris, Peck, Alexander, Halleck, 

Bloomfield, and Richardson. Camouflage painting of Potter and Granger 

completed.103

With the exception of Battery Arrowsmith, disarmed after Kingman and Mills 

became operational in 1919, all of Sandy Hook’s batteries are listed as having new 

concealment or “obscurement” strategies implemented. This is noteworthy 

because by July 1944, an Army Corps of Engineers map listed Battery Granger 

and the Nine Gun Battery comprised of Alexander, Halleck, Bloomfield, and 

Richardson as disarmed. Even as the structures were nearing the end of their 

service, the Army deemed it necessary to upgrade their protection from overhead 

identification. A more detailed discussion of the changes made to Battery 

Kingman and Mills, including planting efforts, is covered under a separate 

heading in this section. 

PREPARATION FOR WORLD WAR II 

Growing conflict in Europe and Asia during the 1930s forced an isolationist 

United States to prepare for war and to reevaluate the nation’s coastal defense 

system. In 1936, Japan withdrew from the Washington Naval Treaty and two 

years later, Germany annexed Austria and continued with invasions into 

Czechoslovakia and Poland, beginning a second worldwide war. 

In 1940 the U. S. War Department convened a board, similar to the Endicott and 

Taft boards, to prepare a new coastal defense plan. The board standardized new 

battery designs and artillery. Large-caliber artillery constructed during World 

War II was comprised of either 16- or 12-inch guns. Utilizing only two gun sizes 

and consistent battery design resulted in simplified tactics, training, maintenance, 

and ammunition manufacturing.104

Recognizing that more personnel would be needed to prepare for an imminent 

conflict, Congress amended the Selective Service Act in September 1940 and 

decreased the minimum age requirement to register from 21 to 18 years old. That 

same month, President Franklin Roosevelt federalized the 245th New York 

National Guard Regiment making them the 245th Coastal Artillery Regiment 

stationed at Fort Hancock. To accommodate the personnel increase, the Army 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

86 

established tent cities and built a new contingent of wooden barracks and mess 

halls known as Camp Low north of Horseshoe Cove (Figure 2.66).105

No longer constrained by a minimal workforce that defined caretaker status, 

Sandy Hook and the nation’s other coastal defense sites returned to active status. 

The number of military and civilian personnel on Sandy Hook grew 

tremendously to between 7,000 and 12,000 from 1942 to 1943. The large number 

of personnel was partially due to training exercises conducted at Fort Hancock 

for troops before deployment overseas.106 Congress authorized new coastal 

defense projects and renovation of two batteries at Sandy Hook with the latest 

defensive strategies. 

To maintain consistency with the presentation in earlier sections, the coastal 

defense batteries will be divided into either large caliber gun batteries or rapid 

fire gun batteries. Within each category, the individual batteries will be presented 

chronologically according the dates that artillery was emplaced. 

LARGE CALIBER GUN BATTERIES 

Battery Potter 

During World War II, the fire control stations on top of Battery Potter were no 

longer required due to longer-range guns, new range finding towers, and the 

disarming of older counterweight carriage artillery. The buildings and the 

sweeping views from the top of Potter were assigned new roles to support 

defensive efforts during the war. The Army converted the northernmost building 

on top of Potter’s terreplein into a meteorological station to observe and track 

wind direction and weather phenomenon affecting artillery firing. To support 

the meteorological station, the Army installed a metal tether to the north of the 

building to attach weather balloons for recording wind speeds and direction. 

During World War II, the central building, composed of five interconnected 

structures, served as a Command and Observation Post for the New York Harbor 

Defense Command Post (HDCP) stationed at Mortar Battery. Throughout the 

war, the HDCP coordinated coastal defense activities from the eastern end of 

Long Island to Atlantic City, New Jersey. With the war efforts becoming 

increasingly focused on combat in Europe, the Command and Observation Post 

was deactivated on March 1, 1944.107 

On May 1, 1943, the Army established the Harbor Entrance Control Post (HECP) 

in the southernmost building on top of Potter’s terreplein. From this vantage, 

personnel monitored the main shipping channel and controlled all ship traffic 

coming into and out of New York Harbor (Figure 2.67). Approximately six 
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87 

weeks after Germany’s surrender to the Allies, the HECP was deactivated on June 

18, 1945.108

Mortar Battery 

Advances in naval artillery demonstrated during World War I that the 12-inch 

mortars at Mortar Battery would be ineffective in future conflicts. The Mortar 

Battery was disarmed in 1920, however, the engineered earthwork and protected 

interior spaces were utilized in the decades that followed until the deactivation of 

the New York Harbor Defense Program in 1950. 

In addition to exhibiting the power of naval artillery, World War I introduced 

new threats posed by aircraft flying reconnaissance missions and bombing 

campaigns. Responding to this new offensive capability, the Army mounted two 

3-inch anti-aircraft guns on top of Mortar Battery’s engineered earthwork between 

1922 and 1923. The top of the earthwork, about thirty-five feet higher than the 

surrounding grade, offered a strategic elevation for the guns and the battery’s 

interior rooms were utilized for ammunition storage and defensive shelter. 

In 1937, an additional anti-aircraft gun was added to the top of the engineered 

earthwork and the three guns were designated A. A. Gun Battery No. 2. The 

three gun positions were identified on a 1944 Army Corps of Engineers map of 

Sandy Hook (Figure 2.68). With the start of World War II, the 3-inch antiaircraft guns were supplemented by a machine gun platform consisting of four 

.50-caliber machine guns. Although not designated on the 1944 map, the smaller 

machine guns can be seen in a World War II-era photograph (Figure 2.69).109

The magazines and connecting tunnels at the Mortar Battery, protected under 

the engineered earthwork, also played important roles after World War I and 

through World War II. In 1922, a switchboard room was installed in the 

longitudinal gallery that connected the northern mortar pits with the magazines 

in the center of the battery. The switchboards facilitated communications for all 

of Fort Hancock’s fire control systems (Figure 2.70).110 Communications 

personnel and equipment were afforded protection by the engineered 

earthwork but had to contend with potential water infiltration and an 

accumulation of moisture inside the concrete structure. The Report of Completed 

Works, updated a year prior to the installation of the switchboard, recorded that 

the interior spaces of the Mortar Battery were damp. The Army added more 

communication infrastructure to the interior of the Mortar Battery and installed 

dehumidifying systems. 

Between 1940 and 1941, the Army converted the Mortar Battery’s remaining 

interior spaces into the New York Harbor Defense Command Post (HDCP) 

(Figure 2.71). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

88 

Communications personnel staffed the post twenty-four hours a day and 

coordinated coastal defenses from the eastern end of Long Island to Atlantic 

City, New Jersey. The Mortar Battery’s protected magazines and galleries 

became known as the “catacombs of Fort Hancock” and later, “The Bombproof.” 

To further protect the personnel and vital role of electronic communications, air 

lock rooms, gas-proof doors, and ventilation systems were added to the interior 

spaces in case of a poison gas attack.111 In addition to gas proofing, repairs and 

modifications for establishing the HDCP included soundproofing and 

dehumidifying. The most expensive task, over a third of the total amount, was 

spent on dehumidifying.112

The exterior of Mortar Battery was also modified to support the communication 

operations inside and provide additional defense against aerial detection. No 

longer needed as a defensive structure and anticipating an increase in personnel 

and facilities, the Army demolished the north, the east, and a portion of the south 

perimeter wall in 1938. At the same time, they cut an entry into the west 

perimeter wall just north of the gallery that led to the southwest mortar pit. The 

entry became the primary access point for communications personnel entering 

the structure.113 The exterior also received an upgraded concealment treatment 

to better disguise the open, concrete mortar pits when viewed from above. A 

1943 photograph from the Sandy Hook lighthouse shows netting with 

camouflage patterning over the gallery and southwest mortar pit (Figure 2.72). 

Batteries Kingman and Mills 

The 12-inch guns emplaced at Batteries Kingman and Mills in 1919 had 

significantly greater range than the counterweight guns at Nine Gun Battery and 

Battery Granger. Capable of firing at targets over twenty miles away, the guns at 

Kingman and Mills needed new range finding stations to identify targets at 

greater distances. In response, the Army built steel towers with range finding 

stations located in booths at the top.114 In March 1922, two towers—one 

dedicated for the fire control of Kingman and the other for Mills—were 

completed about a half mile south of Battery Gunnison along Atlantic Drive. 

Both towers were approximately forty feet tall and each contained a depressiontype range finder (Figure 2.73). Five years later, a one hundred-foot tall tower 

was installed approximately 700 feet west of Battery Gunnison to provide fire 

control for Battery Harris at Fort Tilden (Figures 2.74 and 2.75). 

Although batteries Kingman and Mills were innovative coastal defenses when 

installed, their design provided no protection against aerial detection and 

bombing, a flaw which had to be addressed as the United States entered World 

War II. The War Department’s 1940 coastal defense plan utilized only 16- or 12-

inch large-caliber guns, such as those at Batteries Kingman and Mills. When 

viewed from above, the existing batteries’ open concrete platforms read as bull’s-
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89 

eye targets (see Figure 2.43). A new casemated battery design, retrofitted to 

Kingman and Mills, protected guns, magazines, and operation centers with a 

complete covering of concrete and earth (Figures 2.76 and 2.77). The shell, 

gunpowder, and plotting rooms located between the two gun platforms were 

already covered with an engineered earthwork that rose to an elevation of thirtyeight feet. The Army increased this protective covering by four feet, covered 

each gun platform with over eight feet of concrete, and then capped each with an 

additional twelve feet or more of sand and earth. A concrete canopy, tapering 

from five to fourteen feet thick, overhung the platform so only the barrel of the 

gun was exposed (Figure 2.78). The new casemates for Batteries Kingman and 

Mills featured two feet minimum of earth and sand cover at the surface that 

covered a two-foot thick concrete “burster course.” As aerial bombs became 

more powerful, the burster course was intended to detonate a bomb near the 

surface of the casemate before it could penetrate deeper into the earthwork and 

cause more damage to the battery and its soldiers. 

Between 1941 and 1942, the Army casemated the open gun platforms at Batteries 

Kingman and Mills. Work extended into 1943, including improvements to 

electrical power, sanitary sewer, and the dehumidifying system, all of which were 

initially installed in 1937. Preparing both batteries for World War II also 

included gasproofing and adding a power room to the west of the quarters and 

store room (Figure 2.79). In order to deliver ammunition and gunpowder, the 

Army moved the railroad tracks that had previously traveled under a covered 

passageway to the west of casemated battery (see Figure 2.76). Heat was installed 

in the new power rooms in 1944 and that same year, each battery had three 

individual dehumidifying units added to the existing system to remove moisture 

from their main corridors.115

The engineered earthworks for Batteries Kingman and Mills rose up 

approximately forty feet above the surrounding land and contrasted with the flat, 

slightly undulating coastal topography. A greater concern than the size of the 

earthworks was their contrast to the surrounding vegetation and easy 

identification when viewed from above. In May 1943, the Chief of Coast Artillery 

at Fort Hancock reported that “obscurement” grading and netting had been 

installed at the batteries and that planting was ninety percent complete at 

Kingman and thirty percent complete at Mills.116

Six months after this report, correspondence indicated the initial planting at 

Kingman and Mills was not successful. Army Corps of Engineers Lieutenant 

Colonel Charles K. Panish reported that: 

1) It is requested that the R. & U. Branch [Repairs and Utilities] accomplish 

the replacement of shrubs and trees at Batteries Kingman and Mills at subject 

location during the fall 1943 planting season as shown on Drawing CAM-4-

53.... 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

90 

2) The basic planting at these installations comprised a large proportion of 

Groundsel Bush which failed to survive transplanting. It is recommended at 

this time to replace the missing shrubs with Rugosa Roses in small sizes using 

the soil in place for the planting operation. Some losses occurred in the tree 

planting also and it is recommended at this time that only a few of these are 

required for replacement in the obscurement program.... The plant quantities 

indicated are estimated to produce a continuous shrub cover when planted to 

supplement the existing plants. 

3) The work is estimated to costs as follows: 

11,900 shrubs @ $.75 $8,925.00 

125 trees @ $4.00 $500.00 

 Total $9,425.00117

Correspondence between the Army Corps of Engineers and the Office of the 

Chief of Coast Artillery continued after this request until May 1944 when 

Kingman and Mills were no longer actively manned. The debate on planting at 

Kingman and Mills focused on appropriate plant species, quantities, and whether 

additional vegetative cover was needed for erosion control or concealment. Based 

on the correspondence, Kingman and Mills were originally planted with trees 

and shrubs with the shrubs inconsistently spaced at three to ten feet on center.118

By 1944, planted or naturalized grass species and “weedy growth” were part of 

the cover on the engineered earthworks and confirmed by a report indicating 

“that no dust or soil erosion exists at Batteries Kingman and Mills, the existing 

grass and weedy growth giving adequate permanent erosion protection to the 

seacoast fortifications.”119

In May 1944, as the focus of World War II concentrated on a major European 

campaign and with the naval forces of Nazi Germany incapacitated, the debate 

on planting at Kingman and Mills was concluded when the Eastern Defense 

Command determined that: 

...in the event of the category of defense increasing it would be required to 

fully man these batteries and therefore the concealment afforded by Passive 

Protection measures would be absolutely necessary. Planting required under 

Passive Protection measures cannot be done effectively at the time of change 

of category of defense but should be cared for in a continuous maintenance 

proposition.120

Although the proposal for replacement planting was approved, it is unknown if 

the plan was funded or implemented in the final year of World War II. The 

protective casemates and concealment plantings at Batteries Kingman and Mills 

were obsolete by the time the war concluded. The introduction of long range, 

high-altitude bombers, the V1 and V2 rockets, and the atomic bomb 

demonstrated offensive capability that eclipsed Batteries Kingman and Mills, and 

both were disarmed in 1948. 
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91 

RAPID FIRE GUN BATTERIES 

Batteries Engle and Peck 

Disarmed in 1918 as a result of simplifying rapid fire artillery, Battery Engle was 

not abandoned, but modified before major military reductions were 

implemented following World War I. Alterations to Battery Engle occurred in 

1920 to improve the fire control of nearby Battery Peck. The Army converted 

Battery Engle’s magazine, shielded by seven feet of concrete cover, into a plotting 

room and constructed a coincidence range finding station over the concrete gun 

well (Figure 2.80). The station was nineteen feet square and its floor was set 

approximately four and a half feet higher than the gun well. A fifteen foot-long 

coincidence range finder was installed inside the station at a height twenty-seven 

feet above mean low water. 

In concert with the alterations made at Battery Engle, the Army also improved 

Battery Peck in 1920. Prior to the modifications, an officer for Battery Peck 

stood on an open, concrete platform centered between the two emplacements 

(Figure 2.81). The new construction created a fully-enclosed, concrete, battery 

commander’s station (Figure 2.82). To improve the range of Battery Peck’s 

6-inch guns, concrete was cut out of the emplacements in August 1928. 

Removing some of the concrete permitted the guns to rise to a twenty degree 

elevation. Increasing the angle of the gun from a horizontal position—zero 

degrees—to twenty degrees allowed Battery Peck’s guns to strike targets further 

from the coastline.121

The improvements to Battery Peck, including the fire control modifications made 

to Battery Engle, remained in service until 1943. At that time, the Army relocated 

Battery Peck’s guns to Battery Gunnison. Peck’s 6-inch guns could fire quicker 

than the 6-inch guns they replaced at Gunnison and as a result, Battery Gunnison 

was designated New Battery Peck. The Army did not mothball the former 

Battery Peck, but instead installed two 90mm anti-aircraft guns and designated 

the structure Battery Number 8 (Figure 2.83).122

Batteries Urmston and Morris 

Although a new coincidence ranger finder station was completed at Battery 

Urmston in early 1919, a majority of the battery’s artillery was removed a year 

later and during World War II, the remaining guns were transferred to a new 

location along the peninsula’s eastern coastline. In March 1920, the Army 

approved removal of the guns at emplacements #1, #2, #5 and #6. These four 

guns used balanced pillar mounts, which proved to be inferior to the pedestal 

mounted system used for other rapid fire guns.123 Battery Urmston’s pedestal 

mounted guns at emplacements #3 and #4 remained active until the start of 

World War II. In 1942, the Army removed the two pedestal mounted guns and 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

92 

relocated them to the dunes north of Battery Gunnison (Figure 2.84). The dune 

emplacement was operational in July 1943 and designated Battery Number 6. 

The battery was also referred to as “New Battery Urmston” and worked with the 

Harbor Entrance Control Post at Battery Potter to observe and potentially engage 

ships approaching New York Harbor via the channel.124 To protect New Battery 

Urmston from aerial detection the Report of Completed Works, updated in 

September 1943, records that the guns were “concealed with camouflage fabric 

on a sliding frame.”125

Unlike Battery Urmston, the four pedestal mounted guns at Battery Morris 

remained in service throughout World War II. As part of the Army’s efforts to 

improve fire control, a coincidence range finder station was added east of Battery 

Morris in 1920.126 The concrete structure, thirteen feet by thirteen feet, was 

constructed approximately ten feet above the ground. A nine foot-long 

coincidence range finder was installed inside the station at a height 

approximately twenty-seven feet above mean low water (Figure 2.85). The 

instrument’s height and the area north of the station free of large, woody 

vegetation combined to provide unimpeded views of the water and improved fire 

control for Battery Morris (Figure 2.86). 

Battery Gunnison 

Battery Gunnison, the last rapid fire gun battery completed, was also the only 

rapid fire emplacement along the eastern shore of Sandy Hook. In addition to 

protecting Gunnison’s concrete structure, a sand embankment planted with 

native grasses and shrubs was constructed on the battery’s east side to blend the 

gun battery in with the surrounding landscape. 

Similar to engineered earthworks at other batteries, erosion was an ongoing issue 

to contend with at Gunnison. A January 1929 letter to the Army Corps Chief of 

Engineers indicated Gunnison’s east embankment had eroded and additional 

sand would be required to repair the earthwork.127

In 1940, the War Department convened a board to prepare a new coastal defense 

plan. The conclusion of the board was that the rapid fire guns on counterweight 

carriages were deficient compared to the pedestal mounted versions. The 

counterweight carriage models were slower to load, had a shorter firing range, 

and had a limited field of fire. As a result of the board’s findings, Battery 

Gunnison’s guns and counterweight carriages were disarmed in 1942.128

Not wanting to leave the southern approach to New York Harbor without rapid 

fire guns, plans were approved in February 1943 to relocate the pedestal mounted 

guns from Battery Peck to Battery Gunnison. In order to mount Battery Peck’s 

guns, a redesign of Gunnison’s platform areas was needed to emplace the 
SITE HISTORY

93 

pedestal mounts. The current platforms, at the base of a parapet wall, had 

concrete added in order to create a level surface for mounting the guns (Figure 

2.87). Once the new guns were installed, Battery Gunnison was designated New 

Battery Peck. 

From 1943 to the end of World War II, Gunnison operated as directed by the 

Harbor Entrance Control Post stationed atop Battery Potter. Gunnison served as 

an examination battery that was intended to track targets and fire upon them 

when ordered. Orders for firing included “bring-to” shots designed to warn a 

commercial ship to stop until it received proper clearance and destructive fire on 

enemy vessels.129

DISARMED GUN BATTERIES 

By 1919, three large caliber gun batteries were disarmed as new artillery, 

carriages, and improvements in battleship armaments made them obsolete. Guns 

were first removed at Battery Potter and then at Mortar Battery. Both of these 

structures were utilized during World War II as command posts for coastal 

defense coordination. The third large caliber gun battery, Battery Arrowsmith, 

was disarmed after Batteries Kigman and Mills became operational in 1919 with 

360-degree fields of fire to protect the peninsula’s west shoreline. 

During World War II, two additional large caliber gun batteries were disarmed. 

The 10- and 12-inch artillery atop Nine Gun Battery and Battery Granger was 

removed because these guns did not have the range to strike better armed enemy 

battleships. Additionally, the batteries were suspectible to aerial bombing and 

not protected like the recently casemated Kingman and Mills. The “Report of 

Completed Works,” a detailed account of equipment at each battery maintained 

by the Army Corps of Engineers, notes in a handwritten comment that the 

“salvage of armament” at Battery Granger was approved on January 22, 1943. 

Similar handwritten comments note that the artillery at Battery Halleck, the first 

three emplacemnts of Nine Gun Battery, were “listed for disposal” on November 

4, 1942. A year later, the Army Service Forces directed the “salvage of armament 

and accessory equipment” at Batteries Richardson and Bloomfield.130 Supporting 

the information in the Report of Completed Works, Nine Gun Battery, Battery 

Granger, and Battery Arrowsmith are all labeled “dismantled” on a July 1944 map 

of Sandy Hook prepared by the Army Corps of Engineers (Figure 2.88). 

The geographic separation that afforded the United States a measure of 

protection against previous global conflicts proved inadequate against 

technological improvements during World War II. Entry into the war began with 

the long-range Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, and by the war’s 

conclusion the introduction of long-range bombers, rockets, and atomic 

weapons far surpassed any defensive capability offered by large caliber, 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

94 

casemated guns like Batteries Kingman and Mills. In addition, long-range 

bombers could fly at a high altitude that positioned them substantially outside the 

range of rapid fire gun batteries. With both categories of batteries eclipsed by 

offensive weaponry, the remainder of Sandy Hook’s coastal defense batteries 

were deactivated and disarmed by 1948. Although deactivated, the 6-inch rapid 

fire guns at Battery Gunnison remained emplaced and survived a thorough effort 

at Sandy Hook and across the country to collect coastal artillery for scrap metal.131

LANDSCAPE SUMMARY – 1945 

In July 1944, perhaps sensing that the apex of World War II development had 

passed, the Army Corps of Engineers prepared maps recording structures, 

facilities, circulation, and the shoreline at Sandy Hook. The Army Corps of 

Engineers’ plans are the primary source of information for the 1945 period plans 

(Drawings 2.5-2.6). 

The quantity and density of development continued to be the greatest at the 

northern end of the peninsula with temporary structures, tent cities, and parking 

areas added in previously undeveloped areas. The middle and southern sections 

of Sandy Hook also witnessed increased development, however, the 

development was confined to relatively small pockets and did not occupy large 

sections of land. For example, in the middle portion of the peninsula temporary 

barracks, known as Camp Low, stood north of Horseshoe Cove. In the southern 

section, anti-aircraft emplacements and temporary radar shelters were 

established near the Atlantic coastline directly east of Batteries Kingman and 

Mills (Drawing 2.6). 

Sandy Hook’s coastline continued to change due to currents and the depositing 

of sand at the peninsula’s northern end. When the Proving Ground closed in 

1919, the narrowest part of the recurved spit was only 450 feet wide. As World 

War II was concluding, over 1,600 feet of new land was added through 

deposition north of this narrow portion (Drawing 2.5). 

Unlike earlier historic maps, there is no indication of vegetation cover on the 

1944 Army Corps of Engineers maps to inform the 1945 period plans. 

Comparing aerial photographs from 1933 and 1962 revealed that vegetation 

cover did not dramatically change except where cleared for World War II-era 

construction. New vegetation also appeared at recently formed inland areas as 

the coastline advanced north and provided an initial buffer for pioneer species. 

Although development increased in the middle portion of the peninsula, the new 

facilities for radar, anti-aircraft emplacements, and storage were located in nodes 

and not widely distributed across the landscape. This development pattern 

resulted in larger areas of undisturbed woody vegetation (Drawing 2.6). New 
SITE HISTORY

95 

development also avoided a roughly circular-shaped pond shown east of Battery 

Mills and approximately in the center of the landform (Drawing 2.6). 

The most dramatic change to Sandy Hook’s coastal defense batteries during the 

World War II-era was the casemating of Batteries Kingman and Mills. The 

previously open gun platforms were covered with reinforced concrete and 

earthen mounds that rose approximately forty feet above the surrounding 

topography (Drawing 2.6). Less striking, but more widespread along the length 

of the peninsula, were the increased number of anti-aircraft artillery and 

searchlights to support the war effort. Searchlights punctuated the landscape 

from the northwest tip of the peninsula to its approximate center east of 

Horseshoe Cove. Similarly, anti-aircraft installations were located at the 

northern end in the former Battery Peck and as far south as the Spermaceti Cove 

Lifesaving Station. World War II personnel increases necessitated temporary 

structures and tent cities to accommodate Sandy Hook’s swelling military 

population. Cantonments were constructed west of Nine Gun Battery, west of 

Battery Granger, and north of Horseshoe Cove. Two large tent city areas were 

established south of the Mortar Battery (Drawing 2.6). 

Access to and from the peninsula was provided by ship, train, and automobile 

and once on Sandy Hook, railroad and vehicular infrastructure connected supply 

areas, barracks, and coastal defense batteries. At the northern end of the 

peninsula, the wharf expanded to a collection of four docks, each one providing 

separate service for the Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Hancock’s 

Quartermaster, the Coast Guard, and mine delivery (Drawing 2.6). 

Railroad and vehicular networks departed from the wharf to the north, east, and 

south. A narrow gauge rail line to the east provided transportation for control 

mines to storage facilities near the Mine Casemate (Drawing 2.6). The eastern 

rail line between the wharf and former Proving Ground remained operational 

and turning south past Nine Gun Battery, became the major north-south railroad 

route on the peninsula. A parallel line off this main north-south route headed 

further east toward the Atlantic coastline and with spurs projecting into the 

sandy dunes, provided a location for large caliber and mortar artillery mounted 

on rail cars. South of the rail car artillery spurs, another line branched off of the 

main north-south track and headed west to provide ammunition delivery for the 

12-inch guns at Batteries Kingman and Mills (Drawing 2.6). 

The major vehicular route, Hartshorne Drive, paralleled the north-south rail line 

in the southern half of the peninsula. At Horseshoe Cove, Hartshorne Drive 

curved to the west and followed the bay shoreline in front of Fort Hancock’s 

Officer’s Row. Vehicular access near the east coast of the peninsula was provided 

by Atlantic Drive and connected sites containing searchlights, observation 

towers, and power generation equipment. South of the Mortar Battery, 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

96 

Gunnison Road served as an east-west connector between Hartshorne and 

Atlantic Drives (Drawings 2.5-2.6). 
97 

Site History

Figure 2.57. Harbor Defenses of New York, Field of Fire of all Major Caliber Guns, 1943. The number of operational batteries at Sandy 

Hook and other sites defending New York Harbor were reduced by World War II because the range of large caliber 12- and 16-inch guns 

provided a greater field of fire compared to earlier large caliber artillery. In addition to Sandy Hook, large caliber batteries were located 

at the Rockaway peninsula and Navesink Highlands (Engineers’ Notebook, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

98

Figure 2.58. Signal Corps Laboratories radar test facility at Sandy Hook, 1941. Due to its secure location and the ability to test radio 

waves on passing ships and planes, the Army Signal Corps established a radar test facility at Sandy Hook in the late 1930s (Thomas 

Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
99 

Site History

Figure 2.59. Harbor Defenses of New York, Area of Detection of SCR Units & Primary Assignments, 1943. By August 1943, eleven radar 

sites were installed in New Jersey, Staten Island, and the Rockaway peninsula to help guard the southern approach to New York Harbor. 

Two units were established on the Sandy Hook peninsula (Engineers’ Notebook, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

100

Figure 2.60. Elevation of SCR-682 radar installation, 1944. One of the 

radar installations at Sandy Hook added a SCR-682 radar unit to the top of 

an existing fire control tower originally constructed in the late 1920s for 

Battery Harris. (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).

Figure 2.61. Elevation of SCR-296 radar installation, 1943. The Army 

constructed a new tower approximately a quarter mile south of the Signal 

Corps’ test facility. This tower housed a SCR-296 radar unit that sent 

target information to the rapid fire guns at Battery Gunnison (Report of 

Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
101 

Site History

Figure 2.62. Location of Firing Tracks, 1931. Changes in the overall military strategy following World War I and the reduction 

in personnel and funding created an emphasis on mobile artillery. To support mobile artillery at Sandy Hook, a railroad line 

branched off the main line and proceeded in a north-south direction closer to the Atlantic coast line. From this branch, three 

spurs were constructed to the west for railcar mounted artillery (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).

Figure 2.63. 8-inch caliber railway artillery, circa 1939. Mobile artillery was comprised of large caliber guns and mortars 

mounted on railway cars. The Army positioned two 8-inch caliber railway guns between the dunes facing the shipping 

channel (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

102

Figure 2.64. Detail of plan showing railroad spurs for mobile artillery, 1944. By July 1944, the original railroad spurs were 

removed and reconstructed with an orientation to the east. The total numbers of spurs was also increased from three to 

five (Harbor Defenses of New York, Location of Fortification Structures, Map No. 2, Fort Hancock, New Jersey).

Figure 2.65. Collapsible searchlight on railway car, no date. To support the mobile artillery, collapsible searchlights were 

also mounted on railway cars to illuminate and identify enemy ships. Collapsible searchlights appeared in service at 

Sandy Hook by March 1918 (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
103 

Site History

Figure 2.66. Construction of cantonments at Camp Low, circa 1940. To accommodate the personnel increase in 

preparation for World War II, tent cities were established and a new contingent of wooden barracks and mess halls 

known as Camp Low was built north of Horseshoe Cove (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia 

Publishing, 2007).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

104

Figure 2.67. Harbor Defenses of New York, Underwater Defenses New York Harbor and Vicinity, 1943. The buildings 

and the sweeping views from the top of Potter were assigned new roles during World War II. The Army established 

the Harbor Entrance Control Post (HECP) on top of Potter’s terreplein to monitor the main shipping channel and control 

all ship traffic coming into and out of New York Harbor. The HECP’s coverage is highlighted in yellow. In addition, 

note the detection devices installed for submarines and control mines placed outside the shipping channel as part of a 

comprehensive defensive system (Engineers’ Notebook, CDSG ePress).
105 

Site History

Figure 2.68. Plan of anti-aircraft guns on top of the Mortar Battery, 1944. World War I introduced new threats 

posed by aircraft flying reconnaissance missions and bombing campaigns. By 1937, three anti-aircraft guns, 

highlighted in yellow, were added to the top of the Mortar Battery’s engineered earthwork (Harbor Defenses 

of New York, Location of Fortification Structures, Map No. 2, Fort Hancock, New Jersey).

Figure 2.69. View looking southwest at anti-aircraft gun on top of the Mortar Battery, circa 1941. With the 

start of World War II, the anti-aircraft guns were supplemented by a machine gun platform. A .50-caliber 

machine gun is visible in the background and the base of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse can be seen in the 

upper left (GATE 7588).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

106

Figure 2.71. Room assignments for the Harbor Defense Command Post at the Mortar Battery, circa 1943. Between 

1940 and 1941, the Mortar Battery’s interior spaces were converted into the New York Harbor Defense Command 

Post (HDCP). The post was staffed twenty-four hours a day with communications personnel and coordinated coastal 

defenses from the eastern end of Long Island to Atlantic City, New Jersey (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).

Figure 2.70. Plan and section of switchboard for fire control communications, 1936. The magazines and connecting 

tunnels at the Mortar Battery, protected under the engineered earthwork, also played important roles after World 

War I and through World War II. In 1922, a switchboard room was installed in the longitudinal gallery to facilitate 

communications for all of Fort Hancock’s fire control systems (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
107 

Site History

Figure 2.72. View looking southeast at the Mortar Battery, 1943. During World War II, the battery 

received an upgraded concealment treatment to better disguise the open, concrete mortar pits 

when viewed from above. Netting with camouflage patterning is visible over the gallery and the 

southwest mortar pit (GATE 1943-662).

Figure 2.73. Elevation and plan for fire control station serving Batteries Kingman and Mills, 1922. 

Due to the range of their guns, the Army constructed two towers—one dedicated for the fire control 

of Kingman and the other for Mills—about a half mile south of Battery Gunnison along Atlantic 

Drive. Both towers were approximately forty feet tall and each contained a depression-type range 

finder (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

108

Figure 2.75. View of the fire control tower for Battery Harris, circa 1940. During World 

War II, the fire control stations on top of Battery Potter were no longer required due to 

longer-range guns, new fire control towers, and the disarming of older counterweight 

carriage artillery (Vic Bruzek Photos).

Figure 2.74. Elevation and plan for fire control station serving Battery Harris, 1927. A 100-foot tall tower 

was installed approximately 700 feet west of Battery Gunnison to provide fire control for Battery Harris at 

Fort Tilden (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
109 

Site History

Figure 2.76. Plan of casemated guns at Battery Kingman, 1944. A new casemated battery design, retrofitted to Battery 

Kingman, protected guns, magazines, and the operations center with a complete covering of concrete and earth. The 

concrete burster course is highlighted in yellow (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

110

Figure 2.77. Plan of casemated guns at Battery Mills, 1944. Identical to Battery Kingman, a retrofitted design was 

constructed at Battery Mills. The two gun platforms and shell, gunpowder, and plotting rooms located between the 

platforms received a protective covering of concrete and earth. The concrete burster course is highlighted in yellow 

(Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
111 

Site History

Figure 2.79. Plan of power room at Battery Kingman, 1944. Preparing Batteries Kingman and Mills for World War II also 

included adding a power room to the west of the quarters and store room. The existing railroad tracks that had traveled 

under a covered passageway were moved to the west of this addition (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).

Figure 2.78. Section through Battery Kingman’s emplacement #2, 1944. Two of the protective measures added to 

Batteries Kingman and Mills were concrete canopies that extended over the gun platforms and a concrete burster course 

intended to denote a bomb near the surface of the casemate before it could penetrate deeper into the earthwork and 

cause more damage (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

112

Figure 2.80. Coincidence range finding station for Battery Peck constructed on Battery Engle, 1927. In 1920, Battery Engle’s magazine, 

shielded by seven feet of concrete cover, was converted into a plotting room and a coincidence range finding station was constructed 

over the concrete gun well to improve the fire control of nearby Battery Peck (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
113 

Site History

Figure 2.82. Covered battery commander’s station at Battery Peck, 1921. In concert with the alterations 

made at Battery Engle, a fully-enclosed, concrete, battery commander’s station, center, was added at Battery 

Peck. The coincidence range finding station constructed on top of Battery Engle can be seen on the right 

(Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).

Figure 2.81. Open battery commander’s station at Battery Peck, circa 1905–10. Prior to the modifications in 1920, the battery commander 

for Battery Peck stood on an open, concrete platform centered between the two emplacements (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 

Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

114

Figure 2.83. New 90 mm - Battery No. 8 (Old Battery Peck), circa 1943. In 1943, Battery Peck’s guns were relocated to 

Battery Gunnison and Peck was outfitted with two 90mm anti-aircraft guns. With new artillery emplaced, the battery 

was designated Battery Number 8 (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
115 

Site History

Figure 2.84. Plan for relocating Battery Urmston’s guns, circa 1942. In 1942, the Army removed the two remaining guns 

at Battery Urmston and relocated them to the dunes north of Battery Gunnison. The dune emplacement was operational 

in July 1943 and designated Battery Number 6. The battery was also referred to as “New Battery Urmston” (Report of 

Completed Works, CDSG ePress).

Figure 2.85. Plan for coincidence range finding station at Battery Morris, 1921. As part of the Army’s efforts to improve 

fire control, a coincidence range finder station was added east of Battery Morris in 1920 (Report of Completed Works, 

CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

116

Figure 2.86. View looking northwest at coincidence range finder station east of Battery Morris, circa 1921. 

The instrument height of the range finder and the area north of the station free of large, woody vegetation 

combined to provide unimpeded views of the water and improved fire control for Battery Morris (GATE 7893).
117 

Site History

Figure 2.87. New Battery Peck, Alterations & Additions (Old Battery Gunnison), 1943. In order to mount Battery 

Peck’s guns at Battery Gunnison, a redesign of the platform area was required. At the base of the parapet wall, the 

platforms had concrete added in order to create a level surface for mounting the guns. Once the new guns were 

installed, Battery Gunnison was designated New Battery Peck (Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

118

Figure 2.88. Detail of Fort Hancock Map, 1944. During World War II, the 10- and 12-inch artillery atop Nine Gun Battery and Battery 

Granger was removed because these guns did not have the range to strike better armed enemy battleships. Prepared in 1944, the 

map labels the four batteries that comprise Nine Gun Battery as “dismantled” (Harbor Defenses of New York, Location of Fortification 

Structures, Map No. 2, Fort Hancock, New Jersey).
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

1945 Period Plan

Site Wide

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

Drawing 2.5

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 525’ 1050’ 2100’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Location of Fortification Structures, Fort Hancock, NJ,

 July 29, 1944

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location

2. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

LEGEND

Beach

Battery Landscape Extents

Canopy Vegetation

Marsh

Road / Walk

Bulkhead

Rail Line

Plum

Island

U. S. Coast Guard

Spermaceti Station

Battery Arrowsmith (Disarmed)

Battery Kingman

Atlantic Highlands

Highlands

Quarter Master’s Wharf

Mine Boathouse

Coast Guard Boathouse

Mine Casemate

Battery Mills

Engineer’s Wharf

S p e r m a c e t i C o v e

Army Signal Corps

Radar Testing Facility

Mobile

Artillery

Spurs

Rifle Range

Skeleton Hill Island

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

Camp Low

Dike

Battery Morris

Battery Urmston

(Disarmed)

Battery No. 8

(Battery Peck)

New Battery Urmston

Harbor Defense Command Post

(Mortar Battery)

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Nine Gun Battery

(Disarmed)

Battery Granger

(Disarmed)

New Battery Peck

(Battery Gunnison)

Harbor Entrance Control Post

(Battery Potter)

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

1945 Period Plan

Sandy Hook Batteries

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

Drawing 2.6

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 300’ 600’ 1200’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Location of Fortification Structures, Fort Hancock, NJ,

 July 29, 1944

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location

2. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Bulkhead

LEGEND

Beach

Battery Landscape Extents

Canopy Vegetation

Marsh

Rail Line

Road / Walk

Battery Arrowsmith (Disarmed)

TNT Magazines

TNT

Magazines

Quarter Master’s Wharf

Mine Boathouse

Parade

Ground

Athletic

Field Tent

City

Coast Guard Boathouse

Mine Casemate

Engineer’s Wharf

Army Signal

Corps Radar

Testing Facility

Fire Control Station “E”

(with SCR 296 Radar)

Mobile

Artillery

Spurs

Fire Control Towers

for Batteries

Kingman and Mills

Battery Harris BC

Tower (Fort Tilden)

Searchlight

No. 13

Searchlight

No. 12

Searchlight

No. 14

Searchlight

No. 15

Battery No. 7

Tent

City

Tent

City

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

Dock

Camp Low

Battery Morris

Battery Urmston

(Disarmed)

Battery No. 8

(Battery Peck)

New Battery Urmston

Harbor Defense

Command Post

(Mortar Battery)

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Nine Gun Battery

(Disarmed)

Battery Granger

(Disarmed)

New Battery Peck

(Battery Gunnison)

Harbor Entrance

Control Post

(Battery Potter)

Battery Kingman

Battery Mills

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y
SITE HISTORY

121 

NIKE MISSILE SYSTEMS AND THE COLD WAR 1945–1974 

During World War II, advances in aviation made it possible to fly beyond the 

range of 3-inch anti-aircraft guns, similar to those emplaced at the top of Mortar 

Battery. Providing a greater range, the 90mm anti-aircraft gun became the new 

Army standard during the war and could strike a target flying at 30,000 feet.132 

This improved anti-aircraft artillery was installed at Sandy Hook on Battery Peck 

in 1943. 

In the closing years of the war the Army realized that the 90mm guns, even with 

the assistance of radar technology, lacked the range, accuracy, and destructive 

power to defend against an aerial attack. On August 17, 1944, Army Ordnance 

officer Jacob W. Schaefer submitted a memorandum proposing the design of an 

anti-aircraft rocket which could be radar-guided from the ground.133

Six months later, the Army’s Chief of Ordnance issued a contract to Western 

Electric and Bell Telephone Laboratories to determine the feasibility of a 

defensive missile system. The project was given the code name NIKE after the 

Greek goddess of victory and on November 27, 1951, a NIKE missile 

successfully destroyed a drone plane during tests at the White Sands Proving 

Ground in New Mexico.134

MILITARY REORGANIZATION AND THE ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR 

Similar to responses following World War I, the years immediately after World 

War II witnessed reductions in military personnel and spending. A logistical 

support unit, the 1225th Army Service Unit, remained stationed at Fort Hancock 

until the end of 1949. The reduction of combat and support personnel along with 

new offensive weaponry that surpassed Sandy Hook’s existing coastal defense 

batteries resulted in Fort Hancock’s deactivation on June 25, 1950.135 The Army’s 

departure from Sandy Hook did not last long as armed conflict erupted on the 

Korean peninsula. On April 10, 1951, Fort Hancock was reactivated for defense 

of the metropolitan New York area. Anti-aircraft gun batteries deployed during 

World War II were reestablished and the fort served as a staging center for 

training and equipping other anti-aircraft units.136 

Instead of a civil war struggle between opposed domestic forces, the Korean War 

became an indirect contest between the United States and the Soviet Union. 

Fighting a common foe during World War II, the two nations emerged from the 

war as the unrivaled economic and military powers in the world. America’s 

security was briefly bolstered as the only nation with atomic weaponry and 

atomic bombs were considered the ultimate deterrent to future conflict. Vast 

ideological differences between the two nations generated mutual distrust and 

competition to shape the post-war governments in Europe and Asia. Between 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

122 

1945 and 1947, elections brought Communists to power in Yugoslavia, Albania, 

Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, and Hungary and the Soviet’s sphere of influence 

extended over the majority of Eastern Europe.137

The United States began to address post-war strategies and defensive 

preparations with passage of the National Defense Act of 1947. The legislation 

created the consolidated Department of Defense and established an independent 

Air Force which had previously been organized as a component of the Army. In 

an address to Congress the following year, President Truman summarized the 

nation’s new preparatory strategy stating: 

I believe that we have learned the importance of maintaining military strength 

as a means of preventing war. We have found that a sound military system is 

necessary in time of peace if we are to remain at peace.138

Four months later, on July 24, 1948, the Soviets blockaded access to the 

American, British, and French sections of Berlin. The Berlin Crisis persisted until 

September 1949 and ended any opportunity for cordial relations between the 

United States and Soviets. In testimony before the U. S. Senate, financier Bernard 

Baruch described the tensions between the two nations as a “cold war” and the 

term continued as an apt description of uneasy international relations for the 

next four decades.139

SOVIET ADVANCES IN WEAPONRY 

The impetus to fully develop and implement the NIKE system came from 

increased international tensions coupled with improvements in Soviet weaponry. 

In October 1947, the Soviets introduced the Tu-4 “Bull” longer range bomber 

that had been developed by copying the American B-29 bomber.140 The B-29 

carried the atomic payloads for the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Two 

years later, the Soviets successfully tested an atomic bomb and changed prior 

American military assumptions. First, the United States could no longer deter 

future conflict as the sole wielder of atomic power. Second, the test shattered 

perceptions that the Soviets were technologically inferior and greatly lagged 

behind American innovations. In 1953, the Soviets successfully tested a hydrogen 

bomb ten months after an American test and confirmed their capability and 

commitment to an arms race.141 With bombers and nuclear bombs, the Soviets 

could launch a squadron from Siberia, fly over the North Pole, and attack targets 

in the United States. Land-based defenses were necessary to engage this type of 

attack, especially if the newly formed Air Force could not eliminate it in the air. 
SITE HISTORY

123 

NIKE AJAX 

Although conceived during World War II, development of the NIKE system was 

delayed due to reduced funding immediately after the war. Renewed attention to 

the NIKE program corresponded with increased tensions between the United 

States and Soviets, advances in Soviet weaponry, and finally, the start of the 

Korean Conflict in June 1950. Hostilities between North and South Korea 

threatened to draw the United States and the allied Chinese and Soviets into 

another world war. Even though a global conflict did not spread from the 

Korean peninsula, United States military policy began to focus on defensive 

preparations.142

In 1950, the Army reorganized defensive artillery units into the Army AntiAircraft Command (ARAACOM). That same year, improvements were made in 

the booster rocket and guidance systems leading to the successful test firing in 

November 1951. The first generation of NIKE missiles, known as Ajax, were 

twelve inches in diameter, twenty-one feet long, weighed over 2,455 pounds, and 

operated remarkably similar to the system outlined by Jacob Schaefer’s 1944 

memorandum.143

Ajax missiles were guided by a series of three radars. Incoming enemy aircraft 

were identified by long-range radar known as LOPAR for Low-Power 

Acquisition Radar. The LOPAR identification was transferred to a Target 

Tracking Radar (TTR) to determine the aircraft’s azimuth, elevation, and range. 

Tracking information was then electronically sent to a computer which relayed 

guidance information to Missile Tracking Radar (MTR) to control the missile’s 

flight. When launched, Ajax could travel at 2.3 times the speed of sound and 

obtain altitudes up to 70,000 feet. Upon arriving at the predicted intercept point, 

computers transmitted a burst signal that detonated three TNT warheads located 

in the nose, middle, and tail of the missile (Figures 2.89 and 2.90). Between 1954 

and 1958, the Army deployed nearly 200 NIKE Ajax batteries around the 

nation’s key urban, military, and industrial locations.144 In the metropolitan New 

York area, nineteen batteries were established including a dual firing battery at 

Sandy Hook. 

NIKE HERCULES 

Four months after the successful test of NIKE Ajax at White Sands Proving 

Ground, the Bureau of Ordnance recommended studying the feasibility of 

equipping the missile with a nuclear warhead. In their study of Army and Air 

Force missile defense programs, John C. Lonnquest and David F. Winkler cite 

that a major limitation of the Ajax system was, “...the inability to discern 

individual bombers within a densely-packed flying formation.”145 For example, if 

two planes were flying close together, the radar would detect them as one object 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

124 

and guide the missile to hit the center of that object. At best, the missile would 

not score a direct hit and at worst, miss both targets completely. One way to 

correct this potential shortcoming would be to arm the missile with a nuclear 

warhead. Upon detonation, the nuclear warhead would create a larger and more 

powerful explosion that could destroy planes without a direct hit. 

Ajax designers recommended two options for adding a nuclear warhead to the 

missile. First, a smaller warhead could be reconfigured and adapted for use on 

the Ajax. The second option involved using a larger warhead with more 

destructive power and incorporating it into a newly designed, larger missile. The 

Army selected the second option on condition that the new missile system would 

use the same facilities already being designed and constructed for the Ajax. In 

July 1953, the Army authorized the development of the second generation NIKE 

missile called Hercules. In addition to the larger warhead capacity, Hercules 

would feature a longer range and more stable fuel mixture than its predecessor.146

Three years after authorization, a Hercules missile successfully destroyed a drone 

aircraft at White Sands Proving Ground. Tests continued into 1957 using a solid 

fuel mixture that would replace the volatile liquid mixture of jet fuel and nitric 

acid used in Ajax.147 Forty-one feet long and thirty one and half inches in 

diameter, Hercules’ increased size accommodated not only a larger warhead, but 

four booster rockets compared to a single rocket on Ajax. The added thrust 

increased the range of Hercules up to three times greater than Ajax and obtained 

altitudes up to 150,000 feet.148

The new flight parameters of Hercules made it theoretically possible to engage 

bombers at higher altitudes and at greater distance but only if improvements 

were made to the NIKE radar system. In order to identify targets at a greater 

distance, Hercules sites added High-Powered Acquisition Radar or HIPAR. In 

June 1958, Hercules missiles began to be deployed at converted NIKE Ajax sites 

near New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Over the next six years, 110 

Ajax sites were converted and 35 sites were newly constructed for Hercules. 

The longer range of Hercules resulted in fewer sites than had been implemented 

for Ajax.149

THE NIKE SITES AT SANDY HOOK 

The NIKE installation at Sandy Hook was one of nineteen missile sites that 

comprised the New York Defense Area. The defense area included the five 

boroughs of New York City and two counties to the north, the western half of 

Long Island, and the northeastern section of New Jersey. Regardless of a New 

York or New Jersey location, all of the NIKE sites were designated “NY” 

followed by a number to indicate their association with the defense area.150
SITE HISTORY

125 

The Department of Defense announced plans to construct the NIKE site at 

Sandy Hook, designated NY-56, in December 1953. With coastal defenses 

redirected away from naval threats to instead intercepting aircraft, proximity and 

range-finding views to important waterways were no longer important factors in 

selecting locations for NIKE sites. The selecting factor changed to adequate 

distance and a lack of obstructions between proposed NIKE radar and missile 

locations so radar and launch equipment could properly operate in tandem. 

At Sandy Hook and across the country, NIKE installations were comprised of an 

Integrated Fire Control (IFC) or radar site and a launch site. The IFC contained 

the acquisition and tracking radar and was separated from the launch site by a 

minimum of 3,000 feet. More commonly, sites were separated by over a mile as 

was the case at Sandy Hook. Regardless of the exact distance, the two locations 

had to be within visual sight of each other so radar could lock onto a firing 

missile.151 Buildings, tall vegetation, and utility poles are examples of objects that 

could interfere with radar transmissions (Figures 2.91 and 2.92). 

The IFC and launch sites at Sandy Hook were located south of Fort Hancock and 

the temporary, World War II-expansion needed to accommodate increased 

personnel. The IFC was located roughly in the middle of the peninsula, in the 

largely undeveloped area southeast of the Camp Low barracks built during 

World War II. The launch site was located east of Batteries Kingman and Mills, 

across Hartshorne Drive, and immediately north of a small, existing pond. A 

1944 Army Corps of Engineers map of Sandy Hook recorded a group of eight 

warehouses, labeled T-10 through T-17, that were in the general vicinity of the 

proposed launch site. The warehouses were constructed by Western Electric to 

shelter radar antenna during tests by the Army Signal Corps (Figure 2.93). 

Sandy Hook’s NIKE launch site represents one of the few dual battery 

installations constructed during the Cold War era. The Sandy Hook launch site 

contained four underground magazines that delivered missiles by an elevator to a 

row of launchers on the surface. The two magazines on the east side of the 

launch area formed one firing battery and the two on the west side formed the 

other. The IFC site to the north contained two control areas with separate radar 

systems for each firing battery. The eastern control area, designated #1, provided 

radar for the eastern firing battery while the western control area, designated #2, 

was assigned to the western firing battery.152

Integrated Fire Control (IFC) or Radar Site 

During the previous generations of coastal defenses at Sandy Hook, the NIKE 

IFC site remained largely undeveloped. The Army’s central railroad line bisected 

the future IFC location and during World War II, several temporary structures 

associated with Camp Low bordered either side of the tracks. A site plan for the 
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126 

IFC, issued March 22, 1954, recorded six concrete foundations in the northern 

portion of the proposed site. None of the foundations were labeled with building 

designations and the majority appear small enough to be outbuildings or auxiliary 

structures. In addition, the site plan showed vegetation cover occupying more 

than half of the proposed area and contained the labels “brush and trees up to 35’ 

high” (Figure 2.94). 

The proposed IFC site was roughly triangular in shape with its longest perimeter 

running from west to east. The western point, accessible from Hartshorne Drive, 

contained Control Area #2. The eastern point contained Control Area #1 and 

was accessible from Atlantic Drive. The boundaries of the site converged at a 

northern point that contained the Ready Barracks and were accessible from 

Sheldon Road.153

For both control areas, the three types of radar shared the same relative position 

with the Acquisition Radar in the center flanked by the MTR to the west and 

TTR to the east. Each area also featured a long, rectangular, concrete pad located 

north of the Acquisition Radar. The pad was constructed for three trailers, 

stacked front to back, that held equipment and personnel for battery control, 

radar control, and spare computer and electronics parts. The wheels and 

undercarriage of each trailer were removed and the trailers set on wooden blocks 

on top of the concrete pad.154

The battery control trailer was immediately north of the Acquisition Radar and 

contained controls for the radar as well as a missile guidance computer. Furthest 

north on the pad was the radar control trailer that held computers and 

equipment for the TTR and MTR. In between the two was a maintenance and 

spare parts trailer (Figure 2.95).155

The TTR and MTR had to work in concert to predict an intercept point and 

direct the missile to that point. To calibrate both radars, a sixty-foot tall bore 

sighting mast, or collimation test mast, was erected at the northern end of the site 

near the Ready Barracks. A separate mast was installed for each control area and 

the site plan called out a ten degree unobstructed cone from the center of the TTR 

and MTR to the bore mast. The plan further explained that the site’s contractor 

would be responsible for clearing the unobstructed visual cone, much of which 

passed through existing vegetation up to thirty-five feet high (Figure 2.96). 

A four foot-wide concrete walk was proposed from each control area to its 

respective mast, however, on the site plan, the walk was labeled N.I.C.—an 

abbreviation for “not-in-contract.” Another drawing showing the IFC site plan 

displayed a final revision date of January 22, 1960, and was annotated as “record 

work as built.” Although the drawing recorded other changes to the site, for 
SITE HISTORY

127 

example, dry wells near both sets of trailers, the concrete walks to the masts were 

labeled “proposed walk” indicating they had yet to be installed (Figure 2.97). 

Additional changes to the site between the beginning of construction in 1954 and 

the “record work as built” designation in 1960 include perimeter fencing, walks, 

and construction of a basketball court. Eight months after the site plan was 

issued, a revision was made that “clarified the fence and firebreak.” The revised 

annotations listed the fence as type FE-6—a designation for chain link fence with 

a single extension arm supporting continuous strands of barbed wire. Top of 

fence elevations were added near the radar installations and accompanied by a 

section illustrating that the existing ground should be excavated prior to setting 

the fence posts. The excavation was necessary to maintain a consistent fence 

elevation and to not interfere with the transmission of the radar (Figure 2.98). 

The final notes added for the fence installation specify a thirty-foot wide 

firebreak inside the perimeter fence. The combination of the firebreak and 

clearing for the boring masts resulted in a triangular area in the center of the site 

where existing, native vegetation remained undisturbed (Figure 2.99). 

Although the walks to the boring masts were not installed, a concrete walk was 

constructed from each control area to the Ready Barracks between October 1955 

and January 1960. Electrical conduit was buried alongside the walks and 

extended around the walkways at the barracks. A total of twelve light fixtures 

were added with five being located around the barracks, four located along the 

walk from Control Area #1, and three located along the walk from Control Area 

#2 (Figure 2.100). 

During this same time period, a basketball court was added south of the Ready 

Barracks. Since the IFC was physically distant from the major facilities and 

recreation opportunities at Fort Hancock, the court served as a small recreation 

amenity when personnel staffed the site and was a common feature at NIKE 

installations across the country (Figures 2.101 and 2.102).156

Sandy Hook’s NIKE site received the upgrade from the Ajax to the larger 

Hercules missile and necessary modifications were made at both the IFC and 

launch areas. Additionally, the IFC was part of a program called “Improved 

Hercules” that added more sophisticated radar designed to counter electronic 

interference from enemy aircraft.157

Site plans dated September 4, 1962, show the installation of a High-Powered 

Acquisition Radar or HIPAR system designed to detect incoming aircraft at a 

greater distance. A HIPAR Tower to mount the radar and a HIPAR Building for 

equipment and controls are shown north of Control Area #2 (Figure 2.103). 

West of the HIPAR Building, new Target Tracking and Target Ranging radars—

both components of the “Improved Hercules” system—are shown. A new Target 
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Tracking Radar is also shown at Control Area #1. Battery control and radar 

control trailers are still shown on the 1962 plan, however, at both control areas 

the maintenance and spare parts trailer has been removed and replaced with a 

building that served the same function labeled “Interconnecting Corridor” 

(Figure 2.104). 

Launch Site 

The Army originally intended for NIKE missiles to be stored above ground and 

estimated 119 acres were needed for a combined IFC and launch site. Since 

NIKE sites were going to defend populated urban, military, and industrial areas, 

available space was a constraining factor. To reduce the footprint of the launch 

site, designs for underground magazines were prepared that resulted in an 

approximate forty acre-requirement for the IFC and launch sites. On October 

28, 1953, ARAACOM directed that the underground magazine design would be 

used in most instances.158

The launch site at Sandy Hook was roughly T-shaped in plan. The long leg of the 

“T” began at Hartshorne Drive and proceeded east toward the Atlantic Ocean 

where it divided into shorter northern and southern sections. The western 

portion of the “T” contained the Ready Barracks and the southern section 

contained the Missile Maintenance Area. The northern section contained the 

underground missile magazines and launching racks and all three areas were 

surrounding by a perimeter fence (Figure 2.105). 

Due to groundwater very close to the surface throughout the peninsula, the 

magazines and launching racks were located in an area with existing grades 

between elevations of sixteen and twenty feet. Generally higher than other areas 

on the peninsula, this location, with the addition of fill material, would permit the 

underground magazine design. The proposed elevation for the launchers was 

twenty-feet and they were contained within a 460 by 490-foot engineered plateau 

at a similar elevation (Figure 2.106). 

As mentioned previously, a group of eight existing structures used for radar 

testing during the late 1930s were located near the proposed launch site. On a 

site plan issued March 22, 1954, buildings T-14 through T-17 were shown and 

labeled as “two story frame warehouse” with additional annotations indicating 

they are unoccupied. T-16 and T-17 were located within the proposed 

construction area and are labeled to be removed and salvaged. The same site 

plan includes future provisions for two more magazines beyond the four planned 

for construction. Although never constructed, planning for the future magazines 

positioned the northern location of the perimeter fence away from any conflict 

and created secured, undeveloped space at the northern end of the launch site. 

Included with the layout of the perimeter fence were annotations labeling 
SITE HISTORY

129 

firebreaks near the missile magazines and Missile Maintenance Area. North of 

the missile magazines, labels identify a twenty foot firebreak outside of the fence. 

South of the Missile Maintenance Area, labels identify a fifty foot firebreak with 

twenty feet occurring outside the fence and thirty feet inside. It is unclear if the 

thirty-foot interior firebreak continued around the entire fence or was only 

intended for the Missile Maintenance Area (Figure 2.107). 

A week after the site plan was issued, revisions were made south of the magazines 

and launchers for the area that included an acid storage shed, acid fueling station, 

J.P. (a type of jet fuel) fueling station, concrete walkway, earth mounds, and 

appurtenant gravel pavements and grading. These facilities were needed for the 

missile’s liquid fuel mixture of jet fuel and nitric acid. In addition, to protect the 

site from an accidental detonation after a missile was armed with its three 

warheads, a crescent-shaped earth mound was shown near the south perimeter of 

the site wrapping around the east, south, and west sides of the Warhead Building 

and acid fueling station. North of the Warhead Building, another earth mound 

paralleled the building’s north facade and almost connected to the curved ends of 

the southern mound. The southern mound was labeled “earth mound, seeded 

slopes, top elevation of mound = 21.00, slopes 3 in 1.” The northern mound had 

the same information listed in two separate annotations (Figure 2.108). 

Construction was completed on the launch site in the spring of 1955, however, 

building activities would resume three years later to convert the site from the 

Ajax to the larger Hercules missile.159 The storage racks, launcher rails, and 

elevators required modifications to accommodate Hercules. In addition, security 

improvements were imperative before nuclear warheads would be stored at the 

launch site. Revision dates on historic drawings for the Hercules conversion 

indicate changes were made through 1960. On February 23, 1961, a site plan 

drawing was labeled “record work as built” indicating construction had finished 

and final revisions were made to the original drawing to show completed 

conditions (Figure 2.109). 

To accommodate the larger missiles, a concrete walk in the Missile Maintenance 

Area was widened from six to twelve feet. In both the 1954 and 1958 drawings, 

the walk is labeled for use by a dolly that would transport missiles from the 

Testing and Assembly Building to the Warhead Building (Figure 2.110). Security 

improvements for the launch site included additional fencing, new floodlight 

fixtures, and construction of a kennel for guard dogs. The perimeter fence 

remained from the 1954 plan and a new “inner security fence” was added around 

the magazine section of the launch site. 

A 1958 electrical plan for the launch site showed a new wiring diagram for a 

“protective lighting system” around the magazine area. Eight light fixtures were 

shown in plan and an accompanying detail indicates they were twelve foot-tall 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

130 

wood poles mounted with 1,500 watt wide-beam floodlights (Figure 2.111). The 

floodlights would create a beam of light in the direction that the fixture was 

mounted. In order to communicate the desired mounting direction, the plan 

shows a cone, representing the beam, emanating from a circle that represents the 

pole. Each of the eight fixtures are shown with their beams paralleling the path of 

the inner security fence and not faced towards the launchers. Based on this plan, 

the lights were not intended to facilitate night operation but to illuminate the 

inner security fence and facilitate better security surveillance (Figure 2.112). 

In addition to the inner fence and floodlights, a kennel was added to the Sandy 

Hook site to house guard dogs patrolling the area between the inner and outer 

fences (Figure 2.113). The kennels, along with the dual fences, were identifiable 

features of converted and newly installed NIKE Hercules sites throughout the 

country (Figure 2.114).160 At Sandy Hook, the kennel was originally designed to 

be constructed south of the Missile Maintenance Area. In a revision dated 

August 1958, the kennel was relocated to the northwest corner of magazine area, 

arguably for closer proximity to the inner fence and to utilize space intended for 

future magazine expansion that was never developed (Figure 2.115). 

ICBMS, NIKE ZEUS, AND A NEW DEFENSE PHILOSOPHY 

During the 1950s, the United States and Soviet Union escalated their arms race 

and began developing missiles that would travel beyond the Earth’s atmosphere 

and be able to strike targets half-way around the world. Known as 

intercontinental ballistic missiles or ICBMs, this new offensive technology shifted 

the threat away from the long range bombers that the NIKE system was intended 

to stop. The Soviet Union announced they had an operational ICBM in 1957 and 

following the launch of Sputnik that same year, the United States accelerated 

their program and had the Atlas ICBM operational in 1959.161

In response to this new offensive weaponry, the Secretary of Defense assigned 

the Army with development of an anti-missile, missile system called Zeus that 

utilized existing NIKE infrastructure in 1958.162 For the next three years funds 

were allocated for research and development, but not for implementation at 

existing NIKE sites. Opposition mounted against the Zeus system as the scientific 

community argued existing radar systems lacked the sophistication to discern 

between an ICBM and debris jettisoned from its booster rockets. Furthermore, 

arguments against the concept of an anti-missile, missile system contended it 

could be defeated by overwhelming the system with a massive convoy of decoy 

missiles with only one missile being armed with a nuclear warhead. Funding for 

Zeus was cancelled in 1963, however, debate, research, and development on an 

anti-ballistic missile system continued throughout the 1960s.163
SITE HISTORY

131 

Personnel cuts began at NIKE sites in 1967 as a result of the Zeus system’s 

cancellation and Hercules being tactically ineffective against ICBMs. The cuts 

were hastened by escalating war efforts in Vietnam and in 1968, the first NIKE 

sites were deactivated.164 The perpetuating contest of new offensive weaponry 

followed by improved defensive capabilities that resulted in over a century of 

coastal defense innovations at Sandy Hook, ended with the doctrine of mutually 

assured destruction. Defense philosophy shifted from costly artillery and 

infrastructure to guaranteeing that the United States and the Soviet Union had 

the same apocalyptic nuclear capabilities. This mutual assurance prevailed as the 

only way to prevent nuclear war. On February 4, 1974, Secretary of Defense 

James Schlesinger announced plans to close forty-eight NIKE installations across 

the country including the Sandy Hook site. In the following months, the Army 

removed missiles and equipment from Sandy Hook and formally deactivated the 

site in a ceremony held on August 15, 1974.165

BASE CONSOLIDATION AND TRANSFER TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 

With the NIKE system’s defenses eclipsed by the threat of ICBMs and an 

expanding war in Vietnam, priorities were adjusted for federal defense spending. 

In January 1967, the Department of Defense announced plans for thirty-three 

military base closings and consolidations including Fort Hancock.166 Prior to this 

announcement, new stakeholders emerged on the Sandy Hook peninsula and 

began the transformation of a strategic military installation into a premier 

recreation destination. 

Beginning in 1962, New Jersey State Parks purchased twelve acres at the southern 

end of the peninsula for developing beach access and fishing. Between the 

highway bridge that entered Sandy Hook and Spermaceti Cove, the State 

established a parking area and a comfort station for recreational fishing. North 

of this narrow strip, the State leased 460 acres from the Department of Defense 

that extended to the southern boundary of the NIKE launch site. In this area, 

New Jersey State Parks developed two beach sites with bathhouses and parking 

facilities. The two beach sites and fishing areas to the south combined to provide 

parking for approximately 3,500 vehicles (Figures 2.116 and 2.117). Two years 

later, the State leased an additional 285 acres that extended west from 

Hartshorne Drive—the main north-south vehicular route—to include land along 

Horseshoe Cove and Skeleton Hill Island (Figure 2.118).167

Already established as a popular recreation site, the Fort Hancock closure 

announcement brought together Monmouth County and New Jersey state 

officials and representatives from the Departments of Defense and the Interior to 

develop and analyze alternatives for Sandy Hook. Chief among their concerns 

was maintaining the peninsula for public recreation, however, other competing 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

132 

proposals included a new Coast Guard airbase, Army and Coast Guard housing, 

and recreational facilities for military personnel.168

One of the main alternatives generated by this group was to designate Sandy 

Hook as a National Seashore under the management of the National Park 

Service. Beginning in 1961, a lack of public access to undeveloped seashore areas 

led to the creation of parks at Cape Cod, Fire Island, and Assateague Island. In 

proposing a National Seashore at Sandy Hook, the group proposed that “the 

peninsula could provide a significant and much needed recreational unit within 

the heart of the nation’s most densely populated region.”169

With Fort Hancock slated to close, the alternatives studied for Sandy Hook did 

not lead to an individual park unit, but incorporated Sandy Hook with sections of 

Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island into a new park. On October 27, 1972, 

President Richard Nixon signed legislation enabling the creation of the Gateway 

National Recreation Area recognizing the cultural and natural resources and 

recreation opportunities along lower New York Harbor. On August 15, 1974, the 

Army held a ceremony to deactivate Fort Hancock’s NIKE site and recognize the 

service of the Army Air Defense personnel. The ceremony dedicated Guardian 

Park located south of the Fort Hancock Parade Ground. The park’s design 

featured a cruciform concrete walkway oriented in a north-south and east-west 

direction. Four commemorative items were placed at the end of each walkway 

and the intersection was marked by the second stage of a NIKE Hercules missile. 

A flagpole was erected at the north and a NIKE Ajax missile at the south 

walkway. A granite monument commemorating soldiers killed during a NIKE 

explosion in Middletown, New Jersey was placed on the west. Opposite the 

monument, a 75mm park howitzer was sited to commemorate traditional coastal 

artillery. Four months later, on December 31, 1974, Fort Hancock was officially 

deactivated and the next day, transferred to the National Park Service.170

LANDSCAPE SUMMARY – 1974 

Upon transfer to the National Park Service, development at Sandy Hook was 

concentrated at the northern and southern ends with a largely undeveloped 

middle section. The greatest density of development was focused around the 

historic structures lining Fort Hancock’s Parade Ground and Athletic Field. The 

temporary structures and cantonment areas constructed during World War II 

were removed and resulted in open areas that had formerly been dense 

arrangements of wooden buildings and tents. The U. S. Coast Guard established 

a more formal presence on the northern end of the peninsula and constructed 

several new buildings. The Coast Guard also assumed operation of the wharf on 

Sandy Hook Bay. 
SITE HISTORY

133 

In the middle section of the peninsula, the Army had constructed and abandoned 

the NIKE IFC site with radar systems to detect enemy planes and guide surfaceto-air missiles. Approximately one mile south, the NIKE launch site was 

constructed with underground magazines and launchers for the missiles. South 

of the NIKE launch site, New Jersey State Parks leased 745 acres that comprised a 

majority of the peninsula’s southern half. The State Parks’ lease extended to a 

twelve-acre parcel they owned at the bridge between Sandy Hook and the Town 

of Highlands. In the two areas, the State Parks developed several parking lots, 

bathhouses, and dedicated fishing access (Drawing 2.7). 

Currents and tides continued to alter the Sandy Hook shoreline and resulted in 

the formation of the North Pond northeast of Nine Gun Battery. The pond 

formed in a low-lying area as new sand deposits advanced the shoreline further 

north and east from the historic battery. On the west side of the peninsula, the 

northern shoreline of the point at Horseshoe Cove retreated and Sandy Hook 

Bay crept closer to Battery Arrowsmith’s concrete walls (Drawing 2.7). 

The largest area of undisturbed, woody vegetation was located south of Battery 

Gunnison and the Mortar Battery and north of the NIKE IFC site. Between the 

NIKE ICF and launch sites, the Army had maintained vegetation at a low height 

to allow unobstructed radar signals between the Missile Tracking Radar, control 

vans, and individual missiles. With the NIKE facility deactivated in 1971 and 

regular maintenance discontinued, the quantity and density of vegetation 

between the two NIKE locations increased (Drawing 2.8). 

All of the large caliber and rapid fire gun batteries were disarmed after World 

War II, and in the roughly thirty years from between the conclusion of the war 

and the transfer of Sandy Hook to the National Park Service, none of the 

structures were demolished. The batteries remained unattended with little or no 

maintenance attention. As a result, large woody vegetation encroached on the 

concrete structures and engineered earthworks. New vegetation growth can be 

seen at batteries Urmston, Morris, Engle, Peck, Potter, Granger, Nine Gun 

Battery, and the Mortar Battery (Drawing 2.8). In contrast, batteries Gunnison, 

Kingman, and Mills, retained earthworks primarily free of large, woody 

vegetation (Drawing 2.8). 

Vegetation around the perimeters and within the two NIKE sites was highly 

managed for radar operation and security. Firebreaks were maintained along the 

fences at both sites and as a result, a clear separation can be seen between 

vegetation masses and fence lines. At the NIKE IFC site, a roughly triangular 

mass of vegetation existed within the site between the radar and ready barrack 

locations. Since this area did not interfere with radar operation or security, it was 

left unaltered during the initial construction and subsequent use of the site 

(Drawing 2.8). 
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134 

During previous eras, Sandy Hook was accessible by ship, train, and automobile 

with trains and automobiles having independent circulation networks across the 

peninsula. When transferred to the National Park Service in 1975, automobile 

circulation dominated the landscape. After World War II, the majority of 

railroad ties and tracks were removed and the former rail beds converted to 

unpaved roads or trails. Two large parking lots were installed on the State Park’s 

leased land to accommodate visitors traveling by car to the beaches. In addition 

to these two lots, smaller lots were constructed to the south near the bridge to 

Highlands. All of the State Park lots combined to provide approximately 3,500 

spaces (Drawing 2.7). 

Similar to the condition of former railroad beds, circulation features from World 

War II-era cantonments remained as unpaved roads or trails. Although the 

wooden structures and tents were removed, networks of unpaved roads and 

trails can be seen west of Battery Granger and south of the Mortar Battery where 

temporary facilities were constructed. The roads and open area for the tent city 

south of the Mortar Battery was converted into trailer park for the Coast Guard. 

The former cantonment west of Nine Gun Battery was designated a camping area 

for vacationing military personnel (Drawing 2.8). 
135 

Site History

Figure 2.90. Warhead location in NIKE Ajax missile. Three TNT warheads were 

located in the nose, middle, and tail of an Ajax missile and were detonated by a 

radio-transmitted signal (John C. Lonnquest and David F. Winkler, To Defend and 

Deter: The Legacy of the United States Cold War Missile Program, United States 

Department of Defense, Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, 

November 1996).

Figure 2.89. NIKE Ajax missile flight diagram. Ajax missiles were guided by a series of three radars. Incoming enemy aircraft were 

identified by acquisition radar and then transferred to Target Tracking Radar (TTR) to determine the aircraft’s elevation and range. 

Based on tracking information, missile guidance was calculated and sent to Missile Tracking Radar (MTR) to control the missile’s flight. 

Upon arriving at the predicted intercept point, computers transmitted a burst signal to detonate the missile (Mary T. Cagle, Historical 

Monograph: Development, Production, and Deployment of the NIKE Ajax Guided Missile System 1945–1959, United States Department of 

Defense, Army Ordnance Missile Command, June 1959).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

136

Figure 2.91. “NIKE” Project, Topographical Plan Between Control and Launching Areas, 1954. At Sandy Hook, the NIKE radar 

and launch sites were separated by over a mile but needed unobstructed radar signals to transmit between the Missile 

Tracking Radar, control vans, and individual missiles. This plan indicates vegetation clearing in two wedge-shaped areas to 

the missile launchers and two linear corridors to the control vans (highlighted in red) originating from the radar site, located 

off the plan to the north (GATE 11040d and Olmsted Center).
137 

Site History

Figure 2.92. “NIKE” Project, Profile Between Control and Launch Area, 1954. Buildings, tall vegetation, and utility poles are 

examples of objects that could interfere with radar transmissions in a vertical, as well as a horizontal plane. The Army Corps 

prepared these profiles to show the unobstructed vertical area needed between Sandy Hook’s radar and launch sites. The 

“additive item” annotation indicates that removing interfering vegetation and objects may have been part of a contractor’s 

bid and proposed work or completed by Army personnel (GATE 11040e).
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138

Figure 2.93. Overlay of NIKE sites and 1945 Period Plan. The NIKE radar site was located roughly in the middle of the peninsula, in the 

largely undeveloped area southeast of the Camp Low barracks built during World War II. The launch site was located east of Batteries 

Kingman and Mills, across Hartshorne Drive, and in the vicinity of eight warehouses constructed for radar tests by the Army Signal Corps 

(Olmsted Center, 2010).
139 

Site History

Figure 2.94. “NIKE” Project, Control Area Site Plan, 1954. In the proposed layout of the NIKE radar site, six concrete 

foundations (shaded gray) lack building descriptions and appear small enough to be outbuildings or auxiliary structures. The 

plan also shows vegetation cover (shaded green) occupying more than half of the proposed area and labeled “brush and trees 

up to 35’ high” (GATE 11052 and Olmsted Center).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

140

Figure 2.95. Detail of acquisition radar and control trailers, NIKE Project, Control Area Site Plan, 1954. At both control areas, two trailers 

located north of the acquisition radar contained computers and equipment for radar and missile guidance. In between the two trailers 

was a third used for maintenance and storing spare parts (GATE 11052).
141 

Site History

Figure 2.96. Detail of visual cones to bore sighting mast, NIKE Project, Control Area Site Plan, 1954. The radar 

site’s contractor was responsible for clearing an unobstructed visual cone (highlighted in red) to the bore

sighting mast in order to calibrate the TTR and MTR radars. The cone passes through an area of existing 

vegetation up to thirty-five feet high that was removed (GATE 11052 and Olmsted Center).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

142

Figure 2.97. Detail of proposed walk to bore sighting mast, Special AAA Facilities, Site Plan and Water 

Line, 1955. Although this drawing was updated to record “as built” conditions in 1960, the concrete 

walks to the bore sighting masts are still labeled “proposed walk” and lack an indication that they were 

completed (GATE 11053).
143 

Site History

Figure 2.98. Section of perimeter fence, NIKE Project, Control Area Site Plan, 1954. The fence section indicates that the existing ground 

should be excavated in order to maintain a consistent top of fence elevation and to avoid interference with the transmission of the radar 

(GATE 11052).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

144

Figure 2.99. Limit of vegetation clearing, NIKE Project, Control Area Site Plan, 1954. The combination of the firebreak for the 

perimeter fence and clearing for the boring masts results in a triangular area (highlighted in red) in the center of the site

where existing, native vegetation remained undisturbed (GATE 11052 and Olmsted Center). 
145 

Site History

Figure 2.100. Pole-mounted light fixtures, NIKE Project, Control Area Electrical Distribution Plan, 1954. Between October 1955 and 

January 1960, electrical conduit was buried alongside pedestrian walkways in the radar site and a total of twelve light fixtures (circled) 

were added (GATE 11046 and Olmsted Center).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

146

Figure 2.101. Detail of basketball court, NIKE 

Project, Control Area Electrical Distribution 

Plan, 1954. South of the Ready Barracks, a 

basketball court was added between October 

1955 and January 1960 (GATE 11046). 

Figure 2.102. Battery Control Area Site Plan, NIKE Missile Base SL-40, Monroe County, Illinois. NIKE installations across 

the country frequently contained basketball courts as a recreational amenity for activated personnel (Historic American 

Engineering Record, IL - 117). 
147 

Site History

Figure 2.103. Detail of HIPAR radar installations, Site Plan, Control Area, Fort Hancock, 1962. North of Control Area #2, a High-Powered 

Acquisition Radar or HIPAR tower and a HIPAR Building for equipment and controls were installed to detect incoming aircraft at a greater 

distance and support the longer-range Hercules missile. As part of the “Improved Hercules” system, new Target Tracking and Target 

Ranging radars were also added to counter electronic interference from enemy aircraft (GATE 11057). 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

148

Figure 2.104. Site Plan, Control Area, Fort Hancock, 1962. As part of the Hercules upgrades, the maintenance and spare parts 

trailer was removed and replaced with a building that served the same function labeled “Interconnecting Corridor” (GATE 

11057).
149 

Site History

Figure 2.105. Overall site configuration of NIKE launch site, 1962. The launch site at Sandy Hook was roughly T-shaped in plan. The 

western portion of the “T” contained the alert barracks and the southern section contained the missile maintenance area. The northern 

section contained the underground missile magazines and launching racks and all three areas were surrounding by a perimeter fence 

(GATE 11061).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

150

Figure 2.106. Engineered plateau, “NIKE” Project, Launching Area, Launching Area Site Plan. Due to high groundwater, excavation 

for the missile magazines was minimized by a proposed engineered plateau (highlighted in red) that was built above and around 

the reinforced concrete structure (GATE 11048 and Olmsted Center).
151 

Site History

Figure 2.107. Detail of perimeter fence and firebreak, “NIKE” Project, 

Launching Area, Launching Area Site Plan. The layout of the perimeter fence 

was shifted north to accommodate plans for two future magazines north of 

the intended four magazines. Included with the fence layout are annotations 

labeling a twenty foot firebreak outside of the fence line (GATE 11048).

Figure 2.108. Detail of earth mounds in Missile Maintenance Area, “NIKE” Project, Launching 

Area, Launching Area Site Plan. To protect the site from an accidental detonation after a 

missile was armed with its three warheads, two engineered earthworks were constructed on 

the north and south sides of the Warheading Building. The plans labels both “earth mound, 

seeded slopes, top elevation of mound = 21.00, slopes 3 in 1” (GATE 11048). 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

152

Figure 2.109. Missile Assembly and Test Building and Warheading Area, Site Plan; Paving and Sewage Disposal, 1958. Updated 

with “as built” information dated February 23, 1961, this plan shows alterations made to the Missile Maintenance Area for the 

larger Hercules missile (GATE 7620-2983). 
153 

Site History

Figure 2.110. Detail of missile dolly walk, Missile Assembly and Test Building and Missile 

Maintenance Area, Site Plan; Paving and Sewage Disposal, 1958. To accommodate the 

larger Hercules missiles, a concrete walk was widened from six to twelve feet (highlighted 

in yellow). The walk was designed for use by a dolly that would transport missiles from 

the Testing and Assembly Building to the Warheading Building (GATE 7620-2983).

Figure 2.111. Detail of floodlight, Launching Area Plan, Electrical, 1958. Designed to be 

armed with a nuclear warhead, the Hercules missiles necessitated security improvements 

at the launch site. A component of the improvements added new 1,500 watt floodlight 

fixtures mounted on twelve foot-tall wood poles (GATE 11056).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

154

Figure 2.112. Detail of floodlights along inner perimeter 

fence, Launching Area Plan, Electrical, 1958. Each of the eight 

floodlights (highlighted in yellow) are shown with their beams 

paralleling the path of the inner security fence and not faced 

towards the launchers. Based on this plan, the lights were 

not intended to facilitate night operation but to illuminate the 

inner security fence and facilitate better security surveillance 

(GATE 11056). 
155 

Site History

Figure 2.113. NIKE sentry dog. In addition to the inner fence and floodlights, a kennel was added to the Sandy 

Hook launch site to house guard dogs that patrolled the area between the inner and outer fences (“Missile 

Age Minutemen: A Salute Honoring the Army National Guard Air Defense Units, 1954-1974,” Indiantown Gap 

Military Reservation, Annville, PA, September 14, 1974). 

Figure 2.114. Launch Area Site Plan, NIKE Missile Base SL40, Monroe County, Illinois. As part of increased security 

necessitated by the nuclear warheads added for the Hercules 

missile, launch sites across the country added kennels to 

house trained attack dogs. The dogs and their handlers 

patrolled the area between the outer perimeter fence 

and the inner fence that surrounded the missile launchers 

(Historic American Engineering Record, IL - 117).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

156

Figure 2.115. Proposed and revised kennel locations, Launching Area Plan, Electrical, 1958. The kennel was originally designed to 

be constructed south of the Missile Maintenance Area but was relocated to the northwest corner of magazines, arguably for closer 

proximity to the inner fence and to utilize space intended for future magazine expansion that was never developed (GATE 11056). 
157 

Site History

Figure 2.116. View looking north at New Jersey State Park entrance, 1967. Beginning in 1962, New 

Jersey State Parks purchased and leased land at the southern end of the peninsula to offer beach access 

and recreational fishing opportunities. In conjunction with acquiring the land, the state developed 

parking facilities for approximately 3,500 vehicles (Sandy Hook: A Study of Alternatives, United States 

Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1967). 

Figure 2.117. View looking northwest at beach usage, 1967. On leased property, New Jersey State Parks 

developed two beach sites with bathhouses. In addition, State Parks converted the Spermaceti Cove 

Lifesaving Station (background) into a nature center (Sandy Hook: A Study of Alternatives, United States 

Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1967). 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

158

Figure 2.118. Map of leased land, 1967. By 1964, New Jersey State Parks had purchased 

twelve acres at the southern end of the peninsula and leased another 745 acres from the 

Department of Defense that extended from the Route 36 bridge to the southern boundary

of the NIKE launch site (Sandy Hook: A Study of Alternatives, United States Department of 

the Interior, National Park Service, 1967). 
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

1974 Period Plan

Site Wide

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

Drawing 2.7

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 525’ 1050’ 2100’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Lockwood

 Kessler & Bartlett, 1976

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location

2. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

LEGEND

Beach

Battery Landscape Extents

Canopy Vegetation

Marsh

Boundary of Fort Hancock

Military Reservation

Paved Road / Walk

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Plum

Island

Spermaceti Cove

Nature Center

NIKE Radar Site

Battery Arrowsmith

Battery Kingman

Atlantic Highlands

Highlands

U. S. Coast Guard Wharf

Battery Mills

S p e r m a c e t i C o v e

Skeleton Hill Island

New Jersey State

Park’s Leased Land

New Jersey State

Park’s Leased Land

NIKE Launch Site

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y

U. S. Coast Guard Reservation

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

Guardian Park

Battery Morris

Battery Urmston

Battery Engle

and Peck

Battery Gunnison

Mortar Battery

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Nine Gun Battery

Battery Granger

Battery Potter
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

1974 Period Plan

Sandy Hook Batteries

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

Drawing 2.8

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 300’ 600’ 1200’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Lockwood

 Kessler & Bartlett, 1976

NOTES

1. All features shown in approximate scale and location

2. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

LEGEND

Beach

Battery Landscape Extents

Canopy Vegetation

Marsh

Boundary of Fort Hancock

Military Reservation

Paved Road / Walk

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

NIKE Radar Site

Battery Arrowsmith

Battery Kingman

U. S. Coast Guard Wharf

U. S. Coast

Guard Trailer

Park

Battery Mills

New Jersey State

Park’s Leased Land

New Jersey State

Park’s Leased Land

NIKE Launch Site

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

U. S. Coast Guard Reservation Guardian Park

Battery Gunnison

Mortar Battery

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Nine Gun Battery

Battery Granger

Battery Potter

Battery Morris

Battery Urmston

Battery Engle

and Peck

North Pond

Parade

Ground

Athletic

Field

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y

A T L A N T I C O C E A N
SITE HISTORY

161 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATION 1975–PRESENT 

Following the transfer from the Army to the National Park Service, planning 

efforts began for Sandy Hook and the entire Gateway National Recreation Area 

culminating in the publication of Gateway’s General Management Plan in 1979. 

The General Management Plan was prepared to identify pertinent issues and 

guide decision-making processes for the next two decades. 

At Sandy Hook, strategic coastal defense locations and supporting military 

infrastructure had shaped development on the peninsula since the Revolutionary 

War. With the completion of the General Management Plan, priorities shifted to 

balancing recreational opportunities with natural and cultural resource 

protection. Specifically, with development focused around historic Fort 

Hancock at the northern end and the former New Jersey State Park facilities at 

the southern end of the peninsula, the interior section was recognized for its 

“spacious coastal landscapes and natural features [that] are an important part of 

the Sandy Hook resource and are deserving of protective management and uses 

that will allow their perpetuation.”171

Located within the largest metropolitan area in the nation, Sandy Hook and its 

miles of undeveloped oceanfront stood apart in stark contrast, offering unique 

recreational opportunities for residents in the immediately surrounding urban 

and suburban areas. Access for up to two million visitors annually was almost 

exclusively by automobile and accordingly, planning efforts focused on road 

configurations, parking, and alternative transportation development. 

The National Park Service sought to distribute parking and visitor concentrations 

more evenly by decreasing parking on the southern portion of the peninsula and 

creating new parking and beach facilities near Battery Gunnison and Nine Gun 

Battery. The General Management Plan proposed a 350-car parking area at the 

former NIKE launch site for visitation and access to a proposed, small beach 

center located off the site’s northeast corner (Figure 2.119).172 In the years 

following the General Management Plan, neither the beach center nor the 

parking area was developed in this area. 

Alternative transportation planning has addressed increasing ferry service, using 

shuttle buses to connect the northern and southern sections of the peninsula, and 

dedicated bicycle routes. Recently, the park has installed a Multi-Use Path that 

starts at the south entrance and continues north to the ferry landing. The path 

was designed to accommodate bicycle, roller blade, and pedestrian traffic and 

routing visitors past the perimeters of the NIKE IFC and launch sites (Figure 

2.120). Presently, plans are being developed to create secondary paths branching 

off the main Multi-Use Path that will bring visitors to other coastal defenses and 

facilitate new interpretive opportunities at these cultural sites. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

162 

The U. S. Coast Guard, which has maintained a presence on Sandy Hook since 

the establishment of a lifesaving station in 1848, continues to operate a facility at 

the northern end of Sandy Hook. In addition to the Coast Guard, several other 

institutions have partnered with the park, leasing buildings in the Fort Hancock 

Historic District. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 

(NOAA) Marine Fisheries Service constructed a new research facility in 1985 

following a fire that destroyed previous laboratories staffed by the Department of 

the Interior’s Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Service.173 NOAA’s research 

efforts were joined by the New Jersey Audubon Society that established the 

Sandy Hook Observatory in 2001 to provide educational programs and events 

that address the peninsula as a resource for migratory birds.174

Complementing these research and educational endeavors, Monmouth County 

established two educational facilities in the Fort Hancock Historic District. 

Brookdale Community College created a field classroom for environmental and 

marine studies in Fort Hancock’s Building 53, the Post Exchange Building. South 

of the Mortar Battery along Gunnison Road, the Marine Academy of Science and 

Technology (MAST) was founded in 1981 to provide high school instruction in 

marine science and engineering (Figure 2.121).175 These organizations may be 

joined by others as the park contemplates lease options involving future 

partners in rehabilitating thirty-three historic buildings in the Fort Hancock 

Historic District. 

SAFETY, STABILIZATION, AND RESEARCH 

Although the General Management Plan called for greater interpretation of the 

coastal defense batteries and improving access for the public, efforts in the last 

three decades have focused on safety issues, stabilization, and research. In order 

to warn visitors of potentially hazardous conditions at Battery Peck, Battery 

Granger, and Nine Gun Battery, the park erected chain-link fencing and signage 

between pedestrian routes and the structures. At Battery Gunnison, the park 

demolished a concrete bridge in 2001 to eliminate hazards created by the 

deteriorating concrete. The bridge spanned between the south gun platform and 

the shell hoist (Figure 2.122).176

Visitor access had once been permitted to the top of the Mortar Battery and the 

park installed post and cable fencing in the late 1970s to keep visitors away from 

the hazardous, open mortar pits.177 Due to increased erosion and the creation of 

social trails across the historic earthwork, the park closed access to the top 

around 1990.178 More successful efforts at providing visitor access have been 

made at Battery Potter. In 2003, the park rehabilitated an exterior metal stairway 

on the south side of the battery. As part of the same project, new pipe railing was 

added along the top of the west facade and also the top of the gun parapet walls. 
SITE HISTORY

163 

The same year, new metal pipe railing was added to the stairs and around 

perimeter of gun platforms at Battery Gunnison.179

The physical condition of the coastal defense structures and visitor access have 

not been the park’s only concerns. The tides and currents that began shaping 

Sandy Hook over 8,000 years ago continue to affect the peninsula and at times, 

seriously threaten historic resources. A violent winter storm in December 1974 

removed several vertical pilings from the bayside bulkhead west of Batteries 

Kingman and Mills. With a portion of the structure breached, subsequent 

storms in the 1970s destroyed the majority of the bulkhead and began eroding 

the shoreline.180

An especially destructive storm affecting Sandy Hook and the northeastern 

United States struck in February 1978. In addition to erosion near Batteries 

Kingman and Mills, hurricane-force wind gusts and storm surges washed away 

the natural dune formations east of the NIKE launch site and carved away at the 

narrow, southern portion of the peninsula where beach parking and bathhouses 

had been established.181 In the early 1980s, the park pumped sand to reinforce 

the depleted recreational beaches. As part of this process, sand was initially 

added in between Batteries Kingman and Mills to set up a construction staging 

area for remainder of project.182 To better respond to future beach erosion, the 

park recently installed and tested a sand-slurry pipeline system that can more 

efficiently replenish eroded areas. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

164 
165 

Site History

Figure 2.119. Development Concept Sandy Hook / South Beach. Completed in 1979, the Gateway National Recreational Area General 

Management Plan proposed a 350-car parking area at the former NIKE launch site for visitation and access to a proposed, small beach 

center located off the site’s northeast corner. In the years following the General Management Plan, neither the beach center nor the 

parking area was developed in this area (General Management Plan: Gateway National Recreation Area–New York/New Jersey, United 

States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1979). 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

166

Figure 2.120. Multi-use path map. Recently, the park installed a Multi-Use Path that starts at the south entrance and continues north 

to the ferry landing. The path was designed to accommodate bicycle, roller blade, and pedestrian traffic and routes visitors past the 

perimeters of the NIKE radar and launch sites (http://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/upload/mup%20map.pdf). 
167 

Site History

Figure 2.121. Map of partner facilities. Several institutions have partnered with the Sandy Hook 

Unit leasing buildings in the Fort Hancock Historic District including the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the New Jersey Audubon Society, Brookdale Community 

College, and the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) vocational high school 

(Olmsted Center, 2010). 

Figure 2.122. Detail of Harbor Defenses of New York, Battery Gunnison, Alterations and Additions, 

Fort Hancock, New Jersey, 1943. In 2001, the park demolished a concrete bridge (highlighted in 

yellow) at Battery Gunnison in order to eliminate hazards created by the deteriorating concrete. 

The bridge spanned between the south gun platform and the shell hoist (GATE 10689). 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

168
SITE HISTORY

169 

ENDNOTES 

 

1

 U. S. Geological Survey, “NYC Regional Geology – Atlantic Coastal Plain,” 

http://3dparks.wr.usgs.gov/nyc/coastalplain/coastalplain.htm; U. S. Geological Survey, “Volumetric Change Analysis 

along Gateway National Recreation Area – Sandy Hook and Fire Island National Seashore,” 

http://ngom.usgs.gov/dsp/mapping/volumetric_change.html. 

2

 The Louis Berger Group, Inc., Archeological Investigations of the Magruder Road Demolition and Repaving and Gunnison 

Road Realignment Project Sandy Hook, New Jersey (United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 

Denver Service Center, January 2004), 6-8. 

3 Sandy Hook: A Study of Alternatives (United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1967), 18. 

4

 James J. Lee III and Lauren Laham, Historic Structure Report: Battery Potter, Mortar Battery and Battery Gunnison. Fort 

Hancock, New Jersey, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area (United States Department of the Interior, 

National Park Service, 2007), 17-18. 

5

 Berger Group, Archeological Investigations of the Magruder Road, 9. 

6 Sandy Hook: A Study of Alternatives, 19; Maritime Heritage Program, “Sandy Hook Light National Historic Landmark 

Study,” National Park Service, http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/nhl/sandy.htm. 

7

 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 21-22. 

8

 Ibid., 22. 

9

 Edwin C. Bearss, Historic Resource Study and Historic Structure Report Historical Data Section Spermaceti Cove LifeSaving Station, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area, New York/New Jersey (United States Department of 

the Interior, National Park Service, January 1983), 7-8. 

10 Ibid., 17-18. 

11 James J. Lee III, Spermaceti Cove Life-Saving Station Historic Structure Report (United States Department of the Interior, 

National Park Service, 2008), 14-18. In 1878, the Revenue Marine Bureau transferred control of stations to the newly 

formed U. S. Life-Saving Service. In 1915, the Life-Saving Service merged into the U. S. Coast Guard. 

12 Sandy Hook: A Study of Alternatives, 19. 

13 Joel Rosenbaum and Tom Gallo, Iron Horses Across the Garden State (Piscataway, NJ: Railplace Company, Inc., 1985), 9; 

Sandy Hook: A Study of Alternatives, 19. 

14 Rosenbaum and Gallo, Iron Horses Across the Garden State, 9; Norma E. Williams, Cultural Landscape Report for Proving 

Ground and Wartime Expansion Areas, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area (United States Department of 

the Interior, National Park Service, July 1999), 14. Prior to the 1889 Ordnance Department line between their wharf and 

the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, mule teams and wagons hauled material over wood plank roads. For further 

information, please see Williams, 9-14. In 1893, the government purchased the New Jersey Southern Railroad line on 

Sandy Hook to provide an overland route for the Ordnance Department. For further information, please see Edwin C. 

Bearss, Historic Resource Study The Sandy Hook Proving Ground 1874-1919, 148-149. 

15 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 25; Williams, Proving Ground and Wartime Expansion Areas, 8. 

16 Emanuel Raymond Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications of the United States: An Introductory History (Annapolis, MD: Naval 

Institute Press, 1993), 66-68. 

17 Edwin C. Bearss, Historic Resource Study The Sandy Hook Proving Ground 1874-1919 (United States Department of the 

Interior, National Park Service, September 1983), 6. 

18 Bearss, Sandy Hook Proving Ground, 13-14; Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 26. 

19 Bearss, Sandy Hook Proving Ground, 52-53. 

20 For detailed information on the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, please see Bearss, Sandy Hook Proving Ground. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

170 

 

21 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 77. 

22 Ibid. 

23 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 58. 

24 Ibid., 63. 

25 Ibid., 64-66 and 76. 

26 Ibid., 68-69. Five thousand cubic yards is roughly equivalent to the amount held by 2,500 standard pickup truck beds. 

Lined up end to end, 2,500 pickup trucks would cover eight miles—greater than the distance from Battery Potter to the 

Route 36 bridge to Highlands. 

27 Ibid., 70. 

28 Ibid., 78. 

29 Ibid., 79. 

30 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 79; Terrance McGovern and Bolling Smith, American Coastal Defenses 1885-1950 (New 

York: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2006), 24. 

31 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 201-2. 

32 Ibid., 202. A six story building the size of a football field is roughly equivalent to the volume of earth and sand placed at

the Mortar Battery. 

33 Ibid., 202. 

34 Thomas Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text” (working paper, Sandy Hook Unit, 1999). 

35 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 32. 

36 Ibid., 33. 

37 Ibid., 19. 

38 McGovern and Smith, American Coastal Defenses 1885-1950, 12. 

39 JR Potts, “HMS Dreadnought,” Military Factory, http://www.militaryfactory.com/ships/detail.asp?ship_id=HMSDreadnought; “British Navy Ships—HMS Dreadnought 1906-1922,” U. S. Department of the Navy, Naval Historical 

Center, http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-fornv/uk/uksh-d/drednt9.htm. 

40 Potts, “HMS Dreadnought”; “British Navy Ships—HMS Dreadnought 1906-1922”. 

41 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 89. 

42 Ibid., 89-90. 

43 Engineer’s Ledger–Harbor Defenses of New York, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #1. 

44 Ibid. 

45 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 130. 

46 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 93; McGovern and Smith, American Coastal Defenses 1885-1950, 51-52. 

47 Reports of Completed Works, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #4. 

48 NARA, RG 177 Records of the Chiefs of Arms, Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery, 1901-1917, folder, box 69. 

49 NARA, RG 177 Records of the Chiefs of Arms, Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery, box 49, folder 5352. 
SITE HISTORY

171 

 

50 Ibid. 

51 Ibid. 

52 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 79. 

53 Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock (Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007), 59; Lee and Laham, Historic Structure 

Report, 79. 

54 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 146. 

55 Ibid., 144. 

56 Ibid., 120-121. 

57 Ibid., 134. 

58 Ibid., 138. 

59 Ibid., 145. 

60 Ibid., 124. 

61 Major B. Burbank, Office of the Post Commander, Fort Hancock, N.J., to Adjunct General, Department of the East, 

N.Y.C., March 28, 1900, as cited in Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 233. 

62 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 234. 

63 Ibid., 237. 

64 Ibid., 235. 

65 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 234; Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text”. 

66 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 237. 

67 Plan Showing Drainage and Electrical Systems, Battery Reynolds, Fort Hancock, N.J., September 1910. Approved by 

Roessler, Sept. 9, 1910; Chief of Engineers Wm. H. Bixby, Sept 14, 1910; and Acting Secretary of War Robert Shaw Oliver, 

Sept 17, 1910; Sheet 88-20, Drawer 45, RG77, NACP., as cited in Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 240. 

68 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 242. 

69 A similar system existed to defend against enemy ships entering Long Island Sound, the East River, and attacking New 

York City from the east. A series of batteries were located at the eastern entry to Long Island Sound and further west 

where the Sound and East River meet near the present-day Throngs Neck Bridge. 

70 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 242. 

71 Plan drawings of batteries position the structure with the top of the page facing the target. With this orientation 

established, the numbering convention always starts from right to left. 

72 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text”; James Tobias, “Frequently Asked Questions - Naming 

Army Installations,” U. S. Army Center of Military History, http://www.history.army.mil/html/faq/base_name.html. Less 

commonly, designations could be for geographic location, Native American tribes, or non-military individuals. 

73 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 56. 

74 Reports of Completed Works, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #4. 

75 Hoffman, telephone conversation with the author, February 23, 2009. 

76 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text”. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

172 

 

77 Another large grouping is at Fort Mott in southern New Jersey that features a six gun battery to guard the approach on 

the Delaware River to Philadelphia. 

78 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text”. 

79 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 100. 

80 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text”. 

81 Ibid. 

82 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 65. The Spanish-American War was not a prolonged military struggle that sustained increased 

spending on coastal defenses. The war formally ended less than a year after it started with the Treaty of Paris on 

December 10, 1898. The treaty required Spain to completely withdraw from Cuba and cede Puerto Rico, the Philippines, 

and Guam to the United States. 

83 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 87; Thomas Hoffman, telephone conversation with the author, February 23, 2009. 

84 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text”. 

85 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 71. 

86 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 301. 

87 Williams, Proving Ground and Wartime Expansion Areas, 29; Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 35. 

88 Bearss, Sandy Hook Proving Ground, 256-59; Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 29. 

89 Andrew Morang, “Historical Aerial Photographs Made Available by the ERDC Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory,” 

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, http://chl.wes.army.mil/shore/newjersey/shore1920/. 

90 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 242. 

91 David F. Winkler, Searching the Skies: The Legacy of the United States Cold War Defense Radar Program (United States 

Department of Defense, Air Force Air Combat Command, June 1997), 9. 

92 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 111. 

93 Mark A. Berhow, “Caretaker Status in the Coast Artillery, 1912-1948,” The Coast Defense Study Group Journal 14, no. 4 

(2000): 49-51. 

94 Berhow, “Caretaker Status,” 48-50; “Chapter 2: American Military History, Volume II,” U. S. Army Center of Military 

History, http://www.history.army.mil/books/AMH-V2/AMH%20V2/chapter2.htm. 

95 Berhow, “Caretaker Status,” 50. 

96 Annual Report of the Chief of Coast Artillery, 1919, CDSG ePress, 4044. 

97 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 102. 

98 Reports of Completed Works, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #4; Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 108-109. 

99 Letter from the District Engineer, 2nd District, New York, March 14, 1918, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New 

York #1. The letter records six 60-inch lights at Sandy Hook including one mounted on a standard gauge rail car. 

100 Journal of the District Engineer, September 27, 1920, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #1. 

101 “Billy Mitchell,” Air and Space Power Journal, http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/cc/mitch.html. 

102 NARA RG 177 Records of the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery, Box 49, Folder 5352. 

103 Ibid. 
SITE HISTORY

173 

 

104 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 116. 

105 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 121. 

106 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 36. 

107 Ibid., 143. 

108 Ibid. 

109 Ibid., 247. 

110 Ibid., 242-243. 

111 Ibid., 243-245. 

112 Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #4. 

113 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 244. 

114 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 102. 

115 Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #4. 

116 NARA RG 177 Records of the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery, Box 49, Folder 5352. 

117 Lt. Col. Charles K. Panish to the Commanding General, 2nd Service Command, Army Service Forces, Nov 5 1943, 

NARA RG 177 Records of the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery, Box 49, Folder 5352. 

118 Jan 20, 1944, NARA RG 177 Records of the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery, Box 49, Folder 5352. 

119 NARA RG 177 Records of the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery, Box 49, Folder 5352. 

120 Headquarters Eastern Defense Command, Governors Island to Chief of Engineers, Army Service Forces, May 12 1944, 

NARA RG 177 Records of the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery, Box 49, Folder 5352. 

121 Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #4. 

122 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text”. 

123 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 70. 

124 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text”; Hoffman, e-mail message to the author, February 23, 

2009; Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 325. 

125 Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #4. 

126 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 69. 

127 Capt. R. Wilkenson to Chief of Engineers, Jan 1, 1929, Preservation and Repair, Miscellaneous, folder 16 Box 35, 

correspondence Relating to Fortification Projects 1907-1930, Entry 802, NARA RG 77, Northeast Region, as cited in Lee 

and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 323. 

128 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 116; Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 324. 

129 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 325. 

130 Report of Completed Works, CDSG ePress, Harbor Defenses of New York #4. Salvage and disposal comments are not 

listed for Battery Alexander at the Nine Gun Battery. Handwritten notes indicate the artillery and carriages were removed 

from Battery Alexander and stored or turned over to the Chief of Ordnance. 

131 Lewis, Seacoast Fortifications, 132. The 6-inch guns at Battery Gunnison were replaced with similar guns from Fort 

Hamilton’s Battery Livingston in 1948. These guns were removed in the mid-1960s and then brought back to Battery 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

174 

 

Gunnison for interpretive purposes in 1975. For additional information, please see Lee and Laham, Historic Structure 

Report, 328-329. 

132 Roy S. Barnard, The History of ARADCOM Volume 1: The Gun Era 1950–1955 (United States Department of Defense, 

Headquarters ARADCOM, [1973?]) 12-13. 

133 Ibid., 14-15. 

134 John C. Lonnquest and David F. Winkler, To Defend and Deter: The Legacy of the United States Cold War Missile 

Program (United States Department of Defense, Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, November 

1996), 170-171. 

135 Judith Q. Sullivan, Building 32 Quartermaster’s Storehouse, Fort Hancock, Historic Structure Report, Sandy Hook Unit, 

Gateway National Recreation Area (United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 2004), 28. 

136 Ibid. 

137 Barnard, The History of ARADCOM, 28. 

138 Ibid. 

139 Thomas Hoffman, “Cold War Defender: Draft Text” (working paper, Sandy Hook Unit, 2005), 1. 

140 Mark Berhow, U. S. Strategic and Defensive Missile Systems 1950–2004 (Osprey Publishing, 2005), 7. 

141 John A. Martini and Stephen A. Haller, What We Have We Shall Defend: An Interim History and Preservation Plan for 

Nike Site SF-88L, Fort Barry, California (United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area, 1998), 3. 

142 Hoffman, “Cold War Defender: Draft Text”, 2. 

143 Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 165. 

144 Ibid., 165-168. 

145 Ibid., 57 and 179. 

146 Ibid., 180. 

147 On September 30, 1955, the liquid fuel mixture exploded during tests at White Sands Proving Ground killing one and 

injuring five others. The accident convinced the design team that a solid fuel was necessary. For additional information 

on Hercules development, please see Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 179-180. 

148 Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 177-180. 

149 Ibid., 177 and 182. 

150 Hoffman, “Cold War Defender: Draft Text”, 4. 

151 Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 172. 

152 Hoffman, “Cold War Defender: Draft Text”, 4-5. Control Area designations are not consistent based on historic plans 

for the IFC site. Plans from the 1950s follow the convention detailed above and for consistency with previous park 

publications, this designation will be used. All plans obtained in this research that date to 1962 reverse the designation and

label the western area Control Area #1 and the eastern area #2. One site plan from 1954 labels both areas #1. 

153 In addition to access from already established vehicular routes, a wetland in between IFC and Launch may have 

impacted site selection, i.e., only relatively low-growing plant material present in the wetland versus the holly forest. 

154 NIKE was originally discussed as a semi-mobile defense system that would be dispatched from a central location to one 

of many preconfigured launch sites. Greatly influenced by the tragic losses at Pearl Harbor, this concept was dismissed 

because it could not immediately respond to a surprise attack. For further information please see Lonnquest and Winkler, 

To Defend and Deter, 171. 
SITE HISTORY

175 

 

155 Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 173. 

156 Martini and Haller, What We Have We Shall Defend, 45. 

157 Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 180. 

158 Ibid., 171-172. The combined NIKE IFC and launch sites at Sandy Hook are approximately thirty-three acres. 

159 Hoffman, “Cold War Defender: Draft Text”, 4. 

160 Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 182. 

161 Berhow, U. S. Strategic and Defensive Missile Systems, 12. 

162 Throughout the 1950s, the Army and Air Force extensively argued over which service branch had responsibility to 

defend against aircraft and missile attacks. For additional information, please see Barnard, The History of ARADCOM, 27-

28 and 31-39 and Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 60-63. 

163 Lonnquest and Winkler, To Defend and Deter, 110. 

164 Hoffman, “Cold War Defender: Draft Text”, 10. 

165 Edwin C. Bearss, Historic Resource Study Fort Hancock: 1948–1974, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area, 

Monmouth County, New Jersey (United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, November 1982), 162-164. 

166 Sandy Hook: A Study of Alternatives, 5. 

167 Ibid., 27. At the time the report was published, the 285 acres leased in 1964 were not developed or available to the 

public due to security concerns and a lack of fencing. Batteries Kingman and Mills, disarmed in 1948, were located within 

this newly leased area. 

168 Ibid., 5. 

169 Ibid., 33. 

170 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 37. 

171 General Management Plan, Gateway National Recreation Area, New York/New Jersey (United States Department of the 

Interior, National Park Service, August 1979), 12. 

172 Ibid., 88. 

173 Northeast Fisheries Science Center, “James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory,” National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration, http://sh.nefsc.noaa.gov/. 

174 “Sandy Hook Bird Observatory,” New Jersey Audubon Society, http://www.njaudubon.org/Centers/SHBO/. 

175 “Marine Academy of Science and Technology,” Monmouth County Vocational School District, 

http://www.mast.mcvsd.org/. 

176 Lee and Laham, Historic Structure Report, 329. 

177 Ibid., 248. 

178 Ibid. 

179 Ibid., 127 and 329. 

180 Hoffman, telephone conversation with the author, February 23, 2009. 

181 General Management Plan, 14. 

182 Hoffman, telephone conversation with the author, February 23, 2009. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

176 

 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

177 

EXISTING CONDITIONS 

The following chapter describes the physical setting for the Sandy Hook Unit of 

the Gateway National Recreation Area and current landscape characteristics for 

the coastal defense batteries. The setting of the Sandy Hook peninsula serves as 

the context for the coastal defense battery sites and is followed by a narrative 

description of the landscape associated with eleven extant batteries and two 

separate sites that comprise the NIKE missile battery. Landscape characteristics 

documented for the batteries include spatial organization, topography, circulation, 

buildings and structures, vegetation, tactical views, and small-scale features. 

The existing conditions for the eleven extant batteries is presented in 

geographical order from north to south starting with Battery Urmston and 

ending with Batteries Kingman and Mills. The section concludes with the NIKE 

radar site and the NIKE launch site. Although an important component in the 

history of Sandy Hook’s coastal defenses, the Mine Casemate is presently on U. S. 

Coast Guard property and is outside the study area for this cultural landscape 

report. In addition Battery Arrowsmith, located on a sandbar protruding into 

Sandy Hook Bay, is not documented. The waters of the bay have compromised 

the structural integrity of Battery Arrowsmith and the next major storm may 

break apart the concrete structure and underlying sandbar. 

Narrative descriptions of the batteries’ landscape characteristics are 

supplemented with photographs and existing conditions maps. The project team 

inspected the battery sites in April 2008 and January 2009. Map sources included 

GIS information from the park, an AutoCAD digital survey drawing from the 

National Park Service Denver Service Center, and a 1990 hand-drafted survey by 

Carrera and Associates.1

 A 2006 color aerial orthophoto provided information 

on canopy outlines for masses of vegetation, the configuration of the existing 

shoreline, and confirmed the location of existing buildings, roads, and other 

landscape features. The extents of each battery landscape have been identified 

and drawn on existing conditions mapping to serve the purposes of this report. 

While these arbitrary battery landscape boundaries did not historically exist, this 

report has developed these minimal boundaries to differentiate historic 

structures, engineered landforms, and battery service-related areas that are part 

of Gateway National Recreation Area’s cultural resources from the adjacent 

naturalized landscape. 

Within the set of existing conditions maps prepared for this report, the first map 

shows the overall landform, major circulation features, and concentrations of 

buildings at a scale of 1”=2100’. This map does not show the peninsula south of 

Plum Island where the land continues to taper and a bridge spans the Navesink 

River to connect Sandy Hook and the town of Highlands. The second map 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

178 

shows more detail among the batteries, buildings, circulation features, and 

masses of vegetation at a scale of 1”=1200’ beginning with batteries Urmston and 

Morris to the north and ending with the NIKE launch site to the south. The final 

series of twelve maps show the individual batteries and their specific landscape 

features at a larger scale varying from 1”=30’ to 1”=150’ depending on the overall 

area of the site. 

Plan drawings of batteries position the structure with the top of the page facing 

the target. With this orientation established, the numbering convention for gun 

emplacements always starts from right to left. The exception to this convention 

is the Mortar Battery, oriented parallel to the west perimeter wall, and the NIKE 

battery sites. Since the engineered earthworks and topography are such an 

important component of the landscape, a reference elevation will be given for 

each battery. The reference elevation is derived from the existing conditions 

mapping and represents an average of the surrounding grades that were not 

modified in the construction of the coastal defense batteries. The height of 

structures and engineered earthworks will be described based on the established 

reference elevation. 

PHYSICAL SETTING 

Located in the northeast corner of Monmouth County, New Jersey, Sandy Hook 

extends six and a half miles from the town of Highlands into lower New York 

Harbor. The landform parallels the primary deep water channel into New York 

Harbor and is nineteen miles south of the southern tip of Manhattan. The Sandy 

Hook peninsula is bounded by the mouth of the Navesink River that opens into 

Sandy Hook Bay on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the north and east. The 

landform is a recurved sand spit that formed over thousands of years by a south 

to north littoral drift in the Atlantic Ocean. The currents continue to shape the 

elongated landform by removing material from the southern, narrower end and 

depositing new material at the wider, northern end of the peninsula. 

Coastal forces such as tides, storm surges, salt spray, and strong winds influence 

and affect the landscape characteristics on the peninsula. The topography of 

Sandy Hook is relatively flat with undulating dunes shaped by waves and wind. 

Typical elevations range from zero to twenty feet and the highest points on the 

peninsula are engineered earthworks that were constructed as part of the coastal 

defense batteries. Protected from wind and salt spray, the central portion of the 

peninsula features over 200 acres of a maritime holly forest with American holly 

(Ilex opaca) as the dominant plant species. In contrast to this undisturbed central 

area, developed areas are primarily concentrated at either the north or south end 

of the peninsula. The southern end features recreational facilities for visitors to 

enjoy the undeveloped beaches and natural areas associated with the ocean and 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

179 

bay. The northern end contains the Fort Hancock Historic District and an active 

U. S. Coast Guard base. The majority of buildings in the Fort Hancock Historic 

District were constructed between the late 1800s and early 1900s with the 

establishment of the Proving Ground and coastal defense batteries to guard the 

southern approach to New York City. 

BATTERY URMSTON 

Located at the northern end of the Sandy Hook peninsula, Battery Urmston faces 

north toward the ocean and the shallow waters outside the main shipping 

channel. The battery consists of six emplacements, three to the west and three to 

the east, separated by an earth-covered, central storeroom. Battery Urmston is 

bounded by a perimeter fence marking U. S. Coast Guard property to the west 

and south and by an engineered earthen mound separating it from Battery Morris 

to the east (Drawing 3.3). 

The reference elevation for Battery Urmston is ten feet and south of the battery, 

the topography is relatively flat. North of the emplacements, the top of the 

engineered earthwork rises to more than twenty feet and slopes away from the 

battery for approximately seventy feet. Two high points punctuate the 

topography around Battery Urmston. The first, over twenty-five feet in elevation, 

is formed from earth covering the central storeroom. The second rises to slightly 

higher than twenty-three feet and separates Battery Urmston from Battery Morris. 

Pedestrian access to Battery Urmston is not clearly defined and there is currently 

no vehicular access to the structure. East of Battery Urmston, a remnant of 

North Bragg Drive that passes to the south of Battery Morris and terminates at a 

chain-link fence marking Coast Guard property. From the end of this 

deteriorating road, the fence serves as a guide for pedestrian access to Battery 

Urmston. There is no path or trail between the fence and the battery and the 

density of vegetation impedes easy access. Due to the difficulty in accessing 

Battery Urmston, no social trails were observed around the battery or on the 

engineered earthwork during the project team’s inspection. 

The gun platforms for emplacements #1, #2, #5, and #6 are T-shaped with fullwidth steps that lead up the long leg of the “T” to where rapid fire guns would 

have been mounted. At the north end of the platforms, narrow notches form the 

short legs of the “T” and served as a recessed space to rest pillar mounted guns 

when not in use (Figure 3.1). The centers of platforms #1 and #2 and platforms 

#5 and #6 are separated by approximately thirty feet. Gun platforms #3 and #4 

are rectangular with a narrow set of steps heading up the center. At the north end 

of each platform, a semi-circular notch is located that held a pedestal mounted 

gun. Approximately forty-five feet separate platform #2 and #3 and platform #4 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

180 

and #5. The earth-covered storeroom separates platform #3 and #4. Concrete 

magazines are located between the other platforms and an open battery 

commander’s station is immediately west of platform #4. 

Efflorescence can be seen on many of the vertical concrete surfaces indicating 

water has penetrated the concrete and is drawing out salts and other impurities 

to the surface (see Figure 3.1). Spalling surfaces are present in the gun platforms 

and the tops of the magazines have substantial cracks. Guardrails are located at 

stairwells leading to the magazines and a handrail is installed along an external 

set of stairs leading to the battery commander’s station. Both types of railings 

show a heavy degree of corrosion and are staining the concrete below them. 

Access to existing doors is blocked by vegetation that has grown up in the 

stairwells (Figure 3.2). 

In a triangular area between the Coast Guard perimeter fence and battery, 

ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), 

poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), and honey locust saplings (Gleditsia 

triacanthos) overrun the space and result in limited pedestrian access. On the 

north-facing engineered slope of Battery Urmston, large woody vegetation 

primarily consists of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), beach plum (Prunus 

maritima), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), and ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima). 

These species have also found suitable locations to grow in the low-lying areas, 

flat surfaces, and cracks of the battery (Figure 3.3). 

The views from the gun platforms and battery commander’s station to the water 

are primarily impeded by woody vegetation growing at the interface of the 

engineered slope and concrete battery structure (Figure 3.4). It is difficult to 

evaluate the impact on views beyond these immediate vegetative obstructions. In 

general, there appears to be minimal tall vegetation beyond the engineered slope 

and no additional buildings or structures. At the eastern end of the Battery 

Urmston, there is an engineered earthwork that rises up between the battery and 

Battery Morris. The earthwork ends abruptly at a concrete retaining wall that 

extends from Urmston. Immediately east of the retaining wall, a four-foot high, 

wood-slat fence meanders up the earthwork and wraps around toward the gun 

platform. The fence is painted maroon red and is in fair condition. 

BATTERY MORRIS 

Battery Morris shares the northern ended of the peninsula with Battery Urmston 

and is located approximately sixty-five feet east of Urmston’s emplacement #1. 

Morris is oriented to the north and consists of four emplacements separated by 

three earth-covered magazines. The battery is bounded on the south by a U. S. 

Coast Guard perimeter fence and a complex of Coast Guard housing 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

181 

immediately beyond the fence. Battery Morris includes a separate coincidence 

range finder (CRF) station located approximately seventy-five feet from the 

battery’s gun platform #1 (Drawing 3.4). 

The reference elevation for Battery Morris is ten feet and south of the battery, the 

topography is relatively flat. North of the emplacements, the top of the 

engineered earthwork rises to more than twenty feet and slopes away from the 

battery for approximately thirty feet. The toe or northern end of the engineered 

earthwork forms one side of a swale at an elevation of fifteen feet. The swale 

then rises up to the north to an elevation of twenty feet. Surface water gathered 

by the swale would flow from west to east. The three magazines that separate the 

gun platforms are covered with earth that rises to an elevation of approximately 

twenty-four feet. 

There is currently no vehicular access to Battery Morris and visitors wishing to 

see the structure have to walk west from Nine Gun Battery and Battery Peck to 

access a trail that leads to the structure. The trail has a variable width and is a 

remnant of North Bragg Drive. The trail surface is comprised of broken asphalt 

and accumulated leaf litter and debris. Emerging woody vegetation obscures a 

clear definition of the trail and makes pedestrian access difficult (Figure 3.5). 

The four gun platforms at Battery Morris are centered approximately 50 feet 

apart. Each platform is divided into three levels with the highest level on the 

north side. Narrow concrete steps lead from the ground level on the south to the 

first level at platforms #1, #2, and #3. From the first level, central concrete stairs 

lead to the gun platforms. Woody vegetation is growing in and around the stairs 

to the point where they are difficult to ascend (Figure 3.6). Gun platforms #1 and 

#4 are semi-circular while platforms #2 and #3 are rectangular with a semicircular notch at their north end. The CRF station is a thirteen foot by thirteen 

foot square concrete structure supported by concrete legs at each corner. A 

metal step ladder attaches to the structure on the south side and provides access 

to a floor with an elevation of approximately nineteen feet. The step ladder is 

severely corroded and in poor condition. Efflorescence can be seen on many of 

the vertical surfaces, however, no major spalling concrete surfaces are present at 

the battery. The concrete at the CRF has deteriorated to the extent that metal 

reinforcing members are exposed and corroding. Doors on the south side of 

Battery Morris appeared to be in good to fair condition, however, thickets of 

woody vegetation block access to them. 

Ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), 

poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), and honey locust saplings (Gleditsia 

triacanthos) dominate the trail to Battery Morris and the narrow corridor along 

the Coast Guard perimeter fence. Vegetation on the engineered earthwork and 

growing on the battery structure includes eastern red cedar (Juniperus 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

182 

virginiana), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), beach plum (Prunus maritima), 

hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), and ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima). A large 

hackberry, approximately eighteen-inches diameter at breast height, is growing 

on the battery to the west of gun platform #4 (Figure 3.7). In addition to the large 

woody species, there appears to be greater quantities of Japanese honeysuckle 

(Lonicera japonica) and Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) growing on the 

engineered earthwork of Battery Morris then at nearby Battery Urmston. 

Vegetation completely surrounds the CRF and the plant material is dense enough 

that identifying the elevated structure from the access trail is difficult. 

The downrange views from Battery Morris to the water are primarily impacted by 

vegetation growing at the interface of the engineered earthwork and concrete 

battery structure. North of the engineered earthwork, vegetation growing on the 

north slope of a swale may obstruct views as well. Vegetation immediately north 

of the CRF blocks any views to the water. At gun platforms #1 and #2, wood 

two-by-four guard panels are installed and are in poor condition (see Figure 3.6). 

Similar to the wood guard panels, a wood picket fence is located to the north and 

east of gun platform #1 (Figure 3.8). The fence is painted maroon red and is also 

in poor condition. 

BATTERIES ENGLE AND PECK 

Batteries Engle and Peck are two separate structures that emplaced rapid fire 

guns until 1920 when artillery was removed from Battery Engle and the concrete 

gun platform converted to a coincidence range finder (CRF) station for Battery 

Peck. Given their geographic proximity and historic association of battery and 

range-finding station, the existing conditions for Batteries Engle and Peck will be 

described in a combined section. The two batteries are located at the northern 

end of the peninsula approximately 150 feet west of Nine Gun Battery and 350 

feet east Battery Morris. Battery Engle is oriented north and Battery Peck is 

oriented northeast toward the point where the Atlantic Ocean wraps around 

Sandy Hook. For description purposes, the targeting direction of the guns and 

front of both batteries will be assigned north. Batteries Engle and Peck are 

bounded by an unpaved road to the west, North Bragg Drive to the south, and a 

trail between Battery Peck and Nine Gun Battery to the east (Drawing 3.5). 

The reference elevation for Batteries Engle and Peck is six feet and similar to 

Battery Urmston and Battery Morris, the topography is relatively flat south of the 

structures. In contrast to other batteries that have a clear toe of slope, Batteries 

Engle and Peck appear to be built into the side of a plateau. Immediately north of 

the batteries, the earth and sand rise to an elevation of twenty-two feet and 

continue at that elevation for over 100 feet to the north. The landform then 

gradually descends down and merges with the undulating coastal dunes. 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

183 

Vehicular access west of Nine Gun Battery is restricted by a gate across North 

Bragg Drive. West of the gate, the road turns and parallels the south elevations of 

Batteries Engle and Peck before merging with an unpaved road that turns north 

and proceeds into the dunes. A spur off the unpaved road heads east and 

terminates in an open area around an observation platform built over a one story, 

wood-frame structure. Several social trails proceed south from the observation 

platform to Batteries Engle and Peck indicating most pedestrians arrive at the 

observation platform first and then wander between the two batteries. 

Battery Peck consists of two circular gun platforms, a covered concrete 

commander’s station, and magazines accessed from the ground level on the 

south side of the structure. From the ground level, a three sets of concrete steps 

lead up to an intermediate level. A set of steps is located at the west end, the east 

end, and in the center of the structure. Additional steps, one set for each 

platform, lead from the intermediate level to the former gun emplacements. 

Each platform is roughly forty feet in diameter, however, it is difficult to discern 

the full extent of the concrete structure due to accumulated sand and vegetation. 

Approximately 110 feet separate the two gun platforms. The battery 

commander’s station is centered between two platforms and a tall metal pole is 

attached with metal brackets to the east side of the structure. Efflorescence can 

be seen on many of the vertical surfaces and spalling is present on both 

horizontal and vertical surfaces (Figure 3.9). Handrails and guardrails are 

located along steps and intermediate level leading to the gun platforms. The 

railings are in fair to poor condition with corrosion covering most pieces. Some 

assemblies lack any solid material where the vertical members fasten the railing 

to a solid support (Figure 3.10). 

The concrete coincidence range finder station constructed on top of Battery 

Engle is nineteen feet square and covered with a low-pitched concrete roof. The 

structure appears in fair condition with some minor efflorescence visible on the 

roof (Figure 3.11). Northeast of Battery Engle, a communications trailer sits 

abandoned. The trailer is a frequent target for graffiti (Figure 3.12). North of 

both batteries, an observation platform stands on top of a one story, wood-frame 

structure (Figure 3.13). The platform permits panoramic views across Lower 

New York Harbor and is regularly used for bird watching. 

The vegetation on Battery Peck’s engineered earthwork is primarily deciduous 

and comprised of beach plum (Prunus maritima) and hackberry (Celtis 

occidentalis). Eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) are also present but not in 

the density seen at other batteries at Sandy Hook. South of Battery Peck, the 

vegetation is very dense and the area is nearly impassable (Figure 3.14). Battery 

Engle is surrounded by dense woody vegetation on its south, west, and north sides 

that curtails access and limits views of this relatively small concrete structure. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

184 

Views from Battery Peck’s commander’s station to the water are blocked by 

woody vegetation. In addition, views from gun platform #2 are obstructed by the 

observation platform and wood-frame structure to the north. Vegetation to the 

north of Battery Engle obstructs a view to the water used for target range finding. 

Small-scale features associated with Batteries Engle and Peck primarily consist of 

different types of fences. Approximately ten feet north of North Bragg Drive, a 

chain-link fence and signage have been installed to warn visitors of potentially 

hazardous conditions and block access to Battery Peck’s south elevation. East of 

Battery Engle, a wooden split-rail fence is installed to limit social trails and 

erosion on the engineered earthwork. West of the communications trailer, about 

twenty feet of chain-link fence is located in dense vegetation. The fence is 

twelve-feet high and topped with barbed wire, however, it is overrun with 

Japanese honeysuckle and other vines and is in poor condition. West of the 

vehicular access gate on North Bragg Drive, an interpretive wayside is located in 

the shoulder of the road. 

NINE GUN BATTERY 

Nine Gun Battery is a massive concrete structure comprised of nine 

emplacements that supported a mixture of 10- and 12-inch caliber guns. The 

battery parallels the main shipping channel with seven of the emplacements 

facing east and the remaining two angled to the north following the channel 

around the northern end of the peninsula. The alignment of Nine Gun Battery 

follows the east and north facades of the Civil War-era Fort at Sandy Hook. 

Nine Gun Battery was constructed in phases between 1898 and 1904 and 

designated as four batteries. From north to south, the four batteries are Battery 

Alexander, Battery Halleck, Battery Bloomfield, and Battery Richardson (Figure 

3.15). In order to show a similar level of detail for Nine Gun Battery and the 

other coastal defense batteries, Nine Gun Battery is shown on two drawings that 

divide the structure into a northern and southern half (Drawing 3.6). 

Nine Gun Battery is located 150 feet east of Batteries Engle and Peck and 600 feet 

northeast of Battery Potter. The reference elevation for Nine Gun Battery is ten 

feet and the engineered earthwork, north and east of the concrete structure, 

starts at an approximate elevation of twenty-eight feet. The earthwork slopes 

away from the battery for approximately seventy feet and arrives at an elevation 

of ten feet. From the toe of the engineered earthwork the topography continues 

to gradually fall and forms a depression at an elevation of six feet before rising up 

to form a dune that parallels the coastline. A coastal pond, North Pond, and an 

associated estuarine wetland are located northeast of the battery and on the 

Atlantic Ocean side of this dune. 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

185 

The major circulation route to Nine Gun Battery is along North Bragg Drive 

which parallels the west facade of the structure and wraps around the battery’s 

northern end to provide a route to Batteries Engle and Peck. Parking is available 

south of the battery at Parking Lot J, a short walking distance to the structure. A 

social trail is present that leads from emplacement #8 down the engineered 

earthwork and connects to a trail in a valley between Nine Gun Battery and 

Batteries Engle and Peck. 

The gun platforms at Nine Gun Battery feature recessed, circular gun wells that 

held large caliber artillery mounted on counterweight carriages. The centers of 

the platforms are spaced approximately 125 feet apart for the three platforms 

associated with Battery Halleck. The remaining six platforms are spaced 

approximately 140 feet apart. Covered, concrete battery commander’s stations 

are centered between the two platforms for Batteries Alexander, Bloomfield, and 

Richardson. At Battery Halleck, the covered commander’s station is located 

south of emplacement #6. Northeast of emplacement #8, large granite blocks are 

visible immediately beyond the concrete terreplein (Figure 3.16). These blocks 

are remnants of the northeast bastion of the Civil War-era Fort at Sandy Hook. 

Several dozen doors and windows are missing or not properly mounted at the 

magazines, commander’s stations, and other auxiliary rooms at Nine Gun Battery 

(Figure 3.17). A cantilevered structure between emplacements #5 and #7, 

intended to provide access to the battery commander’s station, is in poor 

condition (Figure 3.18). Both handrails and guardrails are present at Nine Gun 

Battery and are generally in good to fair condition (Figure 3.19). At transitions 

between the ground level and gun platforms and also the gun platforms and 

terreplein, there are stairs and ramps that lack any kind of railing (Figure 3.20). 

North of emplacement #8 and the toe of the engineered earthwork are ruins of a 

red brick fog horn building, likely built circa 1890–1910. The ruins stand on the 

ridge of the dune that parallels the coastline and are surrounded by a grove of 

trees. The trail between Nine Gun Battery and Batteries Engle and Peck provides 

access to the ruins, however, the trail is obscured by dense vegetation. 

Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), beach plum (Prunus maritima), and 

hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) comprise the majority of woody vegetation species 

growing around and on Nine Gun Battery. In addition to growing on the 

engineered earthwork, eastern red cedars have emerged in the cracks and cold 

joints of the horizontal concrete surfaces (Figure 3.21). Phragmites (Phragmites

sp.), also called common reed, is growing in the wells at emplacements #6, #7, 

and #9 (Figure 3.22). The views from the gun platforms and battery 

commander’s station to the water are primarily obstructed by woody vegetation 

growing at the transition between the concrete structure and engineered 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

186 

earthwork. A dense stand of eastern red cedars are present in an area between 

emplacements #5 through #9. 

Small-scale features at Nine Gun Battery include a fence to discourage visitor 

access and an interpretive wayside. Paralleling the west and south facades of the 

battery, a chain-link fence and signage have been erected to warn visitors of 

potentially hazardous conditions. Southwest of emplacement #8 outside the 

fence, an interpretive wayside is installed. 

BATTERY POTTER 

Battery Potter has the distinction of being the first completed, partially armed, 

and tested coastal defense battery in the United States following the Endicott 

Board’s recommendations in 1885. The battery is located 600 feet south west of 

Nine Gun Battery and 700 feet north of Battery Granger. Battery Potter is Dshaped in plan with its curved portion facing east and main entry on the west. 

The main entry is through an arched opening flanked by defensive stone towers. 

Constructed from granite blocks salvaged from the Civil War-era fort, the main 

entry resembles a castle (Figure 3.23 and Drawing 3.7). 

The reference elevation for Battery Potter is ten feet and the top of the concrete 

structure rises up to an elevation over forty-five feet. On the north, south, and 

east sides of Battery Potter, a large engineered earthwork wraps around the 

facades and rises up to an elevation of approximately twenty-three feet. At the 

southwest corner of the battery, the engineered earthwork juts away from the 

structure and rises to a high point of approximately twenty-seven feet. Along the 

west facade of the battery granite cheek walls extend from each stone tower and 

retain a relatively small, triangular-shaped portion of engineered earthwork on 

either side of the entry. Northeast of the battery, the topography gradually 

descends from the toe of the engineered slope and forms a depression between 

the battery and Atlantic Drive. 

The northwest corner of Battery Potter’s site is defined by the intersection of 

North Bragg Drive and Hudson Drive. Vehicular access to the battery is along 

either of these two roads. Southwest of the main entry, a small parking area 

departs from Hudson Drive, loops around a small building, and joins back up 

with Hudson Drive (Figure 3.24). From the parking area visitors follow a 

sidewalk past two switchboard buildings to a landing at the main entry. The 

landing is paved with bluestone laid in a random rectangular pattern. South of 

the switchboard buildings, a social trail leads up the battery’s engineered 

earthwork, arrives near a high point, and disappears on the downhill side. 

The top surface of Battery Potter, known as the terreplein, contains two openings 

that were used to raise and lower 12-inch caliber guns. East of the former gun 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

187 

emplacements, a concrete superior slope gently descends to a sentry route 

known as a chemin de ronde that is fronted by a parapet wall (Figures 3.25 and 

3.26). A concrete slope angles away from the parapet and meets the engineered 

earthwork. On the terreplein, two groups of deteriorating concrete structures are 

located west of the former gun emplacements (Figure 3.27). The structures 

served as fire control stations after Battery Potter’s artillery was removed and 

feature large openings in their east elevations to provide views to the Atlantic 

Ocean. South of the concrete structures, two concrete pillars remain from 

another structure that served as fire control station (Figure 3.28). To increase 

visitor safety, the National Park Service has recently added guardrails between 

the superior slope and the terreplein where the guns were emplaced. Guardrails 

are also installed on the western portion of the roof to prevent access to the 

sloped portion of the concrete structure. Both groups of railings are in good 

condition (Figures 3.29 and 3.30). A T-shaped metal pole is located north of the 

fire control stations and was used in observing and recording weather 

phenomenon as a means of adjusting and improving artillery firing (Figure 3.31). 

In addition to the railings and pole, an exterior, metal stairway leads from the 

southwest corner of the terreplein to the ground level. 

On the ground level, several auxiliary structures and the foundation of a battery 

commander’s tower are located west of Battery Potter. A one story coal shed and 

powerhouse are located near the northwest corner of the battery. Two 

switchboard rooms, also one story high, are located near the southwest corner of 

Battery Potter. A concrete cable hut separates two points of vehicular access 

between Hudson Drive and the unpaved parking area. Across from the parking 

area and west of Hudson Drive, a concrete foundation occupies a small opening 

in a dense stand of woody vegetation (Figure 3.32). The foundation supported a 

metal tower used to identify targets and improve fire control. 

Large woody vegetation on Battery Potter’s engineered earthwork is 

predominantly eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and hackberry (Celtis 

occidentalis). Some of the individual trees are greater than twenty-feet in height. 

Woody vegetation is not only limited to the engineered earthwork. The sloped 

portion of the concrete battery, rising approximately ten-feet above the 

engineered earthwork, has eastern red cedars growing in cracks and in large 

spalling areas (Figure 3.33). The chemin de ronde has become a collection area for 

leaf litter and debris and hosts woody vegetation (Figure 3.34). On the battery’s 

west facade, Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is growing on the 

vertical walls and sloped portion of the concrete structure. Northwest of the 

battery, two deciduous trees are located in a lawn area near the intersection of 

North Bragg Drive and Hudson Drive. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

188 

The superior slope of Battery Potter offers an opportunity to view the Atlantic 

approach to New York Harbor and understand the configuration of coastal 

defense batteries at Sandy Hook. Vegetation growing on the engineered 

earthwork interferes with views to the water, however, the battery’s height above 

the surrounding area provides relatively open views (see Figures 3.24 and 3.28). 

Small-scale features at Battery Potter consist of an interpretive wayside and 

wheelstops installed to limit parking to the existing unpaved area. The wayside is 

situated west of the battery’s entry and south of the powerhouse building. 

Sections of wooden telephone poles are laid just east of Hudson Drive and north 

of the parking area to prevent vehicles from parking in the open area in front of 

Battery Potter. 

BATTERY GRANGER 

Battery Granger’s two emplacements face east and the structure is located 

approximately 700 feet south of Battery Potter and 650 feet northeast of the 

Mortar Battery along Hudson Drive (Drawing 3.8). The reference elevation for 

Granger is seven feet and the engineered earthwork, north of the concrete 

structure, starts at an approximate elevation of twenty-eight feet. The earthwork 

slopes away from the battery for over sixty feet, arriving at an elevation of ten 

feet, and unites with the gradually undulating coastal topography. The 

engineered earthwork wraps around the north end of the battery slopes against 

the concrete wall on the west elevation. On the south end, a concrete wall 

extends from the battery and retains the raised earthwork to the east. Vehicular 

access to Battery Granger is provided along Hudson Drive. East of the 

northbound travel lane, a portion of Hudson Drive widens to allow limited 

parallel parking beside the battery’s west elevation. There are no sidewalks or 

pedestrian routes along Hudson Drive and there is no evidence of social trails 

around the battery or on the engineered earthwork. 

Battery Granger consists of two gun platforms with recessed, circular gun wells 

that held large caliber artillery mounted on counterweight carriages. The centers 

of the platforms are spaced approximately 125 feet apart. A covered concrete 

battery commander’s station is centered between the two platforms and 

cantilevers beyond the structure’s west facade. The south end of each gun 

platform is accessed by concrete steps that lead up from the ground level. 

Concrete steps from the south end of platform #2 and north end of platform #1 

lead to an elevated walkway that connects the platforms to the battery 

commander’s station. Above the gun platforms, the concrete terreplein shows 

evidence of an asphalt-based product either used to fill joints or remaining in the 

joints after use as part of a larger concrete surface treatment (Figure 3.35). 

Efflorescence can be seen on some vertical concrete surfaces and small spalling 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

189 

areas are present on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Guardrails are located 

along the gun platform on either side of the battery commander’s station. The 

railings are in good to fair condition showing limited corrosion. 

The vegetation on Battery Granger’s engineered earthwork is primarily 

hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). The 

eastern red cedars appear more heavily concentrated at the interface of the 

engineered slope and concrete terreplein. A large hackberry, approximately 

thirty-inches diameter at breast height, is located near the southwest corner of 

the battery at the toe of the engineered slope. Phragmites (Phragmites sp.), also 

called common reed, is growing in the gun wells at both platforms. The views 

from the battery commander’s station to the water are blocked woody vegetation 

first encountered at the edge of the terreplein. Vegetation beyond the engineered 

earthwork may also impact views, however, that cannot be completely 

ascertained until the obstructions closest to the commander’s station are 

removed. East of the vehicular pull-off along Hudson Drive, an interpretive 

wayside is installed. Between the wayside and battery, a chain-link fence and 

signage have been erected to warn visitors of potentially hazardous conditions 

(Figure 3.36). 

MORTAR BATTERY 

Sandy Hook’s Mortar Battery has the distinction of being the first completed and 

operational concrete mortar battery in the United States. Unlike other large 

caliber gun batteries, the Mortar Battery utilized sixteen short-barreled guns 

called mortars. The mortars were grouped into four sets of four each and 

emplaced in platforms recessed into a massive earth and concrete structure. The 

mortars were set to fire projectiles at high arcing trajectories, and given the 

distance the projectiles could travel, the structure was set further west from the 

Atlantic coastline than other coastal defenses. 

The Mortar Battery is located east of Hudson Road and opposite the Sandy Hook 

Lighthouse. The battery is 650 feet southwest of Battery Granger and 

approximately a quarter mile northwest of Battery Gunnison. In addition to 

Hudson Road on the west, the Mortar Battery is bounded by a parking lot off of 

Magruder Road to the south and the Marine Academy of Science and 

Technology (MAST) campus to the east. The Mortar Battery is a rectangular 

structure with its narrower side and guns oriented northeast toward the main 

shipping channel. Historically, the battery’s gun direction has been described as 

north and for consistency, the existing conditions description will use this 

orientation. The four pits that held the mortars will be described directionally as 

the northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast emplacements (Drawing 3.9).2
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

190 

The reference elevation for the Mortar Battery is eight feet and this elevation is 

consistent with a relatively flat, surrounding area that includes Fort Hancock’s 

Parade Ground to the west. The rectangular, engineered earthwork rises up to an 

elevation of forty-five feet in the center and slopes down to thirty-five feet above 

the D-shaped openings for each emplacement. The platform for each 

emplacement has an elevation of approximately seven feet. 

Pedestrians enter the Mortar Battery through one of two wide paths on the west 

side of the structure. One path is north of the end of a perimeter wall and the 

other passes through an opening in the wall. A gravel and wood-chip surfaced 

trail connects the two paths and offers access to the southwest and northwest 

emplacements. Long concrete galleries lead from the trail to the emplacements. 

Access to the northeast and southeast emplacements is through interior routes 

that are not open to the general public. South of the southwest gallery, a trail 

leads up the engineered earthwork and continues across the top before 

terminating in an area between the northwest and northeast emplacements. The 

head of the trail is blocked by fencing, but dilapidated cribbing and signs of 

erosion testify that the route was once well used. North of the Mortar Battery’s 

engineered earthwork, a poorly defined trail leads to an open field east of the 

structure. The density of vegetation along the trail makes it difficult to discern 

the route. 

The major constructed feature of the Mortar Battery is the engineered 

earthwork. On the west and a portion of the south sides, a concrete perimeter 

wall wraps around the battery. In the southwest corner, an L-shaped concrete 

structure extends from the wall. This enclosed structure served as the 

counterscarp gallery and housed machine gunners in the event that the perimeter 

wall was breached. Two concrete battery commander’s stations are located at 

the top of the engineered earthwork. One station is south of the two north 

emplacements and the other is south of the two south emplacements. Both are 

surrounded by vegetation and have been defaced with graffiti. In addition to the 

commander’s stations, four concrete telephone data booth are located above the 

southwest corner of each emplacement and supported by arched, concrete spans. 

Efflorescence can be seen on some of the vertical concrete surfaces and spalling 

is present on both horizontal and vertical concrete surfaces (Figure 3.37). 

The vegetation on the Mortar Battery’s engineered earthwork is primarily eastern 

red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) with smaller quantities of beach plum (Prunus 

maritima) and ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima). The understory is primarily 

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) that has grown dense enough to 

ensnare anyone walking on the structure. In addition to the engineered 

earthwork, large woody vegetation has established between the perimeter wall 

and the trail to the northwest and southwest emplacements. The main species 

along the perimeter wall is hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) (Figure 3.38). 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

191 

During its operation, the Mortar Battery’s artillery crews did not directly sight 

their targets on the water. Present-day vegetation beyond the engineered 

earthwork does block views, however, these views were not necessary for the 

battery’s function. 

Small-scale features associated with the Mortar Battery include various types of 

fencing, remnants of a structure, a wayside, and signage. On the east side of the 

battery, a chain-link fence separates the engineered earthwork from MAST 

campus. The fence also wraps around a portion of the south side of the battery. 

East of the trail to the northwest and southwest emplacements, woven-wire mesh 

fencing is installed to discourage visitors from climbing up the engineered 

earthwork (Figure 3.39). The fencing is in good to fair condition with some 

indications that people have climbed over it and embarked up the earthwork. At 

the top of the Mortar Battery, several wood post and wire cable fences are 

installed along a path to discourage anyone from getting too close to the mortars 

and a potentially fatal fall. The fencing is being overtaken by vegetation and is in 

fair to poor condition (Figure 3.40). East of the west perimeter wall and centered 

between the southwest and northwest emplacements are a concrete footing and 

metal ring that appear to be remnants of an early twentieth century steel tower 

used as a battery commander’s station and later, a weather station. Signage and a 

wayside provide visitors with information on the Mortar Battery. Two signs are 

located outside the perimeter wall on either side of the entry near the southwest 

emplacement. Inside the wall, a wayside is located just south of the gallery to the 

southwest mortar pit (Figure 3.41). 

BATTERY GUNNISON 

Battery Gunnison is the only rapid fire gun battery oriented to the east and is 

located about a quarter mile southeast of the Mortar Battery. Of all the coastal 

defense batteries at Sandy Hook, Battery Gunnison most readily conveys its 

military role in protecting the southern approach to New York because the 

concrete structure is emplaced with two 6-inch caliber guns (Figure 3.42).3

 

Battery Gunnison is bounded by the Gunnison Beach facility to the north and 

west, Atlantic Drive to the west, and a waste water treatment plant to the south 

(Drawing 3.10). 

The reference elevation for Battery Gunnison is ten feet and west of the battery, 

the topography is relatively flat. The top of the engineered earthwork rises to 

twenty-two feet immediately north of the gun platforms and slopes away from 

the battery for approximately fifty feet. The engineered earthwork wraps around 

both emplacements at the north and south of the battery. The high point of the 

engineered earthwork is located between the two emplacements covering a 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

192 

central, concrete structure. The earth and sand above the structure rises to 

twenty-six feet in elevation. 

Due to its location near the Gunnison Beach facility, there are clearly defined and 

maintained routes for vehicular and pedestrian circulation at Battery Gunnison. 

Vehicles traveling on Atlantic Drive can enter a large surface parking area, 

Parking Lot G, located west of the battery. A pedestrian walkway leads from the 

parking lot east to the beach facility. A concrete walk parallels the unpaved route 

to the beach and gently winds toward gun platform #2 at the battery. In addition 

to formal routes, there are social trails associated with Battery Gunnison. A trail 

is present southeast of gun platform #1 and proceeds down the engineered 

earthwork. There is no continuation of the trail or connection to another 

circulation feature at the toe of the engineered slope. Another trail is visible 

between the two gun platforms and a circular route connects to this trail 

demonstrating a path of travel around the top of the central, concrete structure. 

Battery Gunnison’s two gun platforms are circular and the centers are spaced 

approximately 125 feet apart. Each platform is roughly fifty feet in diameter and 

has a raised surfaced to receive the pedestal mounted guns (see Figure 3.42). Two 

sets of concrete steps provide access to each gun platform. Steps are located to 

the west and north for platform #1 and to the west and south for platform #2. 

Between the two platforms is a nearly square concrete structure that houses the 

battery’s magazines, plotting room, and storage rooms. The top of this structure 

is covered with earth and sand and on the north and south sides, concrete vaults 

protrude through the earthwork so projectiles could be hoisted up to each 

platform. In addition to the hoists, a concrete battery commander’s station is 

located on top of the magazine near the west edge. The battery commander’s 

station is U-shaped in plan and lacks a roof or other covering. Efflorescence can 

be seen on some of the vertical surfaces and spalling is present on both horizontal 

and vertical surfaces (Figure 3.43). Handrails are installed along the stairs leading 

up to the guns platforms and guardrails are located around platforms themselves. 

The railings are in good condition and have an intermediate horizontal rail 

between ground level and the top rail. 

The vegetation on Battery Gunnison’s engineered slopes is primarily eastern red 

cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and beach plum (Prunus maritima) (Figure 3.44). As 

the toe of the engineered slope transitions to the wind-swept dunes, more 

beachgrass and scrub vegetation is encountered. Recent vegetation removal has 

been conducted near the top of the engineered earthwork as evidenced by newly 

cut stumps (see Figure 3.43). West of the battery, eight deciduous tree are 

randomly placed in an open lawn area that extends from the battery to the beach 

facility and Atlantic Drive. 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

193 

Views from the gun positions to the water are relatively open with some 

obstructions caused by eastern red cedars growing near the top of the engineered 

earthwork (see Figure 3.42). Small-scale features at Battery Gunnison include 

bollards and an interpretive wayside. Along Atlantic Drive, wood posts support 

sections of rope and form a decorative vehicular barrier that parallels road. West 

of platform #2, a wayside is installed along the concrete walk that connects the 

beach facility to the battery. 

BATTERIES KINGMAN AND MILLS 

Batteries Kingman and Mills represent the last generation of large caliber guns 

installed at Sandy Hook to counter early twentieth century improvements in 

naval artillery. The two batteries are located on the western side of the peninsula 

along Sandy Hook Bay. The batteries are immediately south of Horseshoe Cove 

and are oriented to the east with two emplacements per battery. Seven hundred 

fifty feet separate Battery Kingman’s southern emplacement from Battery Mills’ 

northern emplacement. Since the initial construction, emplaced guns, and later 

modifications for both batteries were nearly identical, existing conditions will be 

described pertaining to the both structures with separate highlights for specific 

landscape features. 

A maritime forest, composed primarily of American holly (Ilex opaca), is located 

east of Batteries Kingman and Mills. West of the batteries, forty feet or more 

separate Sandy Hook Bay from the structures. Except for the casemated 

batteries, the surrounding topography is flat with changes of five feet or less in 

elevation. The reference elevation for Batteries Kingman and Mills is five feet. 

The engineered earthworks, roughly oval in shape, rise to an elevation of forty 

feet in the middle. Two high points are present on each earthwork over the 

battery’s gun emplacements that rise to forty-five feet (Drawings 3.11 and 3.12). 

Vehicular circulation to Batteries Kingman and Mills is along a non-descript road 

that intersects Hartshorne Drive and proceeds west to the batteries. This access 

road is closed to the general public and locked by a vehicular gate. As the road 

approaches the bay, it splits into a northern route to Battery Kingman and a 

southern route to Battery Mills. The branch heading north to Battery Kingman is 

paved with asphalt and continues along the bay until terminating at the 

casemated entry to the battery. North of the entry and around the remainder of 

the battery, the road is a combination of gravel and compacted earth. The branch 

leading to and encircling Battery Mills is also unpaved. On the west side of 

Battery Mills a portion of this road, approximately 200-feet, has been washed 

away by the bay (Figure 3.45). There are no dedicated pedestrian routes around 

Batteries Kingman and Mills. For Battery Kingman, some historic maps indicate 

trails ascending and on top of the engineered earthwork, however, no clear trails 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

194 

were observed. On top of Battery Mills, a segment of a trail is visible but there is 

no connection from the base of the earthwork to the trail. 

The major constructed feature of Batteries Kingman and Mills is the engineered 

earthwork that rises in stark contrast to the surrounding land (Figure 3.46). For 

both batteries, three entries are located on the west side of the engineered 

earthwork that provided access to the guns and covered magazines and storage 

areas. All three have a concrete frame that supports an open metal gate. 

Concrete cheek walls extend perpendicular from either side of the frame to 

retain the engineered slopes. The main entry is in the center of the structure and 

the other two are aligned on center with each gun emplacement. At Battery Mills, 

the main entry and entry for emplacement #1 are inaccessible due to the density 

of vegetation (Figure 3.47). Above the emplacements, concrete canopies extend 

over the gun platforms to shield the artillery from overhead fire. The canopies 

and concrete facades around the emplacement openings show efflorescence and 

at Battery Mills emplacement #2, large spalling areas (Figures 3.48 and 3.49). 

Several structures emerge from the top of the two batteries’ earthworks. At 

Battery Kingman, a concrete box is located south of emplacement #2 and a 

concrete pipe protrudes southwest of the same emplacement (Figures 3.50 and 

3.51). At Battery Mills, a tapered concrete box and metal pipe is located near the 

center top of the earthwork and a concrete pipe is visible southwest of 

emplacement #1 (Figures 3.52 and 3.53). These structures are most likely 

associated with ventilation or served as flues for furnaces. On the west side of 

Battery Kingman, a strip of concrete is exposed near the top of the earthwork and 

is possibly a piece of the reinforced concrete buster course, installed two feet 

below the surface, to protect the battery from aerial bombing (Figure 3.54). 

Although not a direct part of either battery, components of another structure are 

located west of Battery Kingman. Approximately fifty feet west from the shoreline, 

a line of wood pilings, remnants of a bulkhead, stand in Sandy Hook Bay. 

The engineered earthworks are mostly populated with mature eastern red cedar 

(Juniperus virginiana), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), and ailanthus (Ailanthus 

altissima). In addition to these major species, a few scrub pine (Pinus virginiana) 

were observed (Figure 3.55). At Battery Mills, three planetrees (Platanus × 

acerifolia) are located near the western toe of the slope. The understory is 

primarily a vine mixture of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), greenbrier 

(Smilax sp.), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) so dense that walking to 

the top of the battery would be undesirable and extremely difficult with the 

vegetation fully leafed out. 

Unlike other large caliber gun batteries at Sandy Hook, a direct view of the water 

and potential targets was never a designed feature of Batteries Kingman and 

Mills. The batteries relied on observations from other vantage points and 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

195 

electronic communication to aim their guns. Not surprisingly, the existing 

vegetation east of the batteries blocks any view to the water from the 

emplacements. Although the engineered earthworks provide an elevated 

position, the density of vegetation on top of the structures blocks views in almost 

all directions. 

Small-scale features associated with Batteries Kingman and Mills are located on 

top of the engineered earthworks and on the ground level to the east of the 

batteries. On top of the earthworks and above each emplacement, a six-foot high 

chain-link fence is installed. The fences appear to be in good to fair condition 

with vines twining their way through the chain-link mesh (see Figure 3.49). Near 

the high point above Battery Kingman’s emplacement #2, a post and wire fence is 

installed in a U-shaped configuration with an open end facing south (Figure 

3.56). The fence is overrun by vines and other vegetation. East of the batteries, 

two series of wood guardrails are installed along the eastern edge of the unpaved 

roads. The guardrails are in fair to poor condition and located across from the 

gun emplacements (Figures 3.57 and 3.58). 

NIKE RADAR SITE 

The NIKE radar and launch sites are approximately a mile apart and located off 

of Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook’s major north-south thoroughfare. The radar 

site is roughly triangular in shape and enclosed by a perimeter security fence. 

The site contains three areas set around an undisturbed area in the middle. 

Separate groups of structures comprise Control Area #1, Control Area #2, and 

the Ready Barracks (Drawing 3.13). The longest perimeter of the sites runs from 

west to east. The western point of the site, accessible from Hartshorne Drive, 

contains Control Area #2. The eastern point contains Control Area #1 and is 

accessible from Atlantic Drive. The boundaries of the site converge at a northern 

point that contain the Ready Barracks and are accessible from Sheldon Road. 

Unlike earlier coastal defense batteries, the topography at the NIKE radar site 

shows no major engineered or constructed earthworks. The topography is 

consistent with the slight variations seen in other interior locations on the Sandy 

Hook peninsula. Areas have been modified to create level surfaces for buildings, 

radar towers, and circulation features. Other than those modifications, there are 

no conspicuous features of the radar site’s topography. 

Vehicular circulation to the NIKE radar site is along the major north-south route, 

Hartshorne Drive. An access drive off of Hartshorne Drive leads east to Parking 

Lot L and the parking lot continues east towards the perimeter fence 

surrounding Control Area #2. The park’s Multi-use Path (MUP) skirts the 

eastern edge of the lot and proceeds north toward the Fort Hancock Historic 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

196 

District. Pedestrian access from either the parking lot or the MUP is controlled 

by a locked gate that is part of the perimeter fence. Inside the radar site, a paved 

vehicular road connects Control Areas #1 and #2. From each control area, a 

vehicular route leads to the Ready Barracks (Figure 3.59). From Control Area #1, 

the route is paved and ends in a hammerhead turnaround. From Control Area 

#2, the route is unpaved and terminates west of the barracks in an irregularlyshaped parking area. The parking area contains loose stockpiles of bricks and 

other construction materials. A concrete sidewalk between each control area and 

the Ready Barracks provides pedestrian access between the locations (Figure 3.60). 

The three distinct areas at the NIKE radar site contain two separate radar 

facilities corresponding to the two firing batteries at the launch site and barracks 

with integrated mess halls to house and feed personnel when on active duty at the 

site. The buildings and structures at Control Area #1 include three radar towers 

with rectangular platforms (417–419) and one radar tower with a hexagonal 

platform (473). The metal towers are in good to fair condition with evidence of 

corrosion and have guardrails around the perimeter of their elevated platforms. 

Four concrete block buildings, each one-story high, are also located in Control 

Area #1 and are designated Equipment Building (454), Generator Building (414), 

Connecting Corridor (411), and Sentry Box (413). An abandoned Army 

generator stands northwest of the Equipment Building (454), parallel to the 

building’s facade. A five-foot high concrete structure is also present that served 

as a pedestal for a type of acquisition radar known as ABAR (453). The concrete 

block buildings are in fair to poor condition with deteriorating paint, failing 

mortar joints, and unsecured windows and doors. 

Similar to Control Area #1, the buildings and structures present at Control Area 

#2 include three radar towers with rectangular platforms (420–422) and two 

towers with hexagonal platforms (467 and 472). Control Area #2 also features a 

hexagonal concrete foundation that held the HIPAR radar unit (469). The metal 

towers are in good to fair condition with evidence of corrosion and have 

guardrails around the perimeter of their elevated platforms. In addition to the 

towers and foundation, Control Area #2 contains four concrete block buildings, 

each one story high, that are designated Generator Building (410), HIPAR 

Building (468), Connecting Corridor (409), and Sentry Box (423). These 

structures are in fair condition with better exterior paint than their counterparts 

in Control Area #1. 

The final area at the NIKE radar site contains the buildings and structures for the 

Ready Barracks. Two barrack buildings (402 and 403) are located in the northern 

portion of the site. The buildings are rectangular and constructed with 

corrugated metal siding and roofing set on concrete foundations. The barracks 

are in good to fair condition with some evidence of corrosion. Adjacent to the 

barracks are two rectangular concrete foundations (404 and 405) that mark the 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

197 

footprint of barracks that are no longer extant. Two additional buildings 

complete the ensemble for the Ready Barracks. The Boiler Room (407) is a one 

story, corrugated metal shed located south of the barracks. East of the shed is the 

Latrine (406) that is constructed from concrete block and stands one story high. 

Both buildings are in good to fair condition with some damage observed in the 

soffits of the Latrine. 

At the NIKE radar site, vegetation primarily consists of eastern red cedars 

(Juniperus virginiana), shrub species such as bayberry (Myrica sp.) and sumac 

(Rhus sp.), and grass species. The vegetation encroaches on buildings, vehicular 

and pedestrian circulation features, and the perimeter fence. In many cases, 

vegetation is immediately adjacent to a building or feature (Figures 3.61 and 3.62). 

During the radar site’s operation, a view was maintained to allow unobstructed 

radar signals between the each Missile Tracking Radar and the control vans and 

individual missiles at the launch site. It is difficult to determine if those views are 

presently opened or blocked because the vertical components at the launch site 

are not extant. 

Small-scale features at the NIKE radar site include the perimeter security fence, a 

basketball court, and pedestrian lights. The perimeter fence is comprised of 

chain-link sections secured to H-shaped posts. The top of each post holds a 

single extension arm that supports strands of barbed wire. The perimeter fence is 

in fair to poor condition. An asphalt basketball court is located approximately 

forty feet south of the Ready Barracks. The long axis of the court is oriented 

north to south and sections of chain-link fence enclose the north and south ends. 

Pedestrian-scale lights line both walks from the control areas to the Ready 

Barracks. The lights are also located along walks to the north and south of the 

barrack buildings. The lights are in good to fair condition with the exception of 

one light pole, near the east end of the Ready Barracks, which is knocked over 

(Figure 3.63). 

NIKE LAUNCH SITE 

Located south of the radar site and east of Batteries Kingman and Mills, the 

NIKE launch site is roughly T-shaped in plan and bounded by a perimeter fence. 

The long leg of the “T” begins at Hartshorne Drive and proceeds east toward the 

Atlantic Ocean where it divides into shorter northern and southern sections. The 

western portion of the “T” contains the Ready Barracks and the southern section 

contains the Missile Maintenance Area. The northern section contains the 

underground missile magazines and concrete pads that supported the launching 

racks. The concrete pads are oriented north to south for firing missiles to the 

east (Figure 3.64 and Drawing 3.14). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

198 

The base elevation for the NIKE launch site is eight feet. Surrounding elevations 

vary from six to sixteen feet excluding a dune crest and beach along the Atlantic 

coastline. The Ready Barracks area matches the base elevation and then 

proceeding east, the topography rises along the central access road to the missile 

magazines (Figure 3.65). At the missile magazines, a plateau with an approximate 

elevation of twenty feet provides a level surface for the concrete pads that 

supported the launching racks and adequate cover for the underground missile 

storage. South of the magazines, the plateau slopes down to an elevation of 

twelve feet at the Missile Maintenance Area. In the Missile Maintenance Area, 

two engineered earthworks emerge on either side of the Warhead Building. 

North of the building, a narrow, elliptical earthwork rises to an elevation of 

twenty feet. South of the building, a crescent-shaped earthwork also rises to an 

elevation of twenty feet. The tips of the crescent wrap around the Warhead 

Building to the north and almost form a continuous landform with the northern 

earthwork. Recycling storage bins and a debris pile from a New Jersey state 

beach cleaning program presently stand against the eastern portion of the 

crescent earthwork (Figure 3.66). In addition, the northeast tip of the earthwork 

has been removed. The two engineered earthworks provided protection when 

missiles were fitted with warheads and fueled with a volatile mixture of jet fuel 

and oxidizers. North of the Warhead Building, park law enforcement has set up a 

firearms range in a low lying area. The depressed land form allows a range to be 

established with the land rising around the depression acting as a backstop 

(Figure 3.67). 

The northbound lanes of Hartshorne Drive border the west edge of the launch 

site and provide vehicular access. An approximate 50-foot by 180-foot asphalt 

parking area is located west of Hartshorne Drive and across from the gated entry 

to the site. The southern end of the parking area features a NIKE Hercules 

missile and communications trailer display secured in a rectangular area by a 

chain-link fence. The park’s Multi-use Path (MUP) heads in a north to south 

direction between Hartshorne Drive and the launch site’s outer fence. Both 

vehicles and pedestrians enter the launch site along a paved route that departs 

from Hartshorne Drive and continues through the site as the central access road. 

Access to the site is limited by a regularly locked gate that crosses the paved entry. 

The central access road is paved with asphalt and heading east from the entry, the 

road continues past the Ready Barracks and terminates at a “T” intersection with 

perpendicular routes leading to the Missile Magazines and Missile Maintenance 

Area. Two asphalt-paved spurs branch off from the central access road prior to 

the “T” intersection. East of the entry gate, the first spur departs from the access 

road and heads south between the Ready Barracks and the outer security fence. 

The road turns to the east and continues behind the Ready Barracks’ Latrine 

(434). East of the Ready Barracks, the second spur proceeds northeast from the 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

199 

central access road and provides a route to the Generator Building (429). At the 

“T” intersection, an asphalt road continues south from the central road and 

provides access to the Missile Assembly and Test Building (449) and Warhead 

Building (450) in the Missile Maintenance Area. North of the “T” intersection, 

an unpaved route wraps around the Missile Magazines on the outside of the 

inner security fence. Located north of the Warhead Building (450) and south of 

the unpaved route around the Missile Magazines, an unpaved area has been 

carved out to store and clean New Jersey state beach cleaning vehicles. The 

beach cleaning vehicles also travel on this unpaved route for convenient access to 

the beach immediately east of the launch site. 

Pedestrian circulation at the launch site includes a network of walkways in the 

Ready Barracks and a path to access the Canine Kennel (458). The individual 

barracks and support buildings that comprise the Ready Barracks area are 

connected by a series of three-foot wide concrete walkways. The walkways are 

oriented parallel and perpendicular to the buildings and are presently in good 

condition. At the northwest corner of the Missile Magazines, a path departs from 

the unpaved road outside the inner fence, winds through dense vegetation, and 

arrives at the Canine Kennel (458). There is no continuation of the path or a 

connection to other circulation features at the Canine Kennel. 

The three distinct areas at the NIKE launch site contain buildings and structures 

for missile storage, maintenance, security, and barracks to house personnel. The 

Missile Magazine area contains the four underground magazines that stored Ajax 

and later Hercules missiles. The southwest magazine (428) is denoted Section A, 

the northwest magazine (427) is denoted Section B, the southeast magazine (426) 

is denoted Section C, and the northeast magazine (425) is denoted Section D. 

Two concrete block buildings, each one-story high, are located west of the 

underground magazines and are designated Generator Building (429) and Paint 

and Oil Storage (447). Both of the concrete block buildings are in fair condition, 

however, existing vegetation is encroaching on the structures. Northwest of the 

magazines, two buildings that supported the site’s sentry dogs stand surrounded 

by dense vegetation. The Canine Kennel (458) is a one story structure with 

corrugated metal siding and roofing set on a concrete foundation. Immediately 

east of the Canine Kennel is a one story, concrete block building designated 

Kennel Storage (457). The density of vegetation around the buildings makes an 

assessment difficult, but both appear to be in fair condition. The final structure 

in the Missile Magazine area is a concrete foundation for a Sentry Hut (448) that 

is located west of the underground magazines. 

South of the Missile Magazines are five buildings in the Missile Maintenance 

Area. Two concrete block buildings, each one-story high, are the largest 

structures in the area and are designated Missile Assembly and Test Building 

(449) and Warhead Building (450). Both of the concrete block buildings display 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

200 

signs of water damage on their exterior and are in fair condition. Three small, 

contemporary, wood-frame sheds are located east of the Missile Assembly and 

Test Building and a trailer is parked north of the same building. 

West of the Missile Magazines and Missile Maintenance Area are nine buildings 

that comprise the Ready Barracks. Four barrack buildings (T-430–T-433) are 

located south of the central access road. The “T” prefix to the building number 

designates a building or structure the Army categorized as temporary rather than 

permanent. The barracks are rectangular in shape with corrugated metal siding 

and roofing set on concrete foundations. Located south of the barracks, the 

Bolier House (T-435) is also constructed from corrugated metal siding and 

roofing. All of the corrugated metal buildings are in good to fair condition with 

some evidence of corrosion. The Ready Barracks include three concrete block 

buildings, each one-story high, that are designated Latrine (434), Ready Building 

(437), and Sentry Hut (439). The Latrine and Ready Building are located south of 

the barracks and the Sentry Hut is located northwest of the barracks and 

immediately inside the entry gate to the launch site. All of the concrete block 

buildings are in fair condition. The final structure in the Ready Barracks is a 

concrete foundation for a Sentry Hut (456) that is located northeast of the 

barracks along the central access road. 

At the NIKE launch site, vegetation primarily consists of eastern red cedars 

(Juniperus virginiana), shrub species such as bayberry (Myrica sp.) and sumac 

(Rhus sp.), and grass species. Eastern red cedars cover the majority of the 

engineered earthworks in the Missile Maintenance Area (Figure 3.68). A mixture 

of vegetation encroaches on buildings, vehicular and pedestrian circulation 

features, and the perimeter fence. In many cases, vegetation is immediately 

adjacent to a building or feature. 

Small-scale features at the NIKE launch site include an inner and outer security 

fence, floodlights along the inner security fence, floodlights at the Missile 

Maintenance Area, spotlights in the Missile Magazine area, two antenna, and a 

missile display erected on the road in the Ready Barracks. Similar to the radar 

site, the launch site features a perimeter fence along its outside boundary and 

then adds an inner fence that encloses the missile magazines. Both fences are 

comprised of chain-link sections secured to H-shaped posts. The top of each 

post holds a single extension arm that supports strands of barbed wire. The inner 

and outer fences are in fair to poor condition and beach erosion has undermined 

portions of the outer fence near the northeast corner of the site (Figures 3.69 and 

3.70). 

At the Missile Magazine area, eight floodlights are positioned along the inner 

fence. Each light features a parabolic fixture mounted with a metal bracket to a 

round, wood pole (Figure 3.71). The fixtures are aimed parallel to the direction 
EXISTING CONDITIONS

201 

of the inner fence. Six similar lights are located at the Missile Maintenance Area 

with half located on the northern engineered earthwork and the other half on the 

southern engineered earthwork. The six lights are mounted at the top of round, 

metal poles. Vegetation encroaches on many of the floodlights, however, they 

are in good to fair condition. In the Missile Magazine area a single, round, wood 

pole stands near the Section B magazine (427). From ground level, the first eight 

to ten feet of the pole are painted yellow and a red “B” is featured on the yellow 

field. Two spotlights with parabolic metal hoods are mounted at the top of the 

pole (Figure 3.72). 

East of the Missile Maintenance Area and approaching the outer fence, an 

antenna and monitoring equipment have been set up for collecting weather and 

tide information (Figure 3.73). A second antenna assists with collecting weather 

and tide information and is located south of the Missile Maintenance Area near 

the outer fence (Figure 3.74). In the southwest corner of the Ready Barracks, a 

missile display has been installed on the road connecting the central access road 

to the barracks’ Latrine (434). The display informs visitors about the weaponry 

used at Sandy Hook’s last generation of coastal defenses. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

202 

ENDNOTES 

 

1

 The 1990 survey covers the entire peninsula and is recorded on twenty-seven sheets. Hard copies were found in the 

park’s Engineering Office and as a component of this Cultural Landscape Report, the surveys were scanned. A copy of the 

scanned files has been sent to the park’s GIS specialist. 

2

 This naming convention is consistent with the Historic Structure Report: Battery Potter, Mortar Battery and Battery 

Gunnison completed in 2007. For additional information on different names historically assigned to the mortars, please 

see James J. Lee III and Lauren Laham, Historic Structure Report: Battery Potter, Mortar Battery and Battery Gunnison. 

Fort Hancock, New Jersey, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area (United States Department of the Interior, 

National Park Service, 2007), 191-192. 

3

 The guns are not original to Battery Gunnison but acquired from a similar battery and installed for interpretive purposes. 
203 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.1. View looking west at gun platform #5, Battery Urmston. The gun platforms for emplacements 

#1, #2, #5, and #6 are T-shaped with full-width steps that lead up the long leg of the “T.” At the north end 

of the platforms, narrow notches served as a recessed space to rest pillar mounted guns when not in use 

(Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.2. View looking northeast at stairwells to magazines, Battery Urmston. Both handrails and 

guardrails show a heavy degree of corrosion and are staining the concrete below them. Access to existing 

doors is blocked by vegetation that has grown up in the stairwells (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
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204

Figure 3.3. View looking northwest at gun platform #3, Battery Urmston. Large woody vegetation 

primarily consists of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), beach plum (Prunus maritima), hackberry 

(Celtis occidentalis), and ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima). These species have also found suitable locations 

to grow in the low-lying areas, flat surfaces, and cracks of the battery (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.4. View looking northeast from gun platform #4, Battery Urmston. The views from the gun 

platforms and battery commander’s station to the water are primarily impeded by woody vegetation 

growing at the interface of the engineered slope and concrete battery structure (Olmsted Center,

January 2009).
205 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.5. View looking west at U.S. Coast Guard perimeter fence and Battery Morris. There is currently no 

vehicular access to Battery Morris and staff and visitors wishing to see the structure walk on a trail surface 

comprised of broken asphalt and accumulated leaf litter and debris. Emerging woody vegetation obscures a 

clear definition of the trail and makes access difficult (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.6. View looking north at emplacement #2, Battery Morris. Woody vegetation is growing in and 

around the stairs to the point where they are difficult to ascend and reach the gun platforms (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
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206

Figure 3.7. View looking southeast, Battery Morris. A large hackberry, 

approximately eighteen-inches diameter at breast height, is growing 

on the battery to the west of gun platform #4 (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).

Figure 3.8. View looking northeast at gun platform #1, Battery Morris. 

A wood picket fence is located to the north and east of the gun 

platform that is painted maroon red and is in poor condition (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
207 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.9. View looking northeast at corner of structure, Battery Peck. 

Efflorescence can be seen on many of the vertical surfaces and spalling 

is present on both horizontal and vertical surfaces indicating water has 

penetrated the concrete and is damaging the material (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).

Figure 3.10. View of guardrail south of emplacement #1, Battery Peck. The railings are in fair to poor 

condition with corrosion covering most pieces. Some assemblies lack any solid material where the vertical 

members fasten the railing to a solid support (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
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208

Figure 3.11. View looking northwest at Battery Engle (CRF Station Peck). The concrete coincidence range 

finder station (CRF) constructed on top of Battery Engle is located west of Battery Peck and features a lowpitched concrete roof. The structure appears in fair condition with some minor efflorescence visible on the 

roof (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.12. View looking north at a post World War II trailer, Batteries Engle and Peck. Northeast of Battery 

Engle, a communications trailer sits abandoned. The trailer is a frequent target for graffiti (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).
209 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.13. View looking northeast at observation platform. North of Batteries Engle and Peck, an 

observation platform stands on top of a one story, wood-frame structure. The platform permits panoramic 

views across Lower New York Harbor and is regularly used for bird watching (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.14. View looking northwest at Battery Peck. Presently, the area south of Battery Peck is filled with 

dense vegetation and is nearly impassable (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
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210

Battery

Halleck

Battery

Alexander

Battery

Bloomfield

Battery

Richardson

3 10-inch Guns

1898

2 12-inch Guns

1900

2 12-inch

Guns

1900

2 12-inch Guns

1904

Figure 3.15. Diagram of Nine Gun Battery’s individual names and construction dates. The emplacements at Nine Gun Battery were 

constructed in phases and divided into four separate batteries. The first three emplacements were designated Battery Halleck, south 

of Halleck was Battery Bloomfield and south of Bloomfield was Battery Richardson. The northernmost guns were designated Battery 

Alexander (Olmsted Center, 2009).

Figure 3.16. Granite blocks northeast of emplacement #8, Nine Gun Battery. Large granite blocks are visible 

immediately beyond the concrete terreplein. These blocks are remnants of the Civil War-era Fort at Sandy 

Hook (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
211 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.17. View of failing metal door, Nine Gun Battery. Several 

dozen doors and windows are missing or not properly mounted at the 

magazines, commander’s stations, and other auxiliary rooms at Nine Gun 

Battery (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.18. View looking west at battery commander’s station Halleck, Nine Gun Battery. A cantilevered 

structure between emplacements #5 and #7, intended to provide access to the commander’s station, is in 

poor condition (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
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212

Figure 3.19. View looking south at existing guardrail, Nine Gun Battery. Both handrails and guardrails are 

present at Nine Gun Battery and are generally in good to fair condition (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.20. View looking northwest at the concrete ramp to gun 

platform #1, Nine Gun Battery. At transitions between the ground level 

and gun platforms and also the gun platforms and terreplein, there are 

stairs and ramps that lack any kind of railing. This ramp has escutcheon 

plates but lacks a guardrail (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
213 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.21. View looking west toward battery commander’s station Bloomfield, Nine Gun Battery. In addition 

to growing on the engineered earthwork, eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) have emerged in the cracks 

and cold joints of the battery’s horizontal concrete surfaces (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.22. View looking west at emplacement #7, Nine Gun Battery. Phragmites (Phragmites sp.), also called 

common reed, is growing in the gun wells at emplacements #6, #7, and #9 (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
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214

Figure 3.23. View looking north at main entry, Battery Potter. The main entry is through an arched opening 

flanked by defensive stone towers. Constructed from granite blocks salvaged from the Civil War-era fort, 

the main entry resembles a castle (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.24. View looking west at entry to parking area, Battery Potter. Southwest of the main entry, 

a small parking area departs from Hudson Drive, loops around a small building, and joins back up with 

Hudson Drive (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
215 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.25. View looking northeast across superior slope, Battery Potter. On top of Battery Potter, the 

superior slope proceeds east from the terreplein that contained two openings for raising and lowering the 

12-inch caliber guns (Olmsted Center, April 2008).

Figure 3.26. View looking north across chemin de ronde, Battery Potter. The superior slope gently descends 

to a sentry route known as a chemin de ronde that is fronted by a parapet wall (Olmsted Center, April 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

216

Figure 3.27. Fire control stations, Battery Potter. On the terreplein, two groups of deteriorating concrete 

structures are located west of the former gun emplacements. The structures served as fire control stations 

and feature large openings in their east elevations to provide views to the Atlantic Ocean (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).

Figure 3.28. View looking northwest at concrete pillars, Battery Potter. South of the two groups of fire 

control stations, two concrete pillars remain from another structure that served as an additional fire control 

station (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
217 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.29. View looking south at guardrails, Battery Potter. To increase visitor safety, the National Park 

Service has recently added guardrails between the superior slope and the terreplein where the guns were 

emplaced (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.30. View looking north across terreplein, Battery Potter. As an additional safety measure, guardrails 

are installed on the western portion of the terreplein to prevent access to the sloped portion of the concrete 

structure (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

218

Figure 3.31. View looking northwest at metal pole, Battery Potter. A T-shaped metal pole is located north 

of the fire control stations and was used in observing and recording weather phenomenon (Olmsted Center, 

April 2008).

Figure 3.32. View looking northeast at foundation, Hudson Drive, and Battery Potter. Across from the 

parking area and west of Hudson Drive, a concrete foundation occupies a small opening in a dense stand 

of woody vegetation. The foundation supported a metal tower used to identify targets and improve fire 

control (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
219 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.33. View looking east from access stairs, Battery Potter. The 

sloped portion of the concrete battery, rising approximately ten-feet 

above the engineered earthwork, has eastern red cedars (Juniperus 

virginiana) growing in cracks and in large spalling areas (Olmsted 

Center, April 2008).

Figure 3.34. View looking east at the chemin de ronde, Battery Potter. 

The chemin de ronde is presently a collection area for leaf litter and 

debris that supports the growth of woody vegetation (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

220

Figure 3.35. Close-up view of concrete terreplein, Battery Granger. The 

concrete terreplein shows evidence of an asphalt-based product either 

used to fill joints or remaining in the joints after use as part of a larger 

concrete surface treatment (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.36. View looking northwest at engineered slope to rear of 

Battery Granger. Between Hudson Drive and the battery, a chainlink fence (left) and signage have been erected to warn visitors of 

potentially hazardous conditions (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
221 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.37. View looking west across southwest mortar pit, the Mortar Battery. Efflorescence and spalling 

are present on the concrete blast slope above the mortar pit. These symptoms of water infiltrating concrete 

can be seen on additional horizontal and vertical concrete surfaces at the Mortar Battery (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).

Figure 3.38. View looking north along perimeter wall, the Mortar Battery. Large woody vegetation is 

growing between the perimeter wall and the trail to the northwest and southwest emplacements. The 

main species along the perimeter wall is hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
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222

Figure 3.39. View looking northeast at toe of engineered earthwork, the Mortar Battery. East of the trail 

to the northwest and southwest emplacements, woven-wire mesh fencing is installed to discourage visitors 

from climbing up the engineered earthwork (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.40. View near top of southwest mortar pit, the Mortar 

Battery. At the top of the Mortar Battery, several wood post and wire 

cable fences are installed that are in fair to poor condition (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
223 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.41. View looking east at wayside, the Mortar Battery. Inside the perimeter wall, a wayside is 

located just south of the gallery to the southwest mortar pit (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.42. View looking northeast at emplacement #2, Battery Gunnison. Of all the coastal defense 

batteries at Sandy Hook, Battery Gunnison most readily conveys its military role in protecting the southern 

approach to New York because the concrete structure is emplaced with two 6-inch caliber guns (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

224

Figure 3.43. View looking north from emplacement #1 to emplacement #2, Battery Gunnison. Spalling 

is present on a concrete feature due to infiltration of water and freeze-thaw cycles (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).

Figure 3.44. View looking southeast at emplacement #2, Battery Gunnison. The vegetation on Battery 

Gunnison’s engineered slopes is primarily eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and beach plum 

(Prunus maritima) (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
225 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.45. View looking south at eroded vehicular route, Battery Mills. On the west side of Battery Mills 

a portion of the road encircling the battery, approximately 200-feet, has been washed away by Sandy Hook 

Bay (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.46. View looking northeast at Battery Kingman. The major constructed feature of Batteries 

Kingman and Mills is the engineered earthwork that rises in stark contrast to the surrounding land (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

226

Figure 3.47. View looking east at entry to emplacement #1, Battery Mills. The main entry and entry for 

emplacement #1 are inaccessible due to the density of woody vegetation (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.48. View looking southwest at emplacement #2, Battery Kingman. Designed to shield the gun 

platform from overhead fire, the concrete canopy exhibits efflorescence indicating water is infiltrating the 

concrete and drawing out impurities to the surface (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
227 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.49. View looking west at emplacement #2, Battery Mills. Above the emplacement, large spalling 

areas on the concrete canopy result from infiltration of water and seasonal freezing and thawing (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.50. View looking north from the top of Battery Kingman. A concrete box, engulfed by Japanese 

honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), is located south of emplacement #2 on the top of the engineered 

earthwork (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

228

Figure 3.52. View looking northwest from the top of Battery Mills. A tapered concrete box and metal pipe 

are located near the center top of the engineered earthwork. These structures are most likely associated 

with ventilation or served as flues for furnaces (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.51. Concrete pipe, Battery Kingman. A concrete pipe protrudes through the engineered earthwork 

northwest of emplacement #2 (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
229 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.53. Concrete pipe, Battery Mills. Southwest of emplacement #1, a concrete pipe emerges from the 

engineered earthwork (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.54. View looking south from the top of Battery Kingman. 

On the west side of Battery Kingman, a strip of concrete is exposed 

near the top of the earthwork and is possibly a piece of the reinforced 

concrete buster course installed to protect the battery from aerial 

bombing (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

230

Figure 3.56. Post and wire fence, Battery Kingman. Near the high 

point above Battery Kingman’s emplacement #2, a post and wire fence 

is installed that is overrun by vines and other vegetation (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.55. Scrub pine south of emplacement #1, Battery Mills. A 

few scrub pine (Pinus virginiana) were observed on the engineered 

earthwork that primarily contained mature eastern red cedar 

(Juniperus virginiana), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), and ailanthus 

(Ailanthus altissima) (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
231 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.58. View looking east at wood guardrail, Battery Mills. Two series of wood guardrails are installed 

along the eastern edge of the unpaved road. The guardrails are in fair to poor condition and located across 

from the gun emplacements (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.57. View looking east at collapsed wood guardrail, Battery Kingman. Across from both gun 

emplacements, a series of wood guardrails are installed along the eastern edge of the unpaved road. The 

guardrails are in fair to poor condition (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
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232

Figure 3.59. View looking southeast from vehicular route to Control Area #1, NIKE radar site. From each 

control area, a vehicular route leads to the Ready Barracks. From Control Area #1, the route is paved and 

ends in a hammerhead turnaround south of the Ready Barracks (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.60. View looking north at walkway, Control Area #2, NIKE radar site. A concrete sidewalk between 

each control area and the Ready Barracks provides pedestrian access between the locations (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).
233 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.61. View looking north at HIPAR foundation, NIKE radar site. The foundation is obscured by shrub 

species such as bayberry (Myrica sp.) seen in the foreground (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.62. View looking north along walkway to Ready Barracks, 

NIKE radar site. The eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) are 

immediately adjacent to and encroaching on the walkway (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

234

Figure 3.63. View looking northwest at the Ready Barracks, NIKE radar site. Pedestrian-scale lights line 

both walks from the control areas to the Ready Barracks. The lights are in good to fair condition with the 

exception of one light pole which is knocked over (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.64. View looking west at elevator to missile magazine (425), NIKE launch site. The northern section 

of the launch site contains the underground missile magazines and concrete pads for launching racks. The 

concrete pads are oriented north to south for firing missiles to the east (Olmsted Center, April 2008).
235 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.65. View looking west along central access road, NIKE launch site. Heading east from the Ready Barracks, 

the topography rises along the central access road to the missile magazines (Olmsted Center, April 2008).

Figure 3.66. View looking south at engineered earthwork, NIKE launch site. South of the Warhead Building, a crescent-shaped 

earthwork rises to an elevation of twenty feet. The tips of the crescent wrap around the Warhead Building to the north and almost form 

a continuous landform with a northern earthwork (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

236

Figure 3.67. View looking north at firearms range, NIKE launch site. North of the Warhead Building, park 

law enforcement has set up a firearms range in a low lying area. The land rising around the depression acts 

as a backstop for the range (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.68. View looking southeast at engineered earthwork, NIKE 

launch site. Eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) cover the majority 

of the engineered earthworks in the Missile Maintenance Area (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
237 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.69. Outer fence, NIKE launch site. The launch site features a perimeter fence along its outside 

boundary and then adds an inner fence that encloses the missile magazines. This section of fence is in fair 

condition (Olmsted Center, April 2008).

Figure 3.70. Outer fence, NIKE launch site. The inner and outer fences are comprised of chain-link sections 

secured to H-shaped posts. The top of each post holds a single extension arm that supports strands of 

barbed wire. This section of fence is in poor condition (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

238

Figure 3.71. Floodlight, NIKE launch site. At the Missile Magazine area, eight floodlights are positioned 

along the inner fence. Each light features a parabolic fixture mounted with a metal bracket to a wood 

pole. Six similar lights are located at the Missile Maintenance Area on the engineered earthworks (Olmsted 

Center, April 2008).

Figure 3.72. Spotlights, NIKE launch site. In the Missile Magazine area a single, round, wood pole stands 

near the Section B magazine (427). The first eight to ten feet of the pole are painted yellow and two 

spotlights with parabolic metal hoods are mounted at the top of the pole (Olmsted Center, April 2008).
239 

Existing Conditions

Figure 3.73. View looking east at antenna, NIKE launch site. East of the Missile Maintenance Area and 

approaching the outer fence, an antenna and monitoring equipment have been set up for collecting 

weather and tide information (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 3.74. View looking northeast at antenna, NIKE launch site. A 

second antenna assists with collecting weather and tide information and 

is located south of the Missile Maintenance Area near the outer fence 

(Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

240
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Existing Conditions

Site Wide

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Drawing 3.1

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 525’ 1050’ 2100’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

DRAWN BY

SOURCES

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

NOTES

1. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

2. All features shown in approximate scale and location

3. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

LEGEND

Beach

Canopy Vegetation

Marsh

Multi-Use Path

Paved Road / Walk

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Battery Landscape Extents

NIKE Launch Site Plum

Island

Sandy Hook

Visitor Center

NIKE Radar Site

Battery Arrowsmith

(Fragment)

Battery Kingman

Atlantic Highlands

Highlands

Battery Morris

U. S. Coast Guard Wharf

U. S. Coast

Guard

Reservation

Battery Urmston

Battery Engle

and Peck

Battery Gunnison

Mortar Battery

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Nine Gun Battery

Battery Granger

Battery Potter Battery Mills

S p e r m a c e t i C o v e

Skeleton Hill Island

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

Guardian Park

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

Existing Conditions

Sandy Hook Batteries

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Drawing 3.2

Gateway National

Recreation Area

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 300’ 600’ 1200’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

DRAWN BY

SOURCES

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

NOTES

1. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

2. All features shown in approximate scale and location

3. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

LEGEND

Beach

Canopy Vegetation

Marsh

Multi-Use Path

Paved Road / Walk

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Battery Landscape Extents

NIKE Launch Site

Fishing Beach

Gunnison Beach

North

Beach

Battery Arrowsmith

(Fragment)

H o r s e s h o e C o v e

Guardian Park

Battery Morris

Battery Urmston

Battery Engle

and Peck

North Pond

NIKE Radar Site Battery Kingman

U. S. Coast Guard Wharf

Battery Mills

U. S. Coast Guard Reservation

Battery Gunnison

Mortar Battery

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Nine Gun Battery

Battery Granger

Battery Potter

Parade

Ground

Athletic

Field

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

S A N D Y H O O K B A Y
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

forLANDSCAPEPRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

1944 Rail Line

Battery Urmston

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.3

BATTERY MORRIS,

SEE DRAWING 3.4

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

BATTERY

URMSTON

U. S. Coast

Guard

Reservation

U. S. Coast

Guard

Reservation

U. S. Coast

Guard

Housing

Electric

Transformer

#6

#5

#4

#3 #2 #1

#4
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

OLMSTED

forLANDSCAPEPRESERVATION

CENTER

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

DRAWN BY

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

Battery Morris

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.4

BATTERY URMSTON,

SEE DRAWING 3.3

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

U. S. Coast

Guard

Housing

U. S. Coast

Guard

Reservation

BATTERY

MORRIS

#3 #2 #1

Coincidence Range

Finding Station

#4

#2 #1
Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

forLANDSCAPEPRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Fence

Batteries Engle and Peck

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.5

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

BATTERY PECK

BATTERY

ENGLE

#1

Battery

Commander’s

Station

Wayside

Drainage

Structure

Observation

Platform

Trailer

#2

Trail

to

North Pond

N

O

R

T

H

B

R

A

G

G

D

R

I

V

E
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 30’ 60’ 120’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

1944 Rail Line

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Fence

Marsh

Nine Gun Battery

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.6

Exposed portion

of pre-existing

granite fort

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

BATTERY

ALEXANDER

BATTERY

HALLECK

BATTERY

BLOOMFIELD

BATTERY

RICHARDSON

#9

Wayside Concrete pad

Utility

vault, typ.

NORTH BRAGG DRIVE

ATLANTIC DRIVE

Parking

Lot J

#8

NORTH POND

#7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1

Naturalized Area

North

Maintenance

B-156

B-130

B-157

Naturalized Area

Ruins of fog

horn building

Ruins
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

forLANDSCAPEPRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 12.5’ 25’ 50’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

PLAN NORTH

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Deciduous Tree

Fence

Railing

Battery Potter

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.7

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

BATTERY

POTTER

HUDSON DRIVE

B-144

Wooden Wheelstops, Typ.

Wayside

B-145

B-260

(Coal

Shed)

B-259

(Central

Power

Plant)

Foundation of Battery

Commander’s Tower

B-257

(Switchboard

Room Type “C”)

Plotting

Rooms

Plotting

Rooms

Weather

Pole

B-258

(Cable Hut “A”)

B-256

(Switchboard

Room

Type “A”)

NORTH BRAGG DRIVE
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

LEGEND

OLMSTED

forLANDSCAPEPRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 8.75’ 17.5’ 35’

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

Battery Granger

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.8

Battery Landscape Extents

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

BATTERY

GRANGER

#1

Wayside

Drainage

Structure

#2

HUDSON DRIVE
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 15’ 30’ 60’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

PLAN NORTH

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Fence

Utility Pole

Mortar Battery

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.9

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 5’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

MORTAR

BATTERY

HUDSON ROAD

BATTERY McCOOK BATTERY REYNOLDS

Electric

Transformer

Telephone

data booth, typ.

Manhole

Wayside

Southwest

Mortar Pit

Southeast

Mortar Pit

Northeast

Mortar Pit

Northwest

Mortar Pit

Wayside

Metal ring

Conc. foundation

Wire fence

Counterscarp Battery

Wire fence

Post and

cable fence

Post and cable fence

MAST

Campus

Battery commander’s

station, typ.
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

forLANDSCAPEPRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Deciduous Tree

Fence

Battery Gunnison

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.10

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

BATTERY

GUNNISON

Warning

Sign

Drainage

Structure

Drainage

Structure

#2 #1

Drainage

Structure

Concrete

Pad, Typ.

Battery

Commander’s

Station

Shell

Hoist,

Typ.

Wayside

Wood Post & Rope

Bollards, Typ.

Gunnison

Beach

Facilities

To Gunnison Beach

ATLANTIC DRIVE
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 17.5’ 35’ 70’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

1944 Shore Line

1944 Rail Line

Battery Kingman

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.11

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

Concrete Pipe

BATTERY

KINGMAN

SANDY HOOK BAY

Wood Guardrails

Wood Guardrails

Wood

Post

Fence

Remnants of Wood Bulkhead
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 15’ 30’ 60’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Lockwood

 Kessler & Bartlett, 1976

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

1944 Rail Line

Battery Mills

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.12

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

Concrete Pipe

BATTERY

MILLS

SANDY HOOK BAY

Wood Guardrails

Abandoned Trail

Fallen Metal Pipe

Wood Guardrails
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

forLANDSCAPEPRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 25’ 50’ 100’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. New York Defense Area “NIKE” Project Control Area

 Site Plan, Drawing # 60-80-02

6. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

1944 Rail Line

Utility Pole

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Radar Tower

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Evergreen Tree

Fence

Multi-Use Path

Light Fixture

NIKE Radar Site

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.13

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

READY

BARRACKS

CONTROL

AREA #2

PARKING

LOT L

Basketball

Court

CONTROL

AREA #1

422

423

421

420

419

454

414

473

417

418

411

453

413

410

Electric

Transformer

Pad

Generator

409

472

467

469

468

402 403

407 406

404 405

BUILDING DESIGNATIONS

Control Area #1

 411 Connecting Corridors

 413 Sentry Box

 414 Generator House

 417 Target Tracking Radar Tower

 418 Acquisition Radar Tower

 419 Missile Tracking Radar Tower

 453 ABAR Radar Tower Pedestal

 454 Equipment Building

 473 Target Tracking Radar Tower

Control Area #2

 409 Connecting Corridors

 410 Generator Building

 420 Abandoned Target Tracking

 Radar Tower

 421 Acquisition Radar Tower

 422 Missile Tracking Radar Tower

 423 Sentry Box

 467 Target Ranging Radar Tower

 468 HIPAR Building

 469 HIPAR Radar Base

 472 New Target Tracking Radar Tower

Ready Barracks

 402 Enlisted Men’s Barracks w/ Mess

 403 Enlisted Men’s Barracks w/ Mess

 404 Enlisted Men’s Barracks w/ Mess

 (foundation only)

 405 Enlisted Men’s Barracks w/ Mess

 (foundation only)

 406 Latrine

 407 Boiler Room
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 37.5’ 75’ 150’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Evergreen Tree

Fence

Multi-Use Path

Floodlight Fixture

Spotlight Fixture

Deciduous Tree

NIKE Launch Site

Existing Conditions

Drawing 3.14

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

4. Battery landscape extents have been developed for the

 purposes of this report 

Battery Landscape Extents

NIKE

LAUNCH

POND

MISSILE MAGAZINES

READY

BARRACKS

MISSILE

MAINTENANCE

AREA

CODAR

Antenna

Lightning

Pole Truck

Ramps

CODAR

Antenna

Trailer and

missile display

Missile

display

437

T-430

447

456

448

429

Gas Station

458 457

425

426

450

449

427

428

T-431

T-432

T-433

434

T-435

439

Firearms

Range

Access to beach

Trailer

Sheds

BUILDING DESIGNATIONS

Missile Magazines

 425 Missile Storage (Type B)

 426 Missile Storage (Type B)

 427 Missile Storage (Type B)

 428 Missile Storage (Type B)

 429 Generator Building

 447 Paint and Oil Storage

 448 Sentry Hut (foundation only) 

 457 Kennel Storage

 458 Canine Kennel

Missile Maintenance Area

 449 Missile Assembly and Test Building

 450 Warhead Building

Ready Barracks

 T-430 Barracks

 T-431 Barracks

 T-432 Barracks

 T-433 Barracks

 T-435 Boiler House

 434 Latrine

 437 Ready Building

 439 Sentry Hut

 456 Sentry Hut (foundation only)
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

255 

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION 

This section provides a summary of the historical significance of Sandy Hook’s 

coastal defense batteries and an evaluation of their historic integrity. The section 

is divided into two main parts. The first summarizes the National Register status 

and the significance of Sandy Hook according to National Register of Historic 

Places criteria. The second is an evaluation of the landscape’s historic character 

at each coastal defense battery according to the cultural landscape methodology 

outlined in A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process and 

Techniques (National Park Service, 1998). This methodology examines general 

landscape characteristics, such as topography, circulation, and vegetation, 

comparing existing landscape conditions documented in January 2009 with what 

is documented or otherwise understood of the historic condition of these 

landscape characteristics during the period of significance. A summary table of 

landscape features is provided at the end of the section listing all documented 

landscape features. 

The analysis and evaluation covers eleven extant batteries and the two separate 

sites that comprise the extant NIKE missile battery. Information is presented in 

geographical order from north to south starting with Battery Urmston and 

ending with Batteries Kingman and Mills. The section concludes with the NIKE 

radar site and the NIKE launch site. 

NATIONAL REGISTER STATUS 

This analysis and evaluation is based on criteria and aspects of integrity 

developed by the National Register of Historic Places Program, which lists 

properties that are significant to our nation’s history and prehistory. According 

to the National Register, historic significance may be present in districts, sites, 

buildings, structures and objects that possess integrity of location, design, 

materials, workmanship, feeling, and association which meet at least one of the 

following criteria: 

A. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the 

broad patterns of history. 

B. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. 

C. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of 

construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high 

artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity 

whose components may lack individual distinction. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

256 

D. Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in 

prehistory or history. 

The Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground Historic District was listed 

on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This district was comprised 

of 380 acres in the northern half of the Sandy Hook peninsula bounded by Sandy 

Hook Bay on the west, portions of Magruder Road, Gunnison Road, and Atlantic 

Drive on the south, the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and the U. S. Coast Guard 

property on the north. In addition, the district contained eight noncontiguous 

sites to the south including Battery Arrowsmith, Battery Kingman, Battery Mills, 

the Signal Corps radar site, and the NIKE missile sites (Figure 4.1).1

 On 

November 9, 1982, revised documentation was submitted and the Fort Hancock 

and Sandy Hook Proving Ground Historic District was listed as a National 

Historic Landmark (NHL). The boundaries for the 4,584-acre landmark district 

were expanded to include the majority of the peninsula north of the Route 36 

bridge to the northern end of the landform. Only Plum Island, Skeleton Hill 

Island, and South Island—all extending from the western side of the peninsula—

were excluded from the district.2

The National Historic Landmark documentation identifies Sandy Hook as 

significant for its dual roles in United States military history. As a federal military 

reservation, the peninsula served as the home for the Sandy Hook Proving 

Ground and Fort Hancock. Additionally, the documentation recognizes Sandy 

Hook as significant for the Spermaceti Cove Life-Saving Station and the Sandy 

Hook Lighthouse. The period of significance for the Proving Ground, 1874 to 

1919, corresponds to the time period the site served as the nation’s testing center 

for major artillery. For Fort Hancock and the balance of the peninsula, the 

period of significance spans from 1859 through the 1950s and 1960s Cold War 

era. Areas of historical significance expressed by the documentation include 

engineering, military, and social/humanitarian themes.3

 

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 

Sandy Hook is significant in American history as the site of the federal military 

reservation that played dual roles in United States military history. The peninsula 

was home to both the Sandy Hook Proving Ground and Fort Hancock. Between 

1874 and 1919, the Proving Ground served as the nation’s testing center for major 

artillery. During this critical time period, the Army developed, tested, and 

transitioned to rifled artillery that was utilized to protect harbors around the 

country and in foreign territories. From the 1890s to the Army’s divestment of 

the property in 1974, Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook’s coastal defenses were a 

critical element in a system of fortifications guarding the southern approach to 

New York City—America’s most important harbor and largest metropolis. It was 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

257 

during these years that the United States defeated Spain and emerged as a world 

power, tipped the scales against the Central Powers in World War I, retreated 

into the isolation of the 1920s and 30s, and emerged from World War II as a 

super power.4

The Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground Historic District is 

significant under Criterion A for association with the development of military 

defenses and the design and testing of artillery that have made a significant 

contribution to the broad patterns of our history. The site is also significant 

under Criterion C for military architecture and engineering that embodies the 

distinctive characteristics of Endicott-Taft period coastal defenses. Sandy 

Hook’s collection of Endicott-Taft batteries includes the first completed, 

partially armed, and tested coastal defense battery in the United States following 

the Endicott Board’s recommendations and the first concrete mortar battery in 

the United States. The district may have significance under Criterion D for 

archeological resources associated with Fort Hancock and the Proving Ground 

that are likely to yield information important to military history. 

The period of significance for Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook’s coastal defenses 

spans from 1859 to 1974. The period begins in 1859 corresponding to the start of 

construction on the granite Fort at Sandy Hook. In the National Historic 

Landmark documentation, the narrative statement of significance does not 

explicitly state the end-date of the period of significance, identifying 1958 as the 

last specific date corresponding to the introduction of the improved NIKE 

Hercules missile system.5

 Correspondence between the National Park Service 

and the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Officer in 1996 relating to the 

park’s List of Classified Structures (LCS) explains that, “. . . because the NIKE 

missile era identified in the NHL documentation continued almost to the date of 

transfer between the military and the NPS, December 31, 1974, the deactivation 

date for Fort Hancock, is used as the end date of the period of significance.”6

 

Review and concurrence by the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Officer 

on January 2, 1997 established 1974 as the end date of the period of significance. 

EVALUATION OF INTEGRITY 

Integrity is the ability of a property to convey its historic identity and significance. 

While evaluation of integrity is often a subjective judgment, it must be grounded 

in an understanding of a property’s physical features and how these relate to its 

significance. The National Register identifies seven aspects of integrity 

comprising location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and 

association. Retention of these qualities is essential for a property to convey its 

significance, though all seven qualities need not be present to convey a sense of 

past time and place. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

258 

Location is the place where the cultural landscape was constructed. The coastal 

defense batteries continue to occupy the locations where they guarded the 

southern approach to New York Harbor and the skies over the New York-New 

Jersey metropolitan area. The coastal defense batteries retain integrity of 

location. 

Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure and 

style of the cultural landscape. Extant design elements include structural features 

such as battery commander’s stations, auxiliary support buildings, and barracks 

and vehicular and pedestrian circulation. The primary change to the original 

design of the coastal defense batteries is the growth of large woody vegetation on 

the structures, their engineered earthworks, and in immediately adjacent areas 

that would interfere with historic operations. With the exception of Battery 

Gunnison, the gun batteries are missing the artillery and carriages that were part 

of an earth-covered, concrete defensive structure. Similarly, the NIKE radar site 

lacks the radar units that were mounted on top of the towers for target 

acquisition and tracking and missile guidance. North of Battery Peck, an 

observation platform and communications trailer have been added. At most 

locations, the railroad tracks that supported the construction and provided the 

projectiles and gunpowder for the batteries are removed. Near Nine Gun 

Battery, Battery Gunnison, and the NIKE radar site, surface parking areas have 

been added. The presence of large woody vegetation, addition of some nonhistoric structures, and changes to circulation features diminishes the integrity of 

design. 

Setting is the physical environment of the cultural landscape. The setting of the 

coastal defense batteries is defined by topography and vegetation communities 

that inhabit large, contiguous areas and transitional zones. Contrary to the height 

of the battery structures and their engineered earthworks, adjacent topography is 

relatively flat or slightly undulates to form coastal dunes. These topography 

features are largely intact. Masses of undisturbed vegetation, such as the holly 

forest east of Batteries Kingman and Mills and the low-growing shrubs and beach 

grasses on coastal dunes, have also been retained. Although Sandy Hook’s 

function has changed from a strategic military installation to a recreation 

destination serving a densely-populated region, the coastal defense batteries 

retain integrity of setting. 

Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during the 

period of significance in a particular pattern or configuration to form the cultural 

landscape. The coastal defense batteries retain historic built materials of granite, 

concrete, steel, and sand and earth. The condition of these materials is negatively 

affected by water infiltration, rust, erosion, and large woody vegetation, however, 

the materials have not been replaced with non-historic substitutes. Changes have 

occurred with plant materials on the engineered earthworks and adjacent to the 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

259 

batteries due to succession and the growth of non-native invasive species such as 

ailanthus. The presence of non-historic plant material can be reversed. 

Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people 

during the period of significance. The coastal defense batteries demonstrate 

workmanship of the Army’s changing technology in coastal defenses from the 

late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. Masons set granite blocks to form a 

defensible entrance for Battery Potter. When a land-based attack was no longer a 

threat and the counterweight gun carriage successfully tested, large caliber gun 

batteries featured open rear elevations and recessed concrete wells to emplace 

the guns. Finally, when aerial bombing replaced naval gun fire, Batteries 

Kingman and Mills were completely casemated in earth-covered concrete to 

protect artillery and crew. The coastal defense batteries retain integrity of 

workmanship. 

Feeling is the cultural landscape’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of the 

historic period. Due to their scale, materials, and integration in the landscape with 

engineered earthworks, the coastal defense batteries are distinct from other 

buildings and structures at Sandy Hook and retain their historic feeling. At the 

NIKE missile sites, the perimeter fences convey the security established when the 

radar and launch sites were operational. Large woody vegetation growing on the 

batteries, their engineered earthworks, and in surrounding areas diminishes the 

feeling of a maintained military landscape. Similarly, vegetation along the NIKE 

fence lines and the poor condition of some sections of fences lessens the integrity 

of feeling.

Association is the direct link between the important historic event or person and the 

cultural landscape. The coastal defense batteries have a diminished integrity of 

association. It is challenging to link the structures with their role in coastal 

defense due to several factors. Changes in circulation systems and unchecked 

growth of vegetation make access and therefore recognition of batteries such as 

Urmston and Morris difficult. Large woody vegetation is the primarily culprit 

obstructing downrange views from the batteries and impeding an understanding 

between the battery’s location and the water. Finally, vegetation growing on the 

batteries conveys that the structures are relics and lessens the association of the 

batteries as vital resources for coastal defense. 

The coastal defense batteries at Sandy Hook retain integrity of location, setting, 

materials, and workmanship. Primarily due to the growth of large woody 

vegetation, the addition of non-historic structures, and changes to circulation 

features, the coastal defense batteries have a diminished integrity of design, 

feeling, and association. The coastal defense batteries retain their overall physical 

form and addressing the condition of historic details will strengthen the 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

260 

association of the batteries as critical installations for defending the southern 

approach to New York City and the metropolitan area’s airspace. 

EVALUATION OF LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISTICS AND 

FEATURES 

Landscape characteristics are the broad patterns, systems, and feature categories 

that compose the landscape and determine how people interact with it. The 

analysis of landscape characteristics and features serves to identify the 

components of the landscape that define the historic character of the landscape 

and contribute to the landscape’s ability to convey its significance. The 

evaluation entails comparing existing conditions to what was present during the 

historic period and making an evaluation of whether the landscape characteristic 

or feature contributes to the landscape’s historic character. 

The landscape characteristics evaluated for the coastal defense batteries include 

spatial organization, topography, circulation, buildings and structures, 

vegetation, tactical views, and small-scale features. The evaluation is organized 

and presented in two parts. First, characteristics that are common to all battery 

sites are reviewed in a narrative format with the following components: 

Historic Condition: A brief outline of the history of a particular landscape 

characteristic and associated features. 

Existing Condition: A brief description of the current physical condition. 

Evaluation: A determination of each landscape characteristic or feature’s 

contribution to the significance of the landscape. 

Contributing – Characteristics and features that contribute to the 

significance of the coastal defense batteries and that were present during 

the period of significance, possess historic integrity, and are related to 

the areas of historic significance. 

Non-contributing – Characteristics and features that do not contribute 

to the significance of the coastal defense batteries and that were not 

present during the period of significance, do not retain historic integrity, 

or are unrelated to the area of historic significance. 

Undetermined – Characteristics and features that require additional 

information to determine if they contribute to the significance of the 

coastal defense batteries. 

The second part of the evaluation reviews landscape characteristics and features 

that are specific to the individual battery sites. The information is presented in 

geographical order from north to south in separate tables corresponding to the 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

261 

eleven battery sites and two NIKE missile sites. Columns in the table identify the 

landscape feature, if the feature was extant in 1945, 1974, and during the existing 

conditions review in January 2009, and concludes with notes and figure 

references pertaining to the feature. Listing whether a feature was extant in 1974 

corresponds to the end of the period of significance for Fort Hancock and the 

Sandy Hook Proving Ground Historic District. A review of the features in 1945 is 

provided for the eleven gun batteries because shortly after World War II, 

American coastal defenses shifted to missile installations to defend against 

bomber attacks and all of Sandy Hook’s gun batteries were disarmed and 

deactivated. A comparison of the 1945 and 1974 columns serves to identify 

features—such as large woody vegetation on the engineered earthworks—that 

emerged during the twenty-nine year interval due to limited maintenance. 

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION 

Historic Condition: The spatial organization of the coastal defense batteries is 

defined their role in a larger system of coastal defenses. The gun batteries at 

Sandy Hook were not isolated, defensive fixtures but components in a system 

that utilized multiple locations, varying land-based artillery, and underwater 

controlled mines to defend the south approach to New York. In addition to 

batteries at Sandy Hook, the Army constructed coastal defenses to the south at 

Navesink, to the north at Fort Hamilton, Fort Wadsworth, and Fort Lafayette 

along the Narrows, and to the east at Fort Tilden on the Rockaway peninsula (see 

Figure 2.31). All of the battery sites were intended to provide defense-in-depth—

a redundant system that provided continued resistance against a potential enemy 

advancing north toward New York City. The NIKE missile battery at Sandy 

Hook was also part of a redundant system of defenses that incorporated 

geographically separate radar sites and command centers for coordinating 

nineteen missile batteries in the New York Defense Area. In addition to Sandy 

Hook, nearby missile sites included Leonardo and South Plainfield, New Jersey, 

and Fort Tilden on the Rockaway peninsula. 

The individual gun batteries at Sandy Hook were oriented to engage a potential 

enemy on the water. Consequently, a majority of the batteries faced artillery 

north or east toward the major shipping channel that followed the Atlantic 

shoreline of the peninsula. The firing side of the battery was protected by an 

engineered earthwork that transitioned to a reinforced concrete structure. The 

structure emplaced the guns, stored ammunition, and housed dedicated spaces 

for calculating a target’s range. The rear elevation of the concrete structure 

provided personnel access and delivery of ammunition and supplies. If an enemy 

fired on the battery, the safest place for personnel was under the protective cover 

of reinforced concrete and engineered earthworks. Recognizing this advantage, 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

262 

the Army converted the covered galleries of the Mortar Battery to house central 

communications and to serve as a command post during World War II. 

Existing Condition: The coastal defense batteries at Sandy Hook have not moved 

since the end of the period of significance and continue to occupy the locations 

where they guarded the southern approach to New York Harbor and the skies 

over the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. The arrangement of a 

battery’s firing side and engineered earthwork, concrete structure, and rear 

elevation for access remains unaltered. 

Evaluation: Contributing 

TOPOGRAPHY 

Historic Condition: Mid-nineteenth century improvements to artillery and 

projectiles coupled with combat experience during the Civil War convinced 

military engineers that a new generation of coastal defense batteries should rely 

on constructed earthworks for protection. Batteries shielded with engineered 

earthworks were constructed at Sandy Hook in the 1890s and designed earthen 

covered continued to be a feature of batteries until the conclusion of World War 

II. Compared to masonry and concrete construction, the engineered earthworks 

were easy and inexpensive to replace if damaged. In addition to protecting a 

battery, the earthworks offered an added benefit of concealing the concrete 

structure by blending it into the surrounding coastal topography. Hundreds of 

thousands of cubic yards of earth and sand were excavated and meticulously 

placed to complete the coastal defense batteries at Sandy Hook. Engineered 

earthworks were also constructed at the NIKE launch site to cover the Missile 

Magazines and to protect adjacent areas from an accidental explosion at the 

Missile Maintenance Area. 

Existing Condition: The engineered earthworks are primarily intact with some 

erosion occurring since the end of the historic period. At the NIKE launch site, 

recycling bins cut into a portion of the south earthwork at the Missile 

Maintenance Area (Figure 4.2). For all sites, social trails across the earthworks 

advance erosion and threaten these features (see Figure 3.11). Large woody 

vegetation growing on the earthworks creates the potential for the placed earth 

and sand to be removed by a toppled tree. 

Evaluation: Contributing 

CIRCULATION 

Historic Condition: Multiple circulation systems and infrastructure developed on 

Sandy Hook to support various modes of transportation during the historic 

period. The bay side of the peninsula provided more sheltered waters for 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

263 

anchoring and docking ships and wharves were constructed on the bay side to 

transport military supplies and to receive recreation seekers. In the midnineteenth century, a railroad line met recreational travelers at a Horseshoe 

Cover ferry landing and continued south through the peninsula to Long Branch, 

Sea Bright, and other towns along the Atlantic coast. Recognizing the potential 

for railroads to transport artillery and ammunition, the Army purchased the 

existing railroad line and extended it north to the Sandy Hook Proving Ground 

in 1889. Railroads were utilized throughout the Proving Ground’s operation and 

also installed to move materials for the construction of the coastal defense 

batteries. After construction was completed, railroad lines served to transport 

artillery and ammunition to the batteries. Railroads also contributed to the 

coastal defense system by providing the means for positioning artillery and 

searchlights mounted on flat rail cars. Following World War II, the gun batteries 

were deactivated and the railroad lines that supported the batteries’ construction 

and operation were allowed to deteriorate. 

In addition to the railroads, vehicular routes were established across compacted 

soil and wood plank roads. As Fort Hancock was developed to support the 

coastal defense batteries, compacted gravel roads were designed and installed to 

connect the north and south ends of the peninsula and to provide access around 

the Fort’s semi-circular configuration of officers’ quarters, enlisted men’s 

quarters, and auxiliary buildings. In many instances, roads paralleled railroad 

lines along the rear of the batteries and provided access for personnel. The 

network of the roads expanded with the increase in personnel during the World 

Wars and designated parking areas appear on historic maps from 1944. 

Circulation features also include paved and unpaved pedestrian routes associated 

with the Proving Ground, Fort Hancock, and the individual batteries. The most 

formal pedestrian circulation systems were designed and installed at the NIKE 

missile sites to facilitate access among the barracks, radar towers, magazines, 

warehouses, and support structures. 

Existing Condition: The multiple modes of transportation and their 

corresponding circulation systems are presently extant at Sandy Hook. A 

seasonal ferry service operates from Manhattan and brings visitors to the 

northern end of the peninsula. Vehicular circulation routes provide access 

throughout Sandy Hook with Hartshorne Drive serving as the major north-south 

route, Atlantic Drive serving as a secondary north-south route, and Gunnison 

Road serving as a connecting east-west route between the two. Sidewalks and 

pedestrian circulation systems connect Fort Hancock’s quarters and buildings 

and provide access among the individual structures that comprise the NIKE 

missile sites. 

Several sections of rail lines and occasional collections of wooden ties are the 

only remnants of Sandy Hook’s railroad system that are present (Figures 4.3 and 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

264 

4.4). Unmaintained vegetation blocks and obscures some vehicular circulation 

routes and at other locations, coastal erosion is removing circulation features. 

New parking lots are present to receive an increasing number of visitors and a 

multi-use path stretches from the park entrance to the ferry landing to provide 

dedicated access for jogging, walking, bicycle riding, and roller blading. 

Evaluation: Circulation features present from the historic period are 

contributing. Circulation features added during the National Park Service 

administration of Sandy Hook, such as the parking lots and the multi-use path, 

are non-contributing. 

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES 

Historic Condition: The coastal defense batteries represent successive 

generations of costly buildings and structures constructed in response to the 

latest offensive weaponry and armament. At Sandy Hook, the Army designed 

and constructed rapid fire and large caliber batteries to defend the southern 

entrance to New York Harbor. In addition the Army completed experimental 

battery designs, such as the Dynamite Gun Battery and Battery Potter, which used 

different means to fire projectiles and raise large caliber guns. Both rapid fire and 

large caliber gun batteries were a building system comprised of reinforced 

concrete structures and protective, engineered earthworks. 

The first gun batteries at Sandy Hook incorporated defenses against a land-based 

attack. At Battery Potter, the main entry resembled a castle and featured gun 

loops in a pair of flanking towers so soldiers could fire on an advancing enemy. 

At the Mortar Battery, the structure was surrounded by a perimeter wall and had 

machine guns set in galleries at opposite corners to fire on intruders inside the 

wall. With a system of gun batteries and controlled mines defending against a 

land-based attack, later gun batteries had open, rear elevations that provided 

personnel access and delivery of ammunition and supplies. Responding to the 

threat of aerial reconnaissance and bombing, the large caliber gun batteries 

updated during World War II featured massive concrete canopies over each gun 

emplacement to protect the artillery and crews. 

During the historic period, the gun batteries experienced periods of intensive 

maintenance and use and also years of minimal care intended to keep the 

defenses operational ready. Water-repelling coatings and camouflage paints 

were added to the concrete surfaces to protect the batteries from natural forces 

and human detection. Architectural features, many of them metal, were 

important components in security, safety, and communications. 

The Army disarmed and deactivated the gun batteries when artillery was no 

longer effective and when new coastal defenses were operational. The 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

265 

abandoned batteries were not maintained and following World War II, all of the 

gun batteries were deactivated due to the threat of high-altitude bombers. In 

response to the new threat, the Army constructed a NIKE missile battery at 

Sandy Hook. The NIKE missile battery remained operational until new offensive 

weaponry, the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), eclipsed the NIKE 

system and defense philosophy shifted to the doctrine of mutually assured 

destruction. The buildings and structures at the NIKE sites, similar to the gun 

batteries before them, were abandoned and not maintained. 

Existing Condition: The coastal defense batteries are extant and primarily in a 

stable condition despite decades of little or no maintenance. The reinforced 

concrete structures and engineered earthworks that comprise the building 

system are intact. There are instances of erosion on the earthworks and evidence 

of spalling, cracks, and separation on concrete elements. In addition, 

efflorescence can be seen on many of the vertical concrete surfaces indicating 

water has penetrated the concrete and is drawing out salts and other impurities to 

the surface. Architectural features, particularly metal components, are in a 

deteriorating condition and missing at some batteries. The concrete block 

buildings at the NIKE missile sites also show symptoms of water penetration 

along with corrosion on corrugated metal roofs and metal siding. 

Evaluation: Contributing 

VEGETATION 

Historic Condition: In order to reduce erosion and obscure the gun batteries from 

enemy identification, small tree, shrub, and grass species were planted on the 

engineered earthworks. Instructions from the Army detailed acquiring local 

plant materials from nearby sites, performing infill plantings from season to 

season to ensure adequate coverage, and watering when conditions were 

necessary to support the plant growth. Vegetation on the engineered earthworks 

did not interfere with the operation of the artillery or views to potential targets 

on the water. 

Existing Condition: A mixture of vegetation presently grows on the engineered 

earthworks and includes native and non-native vines and groundcovers, grasses, 

shrubs, small trees, and large woody vegetation (see Figure 3.39). The vegetative 

cover continues to protect the earthworks from erosion and discourages park 

visitors from walking on and damaging the earthworks. 

Evaluation: Vines, groundcovers, grasses, shrubs, and small trees are 

contributing. Large woody vegetation is non-contributing since this vegetation 

type interferes with the operation of the artillery or views. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

266 

TACTICAL VIEWS 

Historic Condition: The concrete gun batteries relied on unobstructed views to 

the water to sight potential targets and allow unimpeded firing of projectiles. The 

importance of a clear field of fire is demonstrated by the Army Corps of 

Engineers’ Report of Completed Works that recorded information on interference 

and obstacles for each battery such as adjacent batteries, buildings, and 

vegetation. In addition to a clear field of fire from an emplacement, unobstructed 

views were necessary from battery commander’s stations and fire control 

stations. Constructed on top of existing batteries or as independent buildings, 

battery commander’s and fire control stations became dedicated structures for 

locating and acquiring the range of potential targets (see Figures 2.82 and 2.86). 

Tactical views of high-altitude, enemy aircraft were not possible and to counter 

this strategic advantage, the NIKE missile battery utilized radar to acquire targets 

and guide missiles to a computed intercept point. Radar and missiles had to be 

separated by a minimum distance of 3,000 feet for guidance communication to 

work. Therefore, a tactical view existed between the radar site and launch site so 

the radar signals could be transmitted without obstruction. The area between the 

two sites was not stripped of all features but vertical objects that could interfere 

with the radar signals had to be removed, relocated or managed. 

Existing Condition: Tactical views from the emplacements, battery commander’s 

stations, and fire control stations to the water are primarily impeded by woody 

vegetation growing at the interface of the engineered earthwork and concrete 

battery structure (Figure 4.5 and see Figures 3.4 and 3.42). Beyond the toe or 

bottom of the engineered earthwork there may be vegetation that impacts views, 

however, the impact is difficult to evaluate with obstructing vegetation in close 

proximity to the start of the view. With the exception of the communications 

trailer and observation platform at Batteries Engle and Peck, there appears to be 

no additional buildings or structures that impact views from the emplacements, 

battery commander’s stations, and fire control stations. 

From the NIKE radar site, signals traveled over a mile to control vans and 

individual missiles at the launch site. With these vertical elements absent from 

the launch site, it is difficult to determine if the tactical view is intact or 

obstructed. 

Evaluation: Contributing at the gun batteries, Undetermined at the NIKE missile 

battery 

SMALL-SCALE FEATURES 

Historic Condition: The coastal defense batteries contained numerous small-scale 

architectural features associated with buildings and structures. Railings and 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

267 

features utilized for lighting, electronic communication, and weather observation 

were installed on various batteries to improve the operational efficiency of the 

defenses. In the landscape, small-scale features included fencing and exterior 

lighting. At the NIKE missile sites, fencing provided security against 

unauthorized access and served to define the outer boundaries of the radar and 

launch facilities. The Army added an additional security fence to the launch site 

as part of upgrades to use Hercules missiles fitted with nuclear warheads. 

Included in the Hercules upgrades was the installation of floodlights along the 

newly installed security fence and at the Missile Maintenance Area. Exterior 

lighting was also a feature at the NIKE radar site. Pedestrian-scale fixtures were 

installed to illuminate the walkway network between the control areas and Ready 

Barracks as well as the routes among the barrack buildings. 

Existing Condition: Small-scale architectural features associated with the coastal 

defense batteries and small-scale features in the landscape are presently extant. 

At the NIKE missile sites, the fencing is in fair to poor condition. Corrosion 

appears on many components of the fencing and some sections have missing or 

deteriorated chain-link and barbed wire strands. Vegetation crowds or covers 

sections of the fencing and makes inspection and routine maintenance difficult. 

Vegetation also crowds several floodlights at the NIKE launch site and the 

pedestrian-scale lights at the NIKE radar site. Small-scale features also include 

remnants of buildings and structures that are no longer extant. At certain 

locations, concrete footings and collapsed metal pipes are the only items present 

from observation towers and other structures of the coastal defense system. 

Many small-scale features in the landscape are present to support the National 

Park Service’s management of Sandy Hook as a national recreation area. 

Waysides and signage are located in close proximity to many of the gun batteries 

to aid interpreting the structures. Additional signage and fencing are installed 

near some batteries to warn visitors of potentially hazardous conditions and 

block access to fragile building components and engineered earthworks. Existing 

small-scale features also include contemporary traffic control devices such as 

guardrails and bollards. 

Evaluation: Small-scale features present from the historic period are 

contributing. Small-scale features added during the National Park Service 

administration of Sandy Hook are non-contributing. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

268 

Table 4.1: Battery Urmston (LCS# SH-540) 

Disarmed 1920 (#1, #2, #5, and #6) and 1942 (#3 and #4), Deactivated 1942 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Battery Urmston is 

defined by its role in a larger system of coastal 

defenses. With other rapid fire gun batteries, 

Urmston provided a field of fire to protect 

minefields outside the major shipping channel 

from shallow-draft boats. 

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery’s emplacements and magazines 

were protected by earthen cover that sloped 

down from the north facade and merged with 

existing grades. See Figure 2.48, sections. 

High point over central 

storeroom Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery contains a central storeroom 

constructed between emplacements #3 and 

#4. The Report of Completed Works show four 

feet of earth cover over the top of this 

concrete structure and the earthwork is still 

present. See Figure 2.48, rear elevation. 

High point between Battery 

Urmston and Battery Morris Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Sixty-five feet separate Battery Urmston and 

Battery Morris and in this transitional area, the 

engineered earthwork of the two batteries 

merge and form a high point. 

Circulation

Paved road south of battery Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A 1907 map shows a road paralleled the 

battery’s south facade to provide access for 

personnel and delivery of munitions. Figure 

4.6. The road is presently extant but 

separated from the battery by the Coast 

Guard perimeter fence. 

Buildings and Structures

Six emplacement, rapid fire 

gun battery Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery was constructed in phased with 

emplacements #1 and #2 competed first at the 

east end, emplacements #5 and #6 completed 

at the west end, and finally emplacements #3 

and #4 in the middle. 

Coincidence range finder 

station between 

emplacements #4 and #5 

Yes Yes Yes Yes An open style station, lacking a permanent 

roof, was added to the battery 1919. 

Vegetation 

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Vegetative cover was an essential component 

of concealing the battery and limiting erosion 

and dust. Vegetation was not permitted to 

interfere with the battery’s operation or 

threaten the structural integrity of the 

earthwork. See Figure 2.49. 

Large woody vegetation south 

of battery No No Yes No 

In a triangular area between the Coast Guard 

perimeter fence and battery, woody vegetation 

overruns the space and makes pedestrian 

access difficult. 

Tactical Views

Downrange views from the 

emplacements and 

coincidence range finder 

station 

Yes 

Undetermined 

No Yes 

Views are presently obstructed by large woody 

vegetation, especially tall vegetation growing 

at the interface of the engineered earthwork 

and concrete battery structure. See Figure 3.4. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

269 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Small-Scale Features 

U. S. Coast Guard perimeter 

fence No Yes Yes No 

The fence appears on a 1976 survey south of 

paved road paralleling the battery’s south 

facade. Presently, the fence is on the north side 

of the road and creates a narrow space south of 

the battery that makes pedestrian access 

difficult. The fence consists of six-foot tall 

chain-link sections topped with barbed wire. 

Wood-slat fence east of 

battery No Yes Yes No Erected by the Army in the early 1970s and presently in fair condition. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

270 

Table 4.2: Battery Morris (LCS# SH-539) 

Disarmed 1946, Deactivated 1946

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Battery Morris is 

defined by its role in a larger system of coastal 

defenses. With other rapid fire gun batteries, 

Morris provided a field of fire to protect 

minefields outside the major shipping channel 

from shallow-draft boats.

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery’s emplacements and magazines 

were protected by earthen cover that sloped 

down from the north facade and merged with 

existing grades. See Figure 2.51, sections. 

High point over magazines Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery contains three concrete magazines 

with each located between the gun 

emplacements. The Report of Completed Works

show four feet of earth cover over the top of 

these concrete structures and the earthwork is 

still present. See Figure 2.51, rear elevation. 

Swale north of engineered 

slope 

Undetermined Undetermined 

Yes 

Undetermined 

The toe or northern end of the engineered 

slope forms one side of a swale that flows from 

west to east. No information was discovered on 

the construction, intent, or date of this feature. 

Circulation

North Bragg Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A 1907 map shows a road paralleled the south 

facade of the battery. Today, the road is 

present as a variable-width trail. The asphalt 

surface of the road is in poor condition. See 

Figure 3.5. 

Buildings and Structures

Four emplacement, rapid fire 

gun battery Yes Yes Yes Yes Battery Morris consists of four concrete gun platforms separated by three magazines. 

Coincidence range finder 

station (LCS# SH-K) Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Separate concrete structure added in 1920 east 

of the battery. The station is a square and 

supported by four concrete legs that raise the 

structure approximately ten feet above the 

ground. See Figure 2.86. 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Vegetative cover was an essential component of 

concealing the battery and limiting erosion and 

dust. Vegetation was not permitted to interfere 

with the battery’s operation or threaten the 

structural integrity of the earthwork. 

Large woody vegetation south 

of battery No No Yes No 

Woody vegetation is growing in close 

proximity to the battery and makes pedestrian 

access difficult. See Figures 3.5, 3.6, and 3.8. 

Tactical Views

Downrange views from the 

emplacements and 

coincidence range finder 

station 

Yes 

Undetermined 

No Yes 

Views are presently obstructed by large woody 

vegetation, especially tall vegetation growing at 

the interface of the engineered earthwork and 

concrete battery structure. The coincidence 

range finder station is completely surrounded 

by vegetation and barely visible from North 

Bragg Drive. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

271 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Small-Scale Features

U. S. Coast Guard perimeter 

fence No Yes Yes No 

Immediately south of North Bragg Drive, the 

Coast Guard has erected a six-foot tall chainlink fence topped with barbed wire. See 

Figure 3.5. 

Wood-slat fence north and 

east of battery No Yes Yes No Erected by the Army in the early 1970s and presently in poor condition. See Figure 3.8. 

Wood two-by-four guard 

panels No Yes Yes No Erected by the Army in the early 1970s and presently in poor condition. See Figure 3.6. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

272 

Table 4.3: Batteries Engle and Peck (LCS# SH-189A and SH-180) 

Disarmed 1918 (Engle), 1943 (6-inch guns), and 1946 (90mm guns); Deactivated 1946

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Batteries Engle and 

Peck is defined by their role in a larger system 

of coastal defenses. With other rapid fire gun 

batteries, Engle and Peck provided a field of 

fire to protect minefields outside the major 

shipping channel from shallow-draft boats. 

The Army disarmed Engle in 1918 and 

constructed a coincidence range finder station 

for Peck over the abandoned gun platform. 

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery’s emplacements, plotting room, 

and magazines were protected by earthen 

cover. The Report of Completed Works show 

an engineered slope away from the battery. 

See Figure 2.52, sections. Today, a raised 

landform extends 100 feet north of the battery 

and then gradually descends down and merges 

with the undulating coastal dunes. 

Circulation

North Bragg Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A 1907 map shows a road paralleled the south 

facades of Batteries Engle and Peck and 

continued west to Batteries Morris Urmston. 

Presently the road is extant and merges with an 

unpaved road west of Battery Engle that 

proceeds north into the dunes. 

Unpaved vehicular access to 

observation platform No No Yes No 

A spur off the unpaved road heads east and 

terminates in an open area around an 

observation platform. 

Social trails among batteries 

and observation platform No No Yes No 

Pedestrians follow North Bragg Drive and the 

unpaved roads to the observation platform and 

proceed south along social trails to the 

batteries. See Figure 3.11. 

Buildings and Structures

Two emplacement, rapid fire 

gun battery Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Battery Peck consists of two circular gun 

platforms, a concrete commander’s station, 

and magazines accessed from the ground level 

on the south side of the structure. 

Coincidence range finder 

station west of Battery Peck Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The concrete coincidence range finder station 

constructed on top of Battery Engle is nineteen 

feet square and covered with a low-pitched 

concrete roof. See Figure 3.11. 

Communications trailer No Yes Yes No 

Abandoned trailer located northeast of Battery 

Engle. The trailer appears on a 1976 survey 

and blocks views from the batteries. See 

Figure 3.12. 

Observation Platform No No Yes No 

North of both batteries, the platform was built 

over a one story, wood-frame structure. The 

building and platform block views from the 

batteries but are regularly used for bird 

watching and as a higher vantage point to take 

in views across Lower New York Harbor. See 

Figure 3.13. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

273 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Vegetative cover was an essential component of 

concealing the battery and limiting erosion and 

dust. Vegetation was not permitted to interfere 

with the battery’s operation or threaten the 

structural integrity of the earthwork. 

Large woody vegetation south 

of batteries No Yes Yes No 

The south elevation of the batteries was open 

during the historic period for access to the gun 

platforms and magazines. Presently, 

vegetation is very dense and the area is nearly 

impassable. See Figure 3.14. 

Tactical Views

Downrange views from the 

emplacements, commander’s 

station, and coincidence 

range finder station 

Yes 

Undetermined 

No Yes 

Views are presently obstructed by large woody 

vegetation, especially tall vegetation growing at 

the interface of the engineered earthwork and 

concrete battery structure. Views are further 

obstructed by the communications trailer and 

observation platform north of the batteries. 

Small-Scale Features

Chain-link fence south of 

Battery Peck No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed a chainlink fence and signage to warn visitors of 

potentially hazardous conditions and block 

access to Battery Peck’s south elevation. 

Wooden split-rail fence east 

of Battery Engle No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed a wooden 

split-rail fence to limit social trails and erosion 

on the engineered earthwork. See Figure 3.11. 

Barbed wire fence section 

west of communications 

trailer 

No Yes Yes No 

A 1976 survey shows a continuous fence 

enclosing a rectangular area around the 

trailer. Presently, an approximate twentyfoot section of chain-link fence is located in 

dense vegetation. 

Wayside east of Battery Peck No No Yes No The National Park Service installed an 

interpretive wayside east of Battery Peck. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

274 

Table 4.4: Nine Gun Battery (LCS# SH-181) 

Disarmed 1942-43, Deactivated 1943

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Nine Gun Battery is 

defined by its role in a larger system of coastal 

defenses. Working in concert with the other 

large caliber gun batteries, Nine Gun was 

constructed to engage battleships in the main 

shipping channel and built on top of the Civil 

War-era Fort at Sandy Hook. Nine Gun and 

the former Fort paralleled the channel along the 

eastern coastline and included emplacements to 

the north to follow the channel around the 

northern end of the peninsula. 

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery’s emplacements and magazines 

were protected by earthen cover that sloped 

down from the east and north facades and 

merged with existing grades.

Circulation

North Bragg Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A 1907 map shows a road paralleled the west 

facade of Nine Gun Battery and wrapped 

around the battery’s northern end to provide a 

route to Batteries Engle and Peck. The road is 

extant and in good to fair condition. 

Social trail from emplacement 

#8 No Yes Yes No 

Aerial photographs from 1933, 1942, and 1962 

show social trails leading from various 

emplacements down the engineered earthwork. 

Figure 4.7. Although present during the historic 

period, social trails should be closed in order to 

preserve the engineered earthwork. 

Buildings and Structures

Nine emplacement, large 

caliber gun battery Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Nine Gun Battery was constructed in phases 

between 1898 and 1904 and designated as four 

batteries that featured 10- and 12-inch caliber 

guns. From north to south, the four batteries 

are Battery Alexander, Battery Halleck, Battery 

Bloomfield, and Battery Richardson. See 

Figure 3.15. 

Remnant of granite fort Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Northeast of emplacement #8, large granite 

blocks are visible immediately beyond the 

concrete terreplein. See Figure 3.16. 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Vegetative cover was an essential component of 

concealing the battery and limiting erosion and 

dust. Vegetation was not permitted to interfere 

with the battery’s operation or threaten the 

structural integrity of the earthwork. 

Phragmites growing in gun 

wells No No Yes No 

Phragmites (Phragmites sp.) is growing in the 

gun wells at emplacements #6, #7, and #9. See 

Figure 3.22. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

275 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Tactical Views

Downrange views from the 

gun carriage and battery 

commander’s stations 

Yes 

Undetermined 

No Yes 

A raised platform on the gun carriage allowed 

an artillery officer views over the concrete 

structure to a potential target. Figure 4.8. 

Although the gun carriages are not extant, 

views from a comparable vantage point and 

from the battery commander’s stations are 

presently obstructed by large woody 

vegetation, especially tall vegetation growing 

on the concrete terreplein and at the interface 

of the engineered earthwork and concrete 

battery structure. See Figure 3.21. 

Small-Scale Features

Chain-link fence west of Nine 

Gun Battery No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed a chainlink fence and signage to warn visitors of 

potentially hazardous conditions and block 

access to Nine Gun Battery’s west elevation. 

Wayside west of emplacement 

#8 No No Yes No The National Park Service installed an interpretive wayside west of Nine Gun Battery.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

276 

Table 4.5: Battery Potter (LCS# SH-264) 

Disarmed 1906, Deactivated 1945

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Battery Potter is 

defined by its role in a larger system of coastal 

defenses. The battery had a 360-degree field 

of fire, however, it was located on the eastern 

half of the peninsula and paralleled the main 

shipping channel. Following the introduction 

of new artillery, Potter was disarmed and its 

raised terreplein used for fire control and 

coordinating New York Harbor defenses. 

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The 12-inch guns at Battery Potter were raised 

into firing position by a steam-powered lift. 

To protect and reload the artillery, the guns 

were lowered inside a massive concrete 

structure. An engineered earthwork wrapped 

around all sides of the battery to shield the 

concrete and to blend the conspicuous 

structure into the coastal landscape. See 

Figure 2.13. 

Engineered slope along west 

facade No No No Yes 

The construction of the Coal Shed and Central 

Power Plant (1901-03), and Switchboard 

Rooms (1907), removed the majority of the 

engineered slope along Battery Potter’s west 

facade. See Figures 2.17 and 2.27. 

High point at southwest 

corner of Battery Potter Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The engineered earthwork juts away from the 

battery at the southwest corner and rises to a 

high point. The high point is more 

pronounced with the loss of the earthwork 

along the west facade. 

Circulation

North Bragg Drive and 

Hudson Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes 

North Bragg Drive and Hudson Drive appear 

on a 1907 map of Fort Hancock and their 

intersection continues to define the northwest 

corner of Battery Potter’s site. 

Unpaved parking area Yes Yes Yes No 

An aerial photograph from 1942 and 

photographs from 1951 and 1977 show an 

informally defined area west of the battery used 

for parking and as a vehicular turnaround. Figure 

4.9. The National Park Service has established a 

gravel parking area south of the main entry and 

in front of the switchboard rooms. 

Paved landing at main entry Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Bluestone was salvaged from the Fort at Sandy 

Hook and laid in a random rectangular pattern 

between the octagonal towers that flanked the 

main door. 

Sidewalks to switchboard 

rooms 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Concrete sidewalks present in a circa 1907 

photograph connect the main entry to the 

switchboard rooms. See Figure 2.30. The 

sidewalks are extant and presently in good to 

fair condition. 

Trail at southwest corner of 

Battery Potter No No Yes No 

A social trail begins south of the switchboard 

rooms, leads up the battery’s engineered 

earthwork, and disappears on the downhill 

side. The trail cannot be seen on historic 

aerial photographs. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

277 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Building and Structures

Two emplacement, steampowered, gun lift battery Yes Yes Yes Yes 

D-shaped concrete structure with the curved 

facade facing east and main entry on the west. 

The main entry is through an arched opening 

flanked by defensive granite towers. The top 

structure, known as the terreplein, contained 

two openings that were used to raise and lower 

12-inch caliber guns. After the battery’s 

artillery was removed, several structures were 

constructed on the terreplein for fire control 

and coordinating New York Harbor defenses. 

Central Power Plant (LCS# 

SH-259) Yes Yes Yes Yes 

One story, rectangular, brick building that 

housed generators to produce electricity for 

the coastal defense batteries and numerous 

Fort Hancock buildings. The building is 

extant and in good condition. 

Coal Shed (LCS# SH-260) Yes Yes Yes Yes 

One story, rectangular, brick building that 

stored coal for the Central Power Plant. The 

building is extant and in good condition. 

Switchboard Room “A” 

(LCS# SH-256) Yes Yes Yes Yes 

One story, rectangular, rusticated concrete 

block building that housed a telephone 

operator room linking fire control stations 

atop Battery Potter with batteries around 

Sandy Hook. The building is extant and in 

good condition. 

Switchboard Room “C” 

(LCS# SH-257) Yes Yes Yes Yes 

One story, rectangular, rusticated concrete 

block building that housed a telephone 

operator room linking fire control stations 

atop Battery Potter with batteries around 

Sandy Hook. The building is extant and in 

good condition. 

Conduit Hut “A” (LCS# SH258) Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Rectangular concrete building that held conduit 

for the fire control telephone line network. The 

building is extant and in fair condition. 

Primary Fire Control Stations Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Nine buildings constructed on the terreplein 

divided into a set of two connected structures 

on the south end, two connected structures 

on the north end, and five connected 

structures in the middle. Concrete remnants 

mark the location of the southern building 

and the remaining seven structures are in 

poor condition. 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

In 1893, after sections of the engineered 

earthwork were completed, cedar trees, small 

shrubs, and low growing sod were planted to 

limit erosion and camouflage the earthwork 

with the surrounding dunes. Vegetation was 

not permitted to interfere with the battery’s 

operation or threaten the structural integrity 

of the earthwork. 

Tactical Views

Downrange views from the 

emplacements and Primary 

Fire Control Stations 

Yes 

Undetermined 

No Yes 

Battery Potter’s height above the surrounding 

area provides relatively open views to the 

water, however, there is some interference 

from vegetation growing on the engineered 

earthwork. See Figure 3.25. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

278 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Small-Scale Features

Metal weather pole Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The northernmost Primary Fire Control 

station was converted into a meteorological 

station during World War II. A metal tether 

was installed north of the building to attach 

weather balloons for recording wind speeds 

and direction. A T-shaped metal pole is 

presently located near the north end of the 

battery. See Figure 3.31. 

Wooden wheelstops No No Yes No 

In order to prevent cars from driving too close 

or parking in front of Battery Potter, the 

National Park Service set wooden telephone 

poles along Hudson Drive and the parking 

area. See Figure 3.24. 

Wayside west of structure No No Yes No The National Park Service installed an 

interpretive wayside west of Battery Potter. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

279 

Table 4.6: Battery Granger (LCS# SH-266) 

Disarmed 1943, Deactivated 1943

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Battery Granger is 

defined by its role in a larger system of 

coastal defenses. Battery Granger and other 

large caliber gun batteries were intended to 

engage battleships in the main shipping 

channel that provided a southern approach 

to New York Harbor.

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery’s emplacements and magazines 

were protected by earthen cover that sloped 

down from the east facade and merged with 

existing grades. See Figure 2.32, sections.

Circulation

Hudson Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Hudson Drive appears on a 1907 map of Fort 

Hancock paralleling the west facade of 

Battery Granger. The road is extant and in 

good condition. 

Vehicular pull-off east of 

Hudson Drive No No Yes No The National Park Service installed a pull-off 

for cars to stop at Battery Granger. 

Buildings and Structures

Two emplacement, large 

caliber gun battery Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Battery Granger was the first large caliber gun 

battery at Sandy Hook to use the BuffingtonCroizer counterweight carriage to lower 

artillery below a concrete wall for reloading 

and protection. An engineered earthwork 

covered the wall and sloped away toward the 

target area. On the opposite side, the battery 

structure was relatively open with access 

points to the gun platforms and covered 

storage areas for gunpowder and projectiles. 

See Figure 2.34. 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Vegetative cover was an essential component of 

concealing the battery and limiting erosion and 

dust. Vegetation was not permitted to interfere 

with the battery’s operation or threaten the 

structural integrity of the earthwork. 

Phragmites growing in gun 

wells No No Yes No Phragmites (Phragmites sp.) is growing in the gun wells at emplacements #1 and #2. 

Tactical Views

Downrange views from the 

gun carriage and battery 

commander’s stations 

Yes 

Undetermined 

No Yes 

A raised platform on the gun carriage allowed 

an artillery officer views over the concrete 

structure to a potential target. Figure 4.10. 

Although the gun carriages are not extant, 

views from a comparable vantage point and 

from the battery commander’s stations are 

presently obstructed by large woody 

vegetation, especially tall vegetation growing at 

the interface of the engineered earthwork and 

concrete battery structure. See Figure 3.35. 

Small-Scale Features

Chain-link fence west of 

battery No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed a chainlink fence and signage to warn visitors of 

potentially hazardous conditions and block 

access to Battery Granger’s west elevation. 

Wayside west of battery No No Yes No The National Park Service installed an 

interpretive wayside west of Battery Granger. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

280 

Table 4.7: Mortar Battery (LCS# SH-349) 

Disarmed 1919-20, Deactivated 1950

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of the Mortar Battery 

is defined by its role in a larger system of 

coastal defenses. The Mortar Battery and 

Battery Potter were simultaneously 

constructed with the Mortar Battery located 

further west from the Atlantic coastline. From 

this location, the battery fired projectiles in a 

high, arcing trajectory at enemy ships in the 

main shipping channel.

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The mortar pits are protected by an earthen 

mound that rises almost thirty-five feet above 

surrounding grades.

Circulation

Hudson Road Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Hudson Road appears on a 1907 map of Fort 

Hancock leading north from Officers’ Row to 

Hudson Drive. The road is extant and in 

good condition. 

Parking lot south and east of 

battery Yes Yes Yes No Following World War II, two separate lots were combined into one L-shaped lot. 

Pedestrian entrance through 

west perimeter wall Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A section of the west perimeter wall was 

demolished in 1938 to create access from 

Hudson Road to the southwest mortar. 

Pedestrian access at northwest 

corner 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The perimeter wall was constructed with an 

opening at the northwest corner that has 

successively allowed train, vehicular, and 

pedestrian access. 

Trail paralleling the inside 

west perimeter wall Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A circulation route connected the opening at 

the northwest corner with the galleries to the 

northwest and southwest mortars. Presently, 

the route is surfaced with a combination of 

gravel and wood chips. 

Trail up engineered earthwork 

south of southwest 

emplacement 

No No Yes No A trail developed from visitors access to the top 

of the engineered earthwork in the late 1970s. 

Trail north of battery Yes Yes Yes Yes 

By 1942, an unpaved road was installed north 

of the battery. Presently, the road is almost 

entirely overtaken by vegetation and barely 

passable as a trail. Figure 4.11. 

Buildings and Structures

Four mortar pits organized 

into two firing batteries with 

underground connecting 

galleries, magazines, and 

storage rooms. 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery contains four mortar pits that are 

recessed in a protective mound of earth and 

sand rising to almost thirty-five feet. The 

earthen mound is bound by a rectangular 

concrete wall. At the wall’s southwest and 

northeast corners, counterscarp galleries were 

constructed to defend against a land-based 

attack. The Army designated the two north 

mortars Battery McCook and the south 

mortars Battery Reynolds. 

Telephone data booths Yes Yes Yes Yes 

One story, rectangular, concrete building 

located above the southwest corner of each 

mortar pit and supported by arched, concrete 

spans. The booths received instructions on 

aiming artillery and relayed the information to 

the mortar pits. See Figure 3.37. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

281 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Buildings and Structures continued

Battery commander’s stations Yes Yes Yes Yes 

One story, rectangular, concrete building 

located on top of the engineered earthwork to 

direct the firing of each battery. One structure 

was centered between the northwest and 

northeast mortars and the other between the 

southwest and southeast mortars. 

Perimeter wall Yes Yes Yes Yes The north, the east, and a portion of the south 

perimeter wall were demolished in 1938. 

Counterscarp galleries Yes Yes Yes Yes The northeast gallery was demolished in 1938. 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

In 1893, after sections of the engineered 

earthwork were completed, records indicate 

sod cut from a nearby marsh, native heather, 

cedar boughs, and oats were planted to limit 

erosion and camouflage the earthwork. 

Vegetation was not permitted to interfere with 

the battery’s operation or threaten the 

structural integrity of the earthwork. 

Large woody vegetation along 

west perimeter wall No No Yes No 

The interior of the west perimeter wall was 

kept free of large woody vegetation in order to 

defend the space against a ground attack and 

to facilitate the addition of structures like the 

weather station. Presently, large woody 

vegetation is growing in close proximity to the 

wall. See Figure 3.38. 

Tactical Views

View from gun emplacements 

to water No No No No Artillery crews at the Mortar Battery did not directly sight targets on the water 

View from battery 

commander’s stations to 

water 

Yes 

Undetermined 

No Yes 

Views are presently obstructed by large woody 

vegetation growing immediately adjacent to 

the structures and on the highest points of the 

engineered earthwork. 

Small-Scale Features

Chain-link fence east of 

battery No Yes Yes No 

The fence appears on a 1976 survey and was 

likely installed by the Army to separate 

development east of the battery from the 

engineered earthwork. 

Woven-wire fence along west 

side of engineered earthwork No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed the fence 

to block access on to the engineered 

earthwork. The fencing is in good to fair 

condition. See Figure 3.39. 

Wood post and wire cable 

fence at top of engineered 

earthwork 

No No Yes No 

In the late 1970s, the National Park Service 

installed fencing along a path at the top of 

engineered earthwork. The fencing is in fair to 

poor condition. See Figure 3.40. 

Concrete footing and metal 

ring Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The footing and ring are remnants of an early 

twentieth century steel tower used as a 

battery commander’s station and later, a 

weather station. 

Two signs outside perimeter 

wall No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed signs on 

the north and south sides of the pedestrian 

entrance through west perimeter wall. 

Wayside west of battery No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed an 

interpretive wayside west of the Mortar 

Battery. See Figure 3.41. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

282 

Table 4.8: Battery Gunnison (LCS# SH-337) 

Disarmed 1943 (6-inch disappearing guns) and 1947 (6-inch pedestal guns), Deactivated 1947

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Battery Gunnison 

is defined by its role in a larger system of 

coastal defenses. Originally planned for a 

location immediately south of Nine Gun 

Battery, conflicts with the Proving Ground 

shifted this rapid fire gun battery further 

south than any coastal defense at the time. 

Battery Gunnison is the only rapid fire gun 

battery facing east and protected minefields 

outside the major shipping channel from 

shallow-draft boats.

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery’s emplacements and magazines 

were protected by earthen cover that sloped 

down from the east facade and merged with 

existing grades. See Figure 2.53, sections. 

High point over central 

structure Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery contains a central structure that 

housed the magazine and plotting room. The 

Report of Completed Works show over four and 

a half feet of earth cover over the top of this 

concrete structure and the earthwork is still 

present. See Figure 2.53, rear elevation. 

Circulation

Atlantic Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Atlantic Drive appears on a 1907 map of Fort 

Hancock. The road is extant and in good 

condition. 

Concrete walk from beach 

facility to battery No No Yes No The concrete walk was added after a 1990 

survey as part of the Gunnison Beach facilities. 

Social trail heading southeast 

from emplacement #1 No Yes Yes No 

A 1962 aerial photograph shows a social trail 

starting from emplacement #1, heading down 

the engineered earthwork, and connecting to 

an open access route that runs between 

Atlantic Drive and the beach. Figure 4.12. The 

current trail terminates at the toe of the 

engineered slope and does not connect to 

another circulation feature. 

Social trail between 

emplacements and on top of 

central structure 

No No Yes No 

A circa 1940 photograph shows soldiers on top 

of the earthwork but does not reveal if there 

were defined circulation routes. Figure 4.13. 

Today, visitors have formed a trail between the 

emplacements that also loops around the shell 

hoists and battery commander’s station. 

Buildings and Structures

Two emplacement, rapid fire 

gun battery Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Battery Gunnison consists of two concrete gun 

platforms separated by a central structure that 

housed the magazine and plotting room. The 

originally emplaced 6-inch guns on 

counterweight carriages were removed in 1943 

and the gun wells filled with concrete. The 

newly raised concrete platforms received 6-

inch pedestal mounted guns that remained 

through World War II. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

283 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Vegetative cover was an essential component 

of concealing the battery and limiting erosion 

and dust. A 1920 aerial photograph shows 

exposed sand immediately east of both 

parapets with vegetation growing on the 

engineered slope in between. Low-growing 

vegetation, probably a grass species, is present 

over the central structure. Vegetation was not 

permitted to interfere with the battery’s 

operation or threaten the structural integrity 

of the earthwork. 

Deciduous trees in open lawn 

west of battery No Yes Yes No 

A tree appears west of the central structure in a 

1956 photograph and several trees are present 

in a 1976 photograph. Figure 4.14. Eight trees 

are presently located west of the battery in a 

staggered arrangement. 

Tactical Views

Downrange views from the 

emplacements and battery 

commander’s station 

Yes 

Undetermined 

No Yes 

Views are presently obstructed by large woody 

vegetation, especially individual eastern red 

cedars growing at the interface of the 

engineered earthwork and concrete battery 

structure. See Figure 3.42. 

Small-Scale Features

Wood post and rope bollards No No Yes No 

The wood post and rope bollards were added 

after a 1990 survey. The bollards parallel the 

eastern edge of Atlantic Drive. 

Wayside west of battery No No Yes No The National Park Service installed an 

interpretive wayside west of the battery. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

284 

Table 4.9: Battery Kingman (LCS# SH-441) 

Disarmed 1948, Deactivated 1948

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Battery Kingman is 

defined by its role in a larger system of coastal 

defenses. The battery was constructed along 

the western shoreline of peninsula with open, 

concrete platforms that emplaced high-angle, 

12-inch caliber guns. The battery’s distance 

from potential targets was a primary means of 

protection. During World War II, the battery 

was casemated to provide protection against 

aerial reconnaissance and bombing and 

worked with large caliber guns at the Navesink 

Highlands and Rockaway peninsula to defend 

the southern approach to New York Harbor.

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery’s guns and central structure for 

magazines and storage were protected by 

earthen cover that formed a roughly ovalshaped mound over 700 hundred feet across 

and forty feet high. See Figure 2.76. 

High point over each gun 

emplacement Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Between 1941 and 1942 the open gun 

platforms were casemated with concrete and 

an engineered earthwork. The Report of 

Completed Works show an additional three feet 

of earth cover each emplacement and these 

high points are still present. 

Circulation

Access road from Hartshorne 

Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A 1920 aerial photograph shows an access 

road leading west from Hartshorne Drive to 

Batteries Kingman and Mills. The road is 

extant and closed to the general public by a 

locked vehicular gate. 

Vehicular route 

circumscribing battery No Yes Yes No 

At the end of World War II, a vehicular route 

was present along west side of battery only. A 

1962 aerial photograph shows the route 

circumscribing the battery and this circulation 

feature is presently extant. Figure 4.15. 

Buildings and Structures

Two emplacement, large 

caliber gun battery casemated 

in earth and concrete 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Two concrete gun platforms that emplaced 

high-angle carriages are located on either side 

of a central concrete structure that housed the 

magazines and storage areas. Concrete 

canopies extend over the each gun platform to 

shield the artillery from overhead fire. The 

guns and central structure are covered with 

earth, a two-foot thick concrete “buster 

course,” and a final layer of earth cover. 

Concrete box south of 

emplacement #2 Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Approximately thirty-inch concrete cube most 

likely associated with ventilation or serving as 

flues for furnaces. See Figure 3.50. 

Concrete pipe southwest of 

emplacement #2 Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Concrete pipe protruding from the surface of

the engineered earthwork most likely 

associated with ventilation. See Figure 3.51. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

285 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Buildings and Structures continued

Horseshoe Cove Wood 

Bulkhead (LCS# SH-G) Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Between 1937 and 1938, the Army constructed 

a wood bulkhead in Sandy Hook Bay to 

stabilize the shoreline west of Batteries 

Kingman and Mills. A line of wood pilings is 

presently extant approximately fifty feet west 

from the shoreline. 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

In World War II-era correspondence 

concerning planting for “obscurement” and 

erosion and dust control, groundsel bush, 

rugosa roses, poplars, seedling pine trees, and 

naturalized or planted grass species are cited as 

vegetative cover for the engineered earthwork. 

Scrub pine (Pinus virginiana) 

on engineered earthwork 

Undetermined Undetermined 

Yes 

Undetermined 

In January 1944 correspondence, “seedling 

pine trees” were identified for infill planting at 

Batteries Kingman and Mills. By May 1944, 

concealment planting at the batteries was 

halted and none of the work identified earlier 

in the year may have been accomplished. 

Today, scrubs pines are present in several 

locations on the engineered earthwork. 

Tactical Views

View from gun emplacements 

to water No No No No Artillery crews at Battery Kingman did not directly sight targets on the water. 

Small-Scale Features

Chain-link fence above 

concrete canopy for each 

emplacement 

No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed a six-foot 

high chain-link fence to prevent access to the 

concrete canopies above each emplacement. 

The fences appear to be in good to fair 

condition with vines twining their way 

through the chain-link mesh. See Figure 3.48. 

Wood post and wire cable 

fence at top of engineered 

earthwork 

No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed fencing 

along a path at the top of engineered 

earthwork. The fencing is in fair to poor 

condition. See Figure 3.56. 

Wood guardrails east of 

vehicular route No No Yes No 

The wood guardrails appear on a 1990 survey 

and are presently in fair to poor condition. See 

Figure 3.57. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

286 

Table 4.10: Battery Mills (LCS# SH-440) 

Disarmed 1948, Deactivated 1948

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of Battery Mills is 

defined by its role in a larger system of coastal 

defenses. The battery was constructed along 

the western shoreline of peninsula with open, 

concrete platforms that emplaced high-angle, 

12-inch caliber guns. The battery’s distance 

from potential targets was a primary means of 

protection. During World War II, the battery 

was casemated to provide protection against 

aerial reconnaissance and bombing and 

worked with large caliber guns at the Navesink 

Highlands and Rockaway peninsula to defend 

the southern approach to New York Harbor.

Topography

Engineered earthwork Yes Yes Yes Yes 

The battery’s guns and central structure for 

magazines and storage were protected by 

earthen cover that formed a roughly ovalshaped mound over 700 hundred feet across 

and forty feet high. See Figure 2.77. 

High point over each gun 

emplacement Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Between 1941 and 1942 the open gun 

platforms were casemated with concrete and 

an engineered earthwork. The Report of 

Completed Works show an additional three feet 

of earth cover each emplacement and these 

high points are still present. 

Circulation

Access road from Hartshorne 

Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A 1920 aerial photograph shows an access 

road leading west from Hartshorne Drive to 

Batteries Kingman and Mills. The road is 

extant and closed to the general public by a 

locked vehicular gate. 

Vehicular route 

circumscribing battery No Yes Yes No 

At the end of World War II, a vehicular route 

was present along west side of battery only. A 

1962 aerial photograph shows the route 

circumscribing the battery and this circulation 

feature is presently extant. 

Trail on top of engineered 

earthwork No No Yes No 

A 1962 aerial photograph shows a social trail 

leading from the east side of the engineered 

earthwork up to the top. See Figure 4.15. A 

trail across the top of the earthwork is 

recorded on a 1976 survey. Presently, a small 

section of trail remains along the top of the 

earthwork but there is no connection to other 

circulation features. 

Buildings and Structures

Two emplacement, large 

caliber gun battery casemated 

in earth and concrete 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Two concrete gun platforms that emplaced 

high-angle carriages are located on either side 

of a central concrete structure that housed the 

magazines and storage areas. Concrete 

canopies extend over the each gun platform to 

shield the artillery from overhead fire. The 

guns and central structure are covered with 

earth, a two-foot thick concrete “buster 

course,” and a final layer of earth cover. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

287 

Feature Extant 

1945 

Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Buildings and Structures continued

Concrete box and metal pipe 

near center top of the 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

A tapered concrete box and with a collapsed 

metal pipe is located near the center top of the 

earthwork. The feature is most likely 

associated with ventilation or served as a flue 

for furnaces. See Figure 3.52. 

Concrete pipe southwest of 

emplacement #1 Yes Yes Yes Yes 

Concrete pipe protruding from the surface of 

the engineered earthwork most likely 

associated with ventilation. See Figure 3.53. 

Vegetation

Mixed native and non-native 

vegetative ground cover on 

engineered earthwork 

Yes Yes Yes Yes 

In World War II-era correspondence 

concerning planting for “obscurement” and 

erosion and dust control, groundsel bush, 

rugosa roses, poplars, seedling pine trees, and 

naturalized or planted grass species are cited as 

vegetative cover for the engineered earthwork. 

Scrub pine (Pinus virginiana) 

on engineered earthwork 

Undetermined Undetermined 

Yes 

Undetermined 

In January 1944 correspondence, “seedling 

pine trees” were identified for infill planting at 

Batteries Kingman and Mills. By May 1944, 

concealment planting at the batteries was 

halted and none of the work identified earlier 

in the year may have been accomplished. 

Today, scrubs pines are present in several 

locations on the engineered earthwork. See 

Figure 3.55. 

Planetrees (Platanus × 

acerifolia) on engineered 

earthwork 

Undetermined Undetermined 

Yes 

Undetermined 

Planetrees are not identified in historic 

correspondence regarding concealment or 

erosion control at the batteries. Today, three 

planetrees are present on the west side of the 

engineered earthwork. 

Tactical Views

View from gun emplacements 

to water No No No No Artillery crews at Battery Mills did not directly sight targets on the water. 

Small-Scale Features

Chain-link fence above 

concrete canopy for each 

emplacement 

No No Yes No 

The National Park Service installed a six-foot 

high chain-link fence to prevent access to the 

concrete canopies above each emplacement. 

The fences appear to be in good to fair 

condition with vines twining their way 

through the chain-link mesh. See Figure 3.49. 

Wood guardrails east of 

vehicular route No No Yes No 

The wood guardrails appear on a 1990 survey 

and are presently in fair to poor condition. See 

Figure 3.58. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

288 

Table 4.11: NIKE Radar Site 

Deactivated 1971

Feature Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of NIKE radar site is defined by 

its role in a larger system of coastal defenses. At Sandy 

Hook, the radar site worked in conjunction with the 

launch site to fire radar guided, land-based missiles at 

potential enemy aircraft over seventy-five miles away. 

The NIKE battery was one of nineteen missile batteries 

dispersed around the metropolitan New York area that 

defended the region from high altitude bomber attacks. 

At the radar site the arrangement of buildings, 

circulation routes, and vegetation form three distinct 

areas—Control Area #1, Control Area #2, and the Ready 

Barracks. The organization of and distinction among 

these three separate areas is legible at the site today. 

Figure 4.16. 

Topography Yes Yes Yes 

Topography at the NIKE radar site is consistent with the 

slight variations seen in other interior locations on the 

Sandy Hook peninsula. Areas have been modified to 

create level surfaces for buildings, radar towers, and 

circulation features. Other than those modifications, 

there are no major engineered or constructed 

topography features. 

Circulation

Hartshorne Drive Yes Yes Yes Hartshorne Drive appears on a 1907 map of Fort 

Hancock. The road is extant and in good condition. 

Parking Lot L 

Undetermined 

Yes 

Undetermined 

The current parking area west of Control Area #2 does 

not appear on 1950s plans for the NIKE radar site or 

plans from the early 1960s when the “Improved 

Hercules” system was implemented. See Figure 2.101. 

The parking area is shown on a 1976 survey and today is 

in good condition. 

Multi-use Path (MUP) No Yes No 

The first phase of the multi-use path stretches from the 

park entrance to the ferry landing near the northern end 

of the Fort Hancock Historic District. Phase one 

opened to the public in 2006 and a portion runs between 

Parking Lot L and the radar site perimeter fence. 

Paved vehicular route 

between Control Area #1 and 

#2 

Yes Yes Yes 

Based on a review of construction drawings for the site, 

a vehicular route connecting the control areas was 

constructed between October 1955 and January 1960. 

The plan calls for a compacted gravel road. Presently, 

the road is asphalt and in good to fair condition. 

Vehicular routes between 

control areas and Ready 

Barracks 

Yes Yes Yes 

The current vehicular routes between the control areas 

and Ready Barracks do not appear on 1950s plans for the 

radar site. Plans and photographs from the early 1960s 

show the routes. See Figures 2.102 and 4.16. A present, 

the route between Control Area #1 and the barracks is 

asphalt and the route between Control Area #2 and the 

barracks is unpaved. 

Parking area west of Ready 

Barracks Yes Yes Yes 

A 1954 plan for the radar site shows a sixty by eighty foot 

parking area accessed from Sheldon Road. Presently, the 

extents of the parking area are poorly defined and the 

space is used to store bricks and construction materials. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

289 

Feature Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Circulation continued

Walkway network 

(LCS# SH-P) 

Yes Yes Yes 

Concrete sidewalks provide pedestrian access between 

the control areas and Ready Barracks and also among the 

buildings that comprise the Ready Barracks. A 1954 plan 

for the radar site shows the walkway network among the 

Ready Barracks. Based on a review of construction 

drawings for the site, the walkways from the control 

areas to the Ready Barracks were constructed between 

October 1955 and January 1960. See Figure 2.95. The 

walkways are presently extant and in fair condition. 

Some portions of the sidewalks are being covered by 

encroaching woody vegetation. Figure 4.17. 

Buildings and Structures

Control Area #1 Structures Yes Yes Yes 

Control Area #1 is comprised of radar towers, support 

buildings, and concrete foundations that include: 411 

Connecting Corridors, 413 Sentry Box, 414 Generator 

House, 417 Target Tracking Radar Tower, 418 

Acquisition Radar Tower, 419 Missile Tracking Radar 

Tower, 453 ABAR Radar Tower Pedestal, 454 

Equipment Building, and 473 Target Tracking Radar 

Tower. See Drawing 3.13. 

Control Area #2 Structures Yes Yes Yes 

Control Area #2 is comprised of radar towers, support 

buildings, and concrete foundations that include: 409 

Connecting Corridors, 410 Generator Building, 420 

Abandoned Target Tracking Radar Tower, 421 

Acquisition Radar Tower, 422 Missile Tracking Radar 

Tower, 423 Sentry Box, 467 Target Ranging Radar 

Tower, 468 HIPAR Building, 469 HIPAR Radar Base, 

and 472 New Target Tracking Radar Tower. See 

Drawing 3.13. 

Ready Barracks Structures Yes Yes Yes 

The Ready Barracks is comprised of barracks, support 

buildings, and concrete foundations that include: 402 

Enlisted Men’s Barracks with Mess, 403 Enlisted Men’s 

Barracks with Mess, 404 Enlisted Men’s Barracks with 

Mess (foundation only), 405 Enlisted Men’s Barracks 

with Mess (foundation only), 406 Latrine, and 407 Boiler 

Room. See Drawing 3.13. 

Vegetation

Maintained vegetation among 

radar towers, support 

buildings, and barracks 

Yes No Yes 

Historic photographs indicate that a combination of 

bare sand and grass species was typical around the 

buildings and structures at the radar site. Figure 4.18. 

Following the site’s closure woody species, especially 

eastern red cedars, have emerged and are growing in 

close proximity to the buildings. See Figure 3.63. 

Fire breaks along perimeter 

fence Yes No Yes 

Notes added to a 1950s plan for the perimeter fence 

installation specify a thirty-foot wide firebreak inside the 

fence line. See Figure 2.92. There is presently no 

firebreak along the perimeter fence and unmanaged 

vegetation grows in close proximity to the feature. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

290 

Feature Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Vegetation continued

Undisturbed area in the center 

of site Yes Yes Yes 

Construction of the radar towers, support buildings and

barracks necessitated the removal of existing vegetation. 

In addition to this clearing, vegetation was removed for 

firebreaks along the perimeter fence and to permit 

unobstructed radar signals to the boring masts. The 

combined vegetation removals resulted in a triangular 

area in the center of the site where existing, native 

vegetation remained undisturbed. See Figures 2.97 and 

4.16. Today, native vegetation is present in the same 

area but surrounded by woody vegetation that has 

grown since the closure of the site. 

Tactical Views

View between each Missile 

Tracking Radar and the 

control vans and individual 

missiles at the launch site 

Yes 

Undetermined Undetermined 

Between the radar and launch sites, the Army maintained 

vegetation at a low height to allow unobstructed radar 

signals between the Missile Tracking Radar, control vans, 

and individual missiles. Figure 4.19 and see Figures 2.91 

and 2.92. 

Small-Scale Features

Perimeter fence (LCS# SH-S) Yes Yes Yes 

Construction drawings for the site list the fence as type 

FE-6 which designates chain-link fence with a single 

extension arm supporting continuous strands of barbed 

wire. The fence was to be installed with a consistent top 

elevation that did not interfere with the transmission of 

the radar. The perimeter fence is presently extant with 

chain-link sections attached to H-shaped posts. The 

fence is in fair to poor condition. 

Basketball court Yes Yes Yes 

A 1955 plan for the radar site shows a rectangular 

athletic court south of the Ready Barracks. Presently, an 

asphalt basketball court is extant with the long axis of 

the court oriented north to south. Sections of chain-link 

fence enclose the north and south ends. The court 

served as a small recreation amenity when personnel 

staffed the site and was a common feature at NIKE 

installations across the country. 

Pedestrian lighting 

(LCS# SH-R) Yes Yes Yes 

Pedestrian-scale lights line both walkways from the 

control areas to the Ready Barracks. The lights are also 

located along walkways to the north and south of the 

barrack buildings. The lights are mounted on ten-foot 

tall metal poles and topped with a bell-shaped metal 

reflector shade. Both pole and reflector have a green, 

baked enamel finish. The lights are presently extant and 

in good to fair condition. See Figure 3.60. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

291 

Table 4.12: NIKE Launch Site 

Disarmed 1971, Deactivated 1971

Feature Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Spatial Organization Yes Yes Yes 

The spatial organization of NIKE launch site is defined 

by its role in a larger system of coastal defenses. At 

Sandy Hook, the launch site worked in conjunction with 

the radar site to fire radar guided, land-based missiles at 

potential enemy aircraft over seventy-five miles away. 

The NIKE battery was one of nineteen missile batteries 

dispersed around the metropolitan New York area that 

defended the region from high altitude bomber attacks. 

At the launch site the arrangement of engineered 

earthworks, buildings, and circulation routes form three 

distinct areas—the Missile Magazines, the Missile 

Maintenance Area, and the Ready Barracks. The 

organization of and distinction among these three 

separate areas is legible at the site today.

Topography 

Engineered plateau for Missile 

Magazines Yes Yes Yes 

Due to groundwater close to the surface throughout the 

peninsula, the Army did not excavate for the 

underground the missile magazines. Instead, a roughly 

five hundred-foot square, elevated plateau was 

constructed over the magazines. Elevators carried 

missiles from the magazines to the racks and launchers 

on the top of the landform. See Figure 2.104. The 

engineered plateau is presently extant and in good 

condition. A major storm event could damage the 

Atlantic facing side of the earthwork. 

Engineered earthwork north 

of Warhead Building Yes Yes Yes 

North of the Warhead Building, a narrow, elliptical 

earthwork rises to an elevation of twenty feet. The 

engineered earthwork is presently extant and in good 

condition. 

Engineered earthwork south 

of Warhead Building Yes Yes Yes 

South of the Warhead Building, a crescent-shaped 

earthwork rises to an elevation of twenty feet. The tips 

of the crescent wrap around the building to the north 

and almost form a continuous landform with the 

northern earthwork. The engineered earthwork is 

presently extant and in fair condition. See Figure 3.66. 

Storage bins and containers for recycling are located at 

the eastern end of earthwork and are damaging the base 

of the feature. 

Circulation

Hartshorne Drive Yes Yes Yes Hartshorne Drive appears on a 1907 map of Fort 

Hancock. The road is extant and in good condition. 

Parking area Yes Yes Yes 

West of the Hartshorne Drive’s northbound lanes is an 

approximate 50-foot by 180-foot asphalt parking area. 

The parking area does not appear on historic plans 

reviewed for this project, however, a historic 

photograph shows the lot and several parked cars. A 

Hercules missile is in the background of the photograph 

dating the image to 1958 or later. Figure 4.20. 

Multi-use Path (MUP) No Yes No 

The first phase of the multi-use path stretches from the 

park entrance to the ferry landing near the northern end 

of the Fort Hancock Historic District. Phase one 

opened to the public in 2006 and a portion runs between 

Hartshorne Drive and the launch site’s outer fence. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

292 

Feature Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Circulation continued

Paved central access road Yes Yes Yes 

A 1954 plan shows a compacted gravel access road that 

heads east from Hartshorne Drive, continues past the 

Ready Barracks, and terminates at routes to the Missile 

Magazines and Missile Maintenance Area. The access 

road was paved with asphalt as part of alterations to the 

launch site for the Hercules missile. Figure 4.21. The 

road is presently extant and in good condition. 

Paved road spur to Generator 

Building (429) Yes Yes Yes 

A 1954 plan shows a compacted gravel road that 

branches northeast off the central access road and 

terminates in a small parking area east of the Generator 

Building (429). The road was paved with asphalt as part 

of alterations to the launch site for the Hercules missile 

and is presently extant and in good condition. 

Paved vehicular routes and 

dolly route at Missile 

Maintenance Area 

Yes Yes Yes 

A 1954 plan shows compacted gravel roads connecting 

the Missile Assembly and Test Building (449) and 

Warhead Building (450). In addition, a concrete walk 

was added so personnel could transport missiles on a 

dolly between the two buildings. As part of alterations 

to the launch site for the Hercules missile, the gravel 

roads were paved with asphalt and the concrete walk 

was widened to accommodate the larger missile. Figure 

4.22. The vehicular routes and dolly route are presently 

extant and in good condition. 

Walkway network at Ready 

Barracks Yes Yes Yes 

A 1954 plan shows a system of narrow walkways for the 

Ready Barracks that were not in the contract for 

constructing the launch site. Figure 4.23. The Army 

presumably added the walkways following major 

construction activities in a slightly different 

configuration than shown on the plan. The walkways 

appear in a historic photograph and are presently extant 

and in good condition. Figure 4.24. 

Unpaved route around inner 

security fence Yes Yes Yes 

A 1954 plan shows a compacted gravel road around the 

Missile Magazines. When the magazines were modified 

for the Hercules missile and the inner security fence 

added, the route remained unpaved and followed the 

fence line. See Figure 4.19. The unpaved route is 

presently extant, however, woody vegetation is 

encroaching on the edges of the circulation feature. 

Unpaved area north of 

Warhead Building (450) and 

access to beach 

No Yes No 

During the past decade, a New Jersey state beach 

cleaning program established an unpaved area to store 

and clean their vehicles north of the Warhead Building. 

The program also created an unpaved route from the 

staging area to the beach. Neither the staging area nor 

the route to the beach was present during the launch 

site’s operation. 

Path to Canine Kennel (458) No Yes No 

The Army constructed the Canine Kennel (458) near the 

northwest corner of the Missile Magazines. Prior to the 

construction, the northwest corner contained bare sand 

and low-growing vegetation. See Figure 4.19. 

Occupying a relatively open area, no defined walkway or 

path developed in association with the kennel. The 

current path is a result of contemporary access to the 

building through an area filled with woody vegetation. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

293 

Feature Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Buildings and Structures

Missile Magazines Yes Yes Yes 

The Missile Magazines are comprised of underground 

storage areas, support buildings, and concrete 

foundations that include: 425 Missile Storage (Type B), 

426 Missile Storage (Type B), 427 Missile Storage (Type 

B), 428 Missile Storage (Type B), 429 Generator 

Building, 447 Paint and Oil Storage, 448 Sentry Hut 

(foundation only), 457 Kennel Storage, and 458 Canine 

Kennel. See Drawing 3.14. 

Missile Maintenance Area Yes Yes Yes 

The Missile Maintenance Area is comprised of two 

workshop buildings—449 Missile Assembly and Test 

Building and 450 Warhead Building. See Drawing 3.14. 

Ready Barracks Structures Yes Yes Yes 

The Ready Barracks is comprised of barracks, support 

buildings, and concrete foundations that include: T-430 

Barracks, T-431 Barracks, T-432 Barracks, T-433 

Barracks, T-435 Boiler House, 434 Latrine, 437 Ready 

Building, 439 Sentry Hut, and 456 Sentry Hut 

(foundation only). The “T” prefix is an Army designation 

for a temporary structure. See Drawing 3.14. 

Vegetation

Maintained vegetation at the 

Missile Magazines, Missile 

Maintenance Area, and Ready 

Barracks 

Yes No Yes 

Historic photographs indicate that the area around the 

Missile Magazines was devoid of vegetation. See Figure 

4.19. No large woody vegetation can be seen in a 

photograph looking towards the Missile Maintenance 

Area. Figure 4.25. Finally, the Ready Barracks featured 

lawn panels located between the buildings and walkways 

with an occasional tree planted in a panel. See Figure 

4.24. Following the site’s closure woody species, 

especially eastern red cedars, have emerged and are 

growing in close proximity to the buildings. Figure 4.26. 

Firebreaks along perimeter 

fence Yes No Yes 

A 1954 plan identifies a twenty-foot firebreak outside 

the fence. South of the Missile Maintenance Area, the 

same plan identifies a thirty-foot firebreak inside the 

fence along with the twenty feet outside. It is unclear if 

the thirty-foot interior firebreak continued around the 

entire fence or was only cleared for the Missile 

Maintenance Area. There are presently no firebreaks 

along the perimeter fence and unmanaged vegetation 

grows in close proximity to the feature. See Figure 3.70. 

Low-growing groundcover on 

engineered earthworks Yes No Yes 

Construction drawings for the engineered earthworks in 

the Missile Maintenance Area call for the slopes to be 

seeded. A seed mix is not specified, however, based on a 

1962 aerial photograph the earthworks appear covered 

in low-growing vegetation, most likely a grass species. 

Figure 4.27. Following the site’s closure woody species, 

especially eastern red cedars, have emerged and are 

growing on the earthworks. See Figure 3.68. 

Tactical Views

View from the control vans 

and individual missiles to the 

Missile Tracking Radars at the 

radar site 

Yes 

Undetermined Undetermined 

Between the launch and radar sites, the Army 

maintained vegetation at a low height to allow 

unobstructed radar signals between the control vans, 

individual missiles, and the Missile Tracking Radars. 

See Figures 2.91, 2.92, and 4.19. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

294 

Feature Extant 

1974 

Extant 

2009 

Contributing Notes 

Small-Scale Features

Inner security fence 

(LCS# SH-S) Yes Yes Yes 

The Army installed a chain-link fence around the Missile 

Magazines as a component of the launch site’s security 

upgrades to use Hercules missiles fitted with nuclear 

warheads. The top of the fence featured a single 

extension arm that supported continuous strands of 

barbed wire. See Figure 4.19. The inner fence is 

presently extant with chain-link sections attached to Hshaped posts. The fence is in fair to poor condition. 

Figure 4.28. 

Outer security fence 

(LCS# SH-S) Yes Yes Yes 

During the initial construction of the launch site, the 

Army installed a perimeter security fence. The outer 

fence is identical in construction to the inner fence listed 

above. East of the Missile Maintenance Area, the 

National Park Service replaced a section of the outer 

fence with a gate for access to the beach. The outer fence 

is presently in fair to poor condition. See Figure 3.69.7

Floodlights along inner 

security fence (LCS# SH-Q) Yes Yes Yes 

A 1958 electrical plan for the launch site shows eight 

floodlights positioned along the inner fence at the 

Missile Magazines. Each light features a twenty-four 

inch parabolic fixture mounted with a metal bracket to a 

twelve-foot tall wood pole. See Figure 2.109. The eight 

floodlights are presently extant and in good to fair 

condition. Many of the floodlights are surrounded by 

woody vegetation that has grown since the site’s closure. 

See Figure 3.71. 

Floodlights at the Missile 

Maintenance Area (LCS# SHQ) Yes Yes Yes 

Six floodlights, identical to the ones at the Missile 

Magazines, are located at the Missile Maintenance Area. 

Three of the lights are located on the northern 

engineered earthwork and the other three are on the 

southern engineered earthwork. Vegetation encroaches 

on many of the floodlights, however, they are in good to 

fair condition. See Figure 3.68.8

Spotlights in the Missile 

Magazine area Yes Yes Yes 

By the end of the historic period, four wood poles were

erected with one located near each of the missile 

magazines. From ground level, the first eight to ten feet 

of the poles were painted yellow and a red letter was 

added to the yellow field to denote the magazine section. 

Spotlights were mounted at the top of each pole. See 

Figure 3.72. The pole and light fixtures near the Section 

B magazine (427) are presently extant and the other 

three poles were removed after the National Park 

Service acquired the site. 

CODAR antenna No Yes No 

After the transfer of Sandy Hook to the National Park 

Service, an antenna and monitoring equipment were set 

up east of the Missile Maintenance Area and 

approaching the outer fence. The equipment collects 

weather and tide information. See Figure 3.73. 

CODAR antenna No Yes No 

After the transfer of Sandy Hook to the National Park 

Service, an antenna was set up south of the Missile 

Maintenance Area and approaching the outer fence. 

The antenna collects weather and tide information. See 

Figure 3.74. 

Missile display southwest of 

Ready Barracks No Yes No The National Park Service installed a NIKE missile display in the southwest corner of the Ready Barracks. 
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

295 

ENDNOTES 

 

1

 Richard E. Greenwood, “National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form, Fort Hancock and the 

Sandy Hook Proving Ground Historic District,” June 28, 1976, sect. 7, 1. 

2

 Harry Butowsky, “National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form, Fort Hancock and the Sandy 

Hook Proving Ground Historic District,” revised November 9, 1982, sect. 10, 1-2. 

3

 Ibid., sect. 8, 1. 

4

 Ibid. 

5

 Ibid., sect. 8, 5. 

6

 Savage to Pfoutz, November 5, 1996. From correspondence in reference to "List of Classified Structures," countersigned 

by Dorothy Guzzo, NJ SHPO, January 2, 1997. NPS, National Register Files, Northeast Region, Boston Office. 

7

 The LCS only lists NIKE site fencing and does not distinguish between an inner and outer security fence at the launch 

site. Identifying an inner and outer fence is important to the history of the site. The outer fence was initially installed and 

approximately four years later, with the introduction of Hercules missiles fitted with nuclear warheads, the inner fence 

was added. 

8

 The LCS does not distinguish between floodlights at the Missile Magazines and the Missile Maintenance Area. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

296 

 
297 

Analysis and Evaluation

Figure 4.1. The Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground Historic District, 1980. When the district was first listed on 

the National Register of Historic Places, the boundaries (dashed outline) were defined by Sandy Hook Bay on the west, 

portions of Magruder Road, Gunnison Road, and Atlantic Drive on the south, the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and the U. S. 

Coast Guard property on the north. Boundaries for the National Historic Landmark accepted in 1982 include the majority of 

the peninsula north of the Route 36 bridge (Olmsted Center, 2009).

Atlantic Ocean

Sandy Hook Bay

0’ 700’ 1400’ 350’
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

298

Figure 4.3. Railroad tracks crossing asphalt road near Nine Gun Battery. The tracks are remnants of the historic 

railroad circulation system that transported ammunition to the batteries (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 4.2. View looking east at the south earthwork, Missile Maintenance Area, NIKE launch site. The railroad 

tie retaining structure and recycling containers cut into a portion of the engineered earthwork (Olmsted Center, 

April 2008).
299 

Analysis and Evaluation

Figure 4.4. View looking northwest at Battery Kingman. South of Battery Kingman, coastal erosion has exposed 

wooden railroad ties. The ties are remnants of a railroad system that delivered ammunition to the coastal 

defense batteries throughout Sandy Hook. After this picture was taken, continuing coastal erosion completely 

removed the railroad ties (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

300

Figure 4.5. Conceptual section through a disappearing gun battery. The section is drawn 

through a gun emplacement for a concrete battery such as Battery Granger or Nine Gun 

Battery. Tactical views from the emplacements, battery commander’s stations, and fire 

control stations to the water are primarily impeded by woody vegetation growing at the 

interface of the engineered earthwork and concrete battery structure (Olmsted Center, 

2009).

0’ 15’ 30’
301 

Analysis and Evaluation

Figure 4.7. Oblique aerial photograph of Nine Gun Battery, 1942. Although the photograph shows social 

trails leading from various emplacements down the engineered earthwork, social trails should be closed 

in order to preserve the earthwork (National Archives, Record Group 661 S, Philip S. Gage Collection, Fort 

Hancock Folder).

Figure 4.6. Blue print map showing construction of gravel roads at Ft. Hancock, N.J., August 31, 1907. The 

Army constructed a gravel road, highlighted in red, paralleling the rear facades of the Nine Gun Battery, 

Battery Peck, and Battery Urmston in order to provide access for personnel and delivery of munitions (GATE 

GIS and Olmsted Center).

Battery

Urmston

Battery

Peck

Battery

Potter

Nine Gun

Battery
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

302

Figure 4.9. View looking north at Battery Potter, 1951. By 1942, an informally defined area 

west of Battery Potter was used for parking and as a vehicular turnaround. The National Park 

Service presently maintains a gravel parking area southwest of the main entry and in front of the 

switchboard rooms (GATE 3610).

Figure 4.8. View looking southeast at artillery firing, Battery Richardson, Nine Gun Battery, circa 

1905–10. A raised platform on the gun carriage allowed an artillery officer views over the concrete 

structure to a potential target. Although the gun carriages are not extant, views from a comparable 

vantage point and from the battery commander’s stations are presently obstructed by large woody 

vegetation (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
303 

Analysis and Evaluation

Figure 4.11. View looking northwest at trail north of the Mortar Battery. By 1942, an unpaved road was 

installed north of the Mortar Battery that presently is overtaken by vegetation and is barely passable as a 

trail (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 4.10. View looking northeast at emplacement #1, Battery Granger, 1899. A raised platform on the 

gun carriage allowed an artillery officer views over the concrete structure to a potential target. Although 

the gun carriages are not extant, views from a comparable vantage point and from the battery commander’s 

stations are presently obstructed by large woody vegetation (GATE 7778).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

304

Figure 4.13. View looking north from emplacement #1 at commander’s station, shell hoist, and central structure, Battery 

Gunnison, circa 1940. Soldiers are seen on top of the earthwork in front of the commander’s station, however, the 

photograph does not reveal defined circulation routes. Today, visitors have formed a trail between the emplacements 

that also loops around the shell hoists and battery commander’s station (GATE 13708).

Figure 4.12. Aerial photograph of Battery Gunnison, 1962. A social trail starts 

from emplacement #1, heads down the engineered earthwork, and connects to 

an open access route that runs between Atlantic Drive and the beach. Today, a 

trail starts from emplacement #1 and terminates at the toe of the engineered 

slope. The social trail does not connect to another circulation feature (Army 

Corps of Engineers Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory).
305 

Analysis and Evaluation

Figure 4.14. View looking northeast at central structure, Battery Gunnison, 1956. 

A tree appears west of the central structure and today, eight trees are located 

west of the battery in a staggered arrangement (GATE 11217).

Figure 4.15. Aerial photograph of Batteries Kingman and Mills, 1962. At the end 

of World War II, a vehicular route was present only along west side of batteries. 

By the time of this photograph, the route circumscribes the battery and this 

circulation feature is presently extant (Army Corps of Engineers Coastal and 

Hydraulics Laboratory).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

306

Figure 4.16. Oblique aerial of the NIKE radar site, circa 1962. At the radar site the arrangement of buildings, circulation routes, and 

vegetation form three distinct areas—Control Area #1, foreground, Control Area #2, left background, and the Ready Barracks, right 

background. The organization of and distinction among these three separate areas is legible at the site today (GATE 20818).

Figure 4.17. View looking northwest at pedestrian walkway, Control Area #1, NIKE radar site. The concrete 

walkways connecting the control areas and Ready Barracks are presently extant and in fair condition. Some 

portions of the sidewalks are being covered by encroaching woody vegetation (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
307 

Analysis and Evaluation

Figure 4.18. View looking west at target tracking radars (417 and 473), 

Control Area #1, NIKE radar site, circa 1962. A combination of bare sand 

and grass species was typical around the buildings and structures at the 

radar site. The vegetation in the foreground is in front of the perimeter 

fence and therefore outside the radar site (GATE 22043).

Figure 4.19. View looking northwest at the Missile Magazines, NIKE launch site, circa 1958. The Army 

maintained vegetation at a low height, highlighted by the red lines, to allow unobstructed radar signals 

between the radar and launch sites. Also note that the inner fence surrounding the magazines completely 

lacked any trace of vegetation when the NIKE facility was operational (GATE 8067 and Olmsted Center).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

308

Figure 4.21. View looking east at the Missile Magazines and Missile Maintenance 

Area, circa 1958. The access road to the Missile Magazines and Missile Maintenance 

Area was paved with asphalt as part of alterations to the launch site for the 

Hercules missile. The road is presently extant and in good condition (GATE 22042).

Figure 4.20. View from Hartshorne Drive looking east at Ready Barracks, NIKE launch site, circa 1958. A parking 

lot and several parked cars are seen west of the Hartshorne Drive’s northbound lanes. An approximate 50-foot 

by 180-foot asphalt parking area is presently extant in this location (GATE 20157).
309 

Analysis and Evaluation

Figure 4.23. “NIKE” Project, Launching Area, Access Road to Launching Area. A system of narrow 

walkways for the Ready Barracks are labeled “not in the contract” on this drawing for constructing 

the launch site. The Army presumably added the walkways following major construction activities in 

a slightly different configuration than shown on the plan (GATE 11040m).

Figure 4.22. Site plan for Missile Maintenance Area, 1958. The gray tone has 

been added to show vehicular circulation present during the historic period 

(GATE 7620-2983 and Olmsted Center).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

310

Figure 4.25. View looking northeast at the Missile Magazines, NIKE launch site, circa 

1968. During the historic period, vegetation was maintained at the launch site and no 

large woody vegetation can be seen in the Missile Maintenance Area. The Paint and 

Oil Storage shed (447) can be seen on the left foreground (GATE 22041).

Figure 4.24. Aerial view of the Ready Barracks, NIKE launch site, circa 1958. This 

photograph shows trees growing in the barrack’s lawn panels in contrast to bare earth 

maintained on either side of the fence lines (GATE 5781).
311 

Analysis and Evaluation

Figure 4.26. View looking northeast at access gate to Missile Magazines and Missile Maintenance Area, NIKE launch 

site. Following the site’s closure woody species, especially eastern red cedars, have emerged and are growing in close 

proximity to the buildings. The Paint and Oil Storage shed (447) can be seen on the right foreground surrounded by 

eastern red cedars (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 4.27. Aerial photograph of the NIKE launch site, 

1962. The construction drawings for the engineered 

earthworks in the Missile Maintenance Area call 

for the slopes to be seeded. A seed mix was not 

specified, however, the earthworks appear covered in 

low-growing vegetation, most likely a grass species, 

compared to the surrounding vegetation (Army Corps 

of Engineers Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory). 
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

312

Figure 4.28. View looking southeast across Missile Magazines, NIKE launch site. The Army installed an inner 

security fence around the Missile Magazines as a component of the launch site’s security upgrades to use 

Hercules missiles fitted with nuclear warheads. The inner fence is presently extant with chain-link sections 

attached to H-shaped posts and is in fair to poor condition (Olmsted Center, April 2008).
TREATMENT

313 

TREATMENT 

The National Park Service defines landscape treatment as historic preservation 

efforts focused on the goal of enhancing the historic character of a cultural 

landscape within the context of its contemporary function.1

 Treatment 

essentially describes how the landscape should look in the future. While 

fundamentally focused on historic preservation, landscape treatment also 

addresses other park management goals, such as public access, natural resource 

conservation, and interpretation. Landscape treatment does not address routine 

and cyclical measures, such as tree pruning and lawn mowing, necessary to 

maintain the existing character of a landscape.2

The surviving defense infrastructure at Sandy Hook and Fort Hancock are of 

national significance, being part of the extensive Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook 

Proving Ground National Historic Landmark. Two of Fort Hancock’s batteries, 

Battery Potter and the Mortar Battery were the first of their type in the United 

States. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 

24, 1980, identifying a period of significance spanning from 1859, through the 

1950s and 1960s Cold War Era, and ending in 1974. The National Register 

nomination recognizes the importance of the defense installations at Sandy Hook 

in guarding New York City (Figure 5.1).3

This chapter begins by presenting a framework for treatment based on the park’s 

enabling legislation, National Park Service standards and guidelines, and current 

park planning documents. The framework is followed by a treatment philosophy 

that emphasizes stabilizing and rehabilitating the coastal defense batteries to 

enhance historic character. A summary of preservation issues is provided and 

followed by the treatment goals and approach for common-to-all and specific 

treatment tasks. The narrative presentation of tasks is accompanied by graphics 

and a treatment plan for each battery site. 

Recognizing that the rich history of coastal defense work at Sandy Hook includes 

the survival of subtle remnants of searchlight emplacements, radar installations, 

mobile gun batteries, isolated concrete magazines, and pill-boxes, the following 

recommendations are of a more limited scope (Figures 5.2 and 5.3). The 

following recommendations are constrained largely to the more obvious large 

gun and missile battery features remaining on site as the many isolated and 

incidental remnants of Sandy Hook’s military past may be better addressed 

through individual historic structure and archeological documentation. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

314 

FRAMEWORK FOR TREATMENT 

Signed into law on October 27, 1972, the enabling legislation for the Gateway 

National Recreation Area guides the framework for treatment for the coastal 

defense batteries at Sandy Hook. For the Sandy Hook Unit, the act specifically 

directs that the Secretary of the Interior “...shall inventory and evaluate all sites 

and structures having present and potential historical, cultural, or architectural 

significance and shall provide for appropriate programs for the preservation, 

restoration, interpretation, and utilization of them.”4

 As stated in planning 

documents for Gateway National Recreation Area, the goal for historic structures 

and cultural landscapes within the Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Proving 

Ground Historic District is rehabilitation and interpretation. It is recommended 

that the surviving coastal defense batteries be rehabilitated in accordance with 

the Gateway National Recreation Area General Management Plan, completed in 

1979, and with the fundamental historic preservation values expressed in The 

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: 

Rehabilitation. Furthermore, as stated in the park’s 1990 General Management 

Plan Amendment, it is recommended that the batteries be interpreted to the 

public with a focus on their historic functions, and the technological changes in 

coastal defenses during Fort Hancock’s history.5

 Presently, the Gateway 

National Recreation Area is in the process of preparing a new General 

Management Plan to guide planning and management at the park for the next 

twenty years. This on-going effort has identified the coastal defense batteries as 

fundamental resources of the park based on the enabling legislation.6

The National Park Service bears stewardship responsibilities for cultural as well as 

natural resources, maintaining the National Register of Historic Places as the 

official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Fort Hancock 

and the Sandy Hook Proving Ground were first nominated to the National 

Register of Historic Places as a district in 1980, (NJ 36, Fort Hancock and vicinity, 

NHL, NPS-80002505). This nomination was later amended in 1982 to enlarge the 

district and include the entire Sandy Hook Peninsula and to designate it as a 

National Historic Landmark (NHL) District. This documentation focused on the 

property’s significance under National Register “Criteria A” for its association 

with the military defense of the United States for over a period of two hundred 

years. In the documentation, multiple periods of significance are defined for this 

district. The period from 1874–1919 is given as the period of significance for the 

facilities of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground. The period from 1895–1949 is given 

for the Spermaceti Cove #2 Life Saving Station (southern portion of peninsula). 

Fort Hancock’s period of significance is defined in the 1982 amended 

documentation as the period from 1859–1950s. This period begins in 1859 due to 

the existence of remnants of a granite fort dating to this period. The narrative 
TREATMENT

315 

statement of significance does not explicitly state the end-date of the period of 

significance, identifying 1958 as the last specific date attendant to the introduction 

of the improved NIKE Hercules missile system. However because the NIKE 

missile era identified in the NHL documentation continued almost to the date of 

transfer between the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior, 

the deactivation date for Fort Hancock is used as the end date of the period of 

significance. The New Jersey State Historic Preservation Officer has concurred 

with this finding through correspondence related to the NPS List of Classified 

Structures (LCS).7

Rehabilitation of the Sandy Hook gun and missile batteries would entail the 

removal of non-historic invasive vegetation as well as an extensive condition and 

structural analysis of each structure. At a minimum, preserving and rehabilitating 

these batteries will involve the stabilization and repair of the concrete structures, 

treatment of deteriorating metal elements at the batteries, the addition of lighting, 

and the repair and construction of safe railing systems, walkways, and accessible 

routes. Accomplishing these tasks would greatly increase the park’s ability to 

provide safe public access and effective interpretation of the Endicott System of 

defense installations at Sandy Hook, and to make available the dynamic history of 

Sandy Hook’s coastal defenses.8

TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY 

Wordlessly referencing the importance of the urban skyline to the northwest, the 

surviving coastal defenses at Sandy Hook, New Jersey are remnants of a vast 

nationwide program that deployed generations of the most costly arms 

technology imaginable upon the slender landform. Consistent with both park 

enabling legislation and current park planning documents, Sandy Hook’s 

surviving coastal defense batteries will be stabilized and otherwise treated so as to 

slow the deterioration of the historic defenses. Where it is judged safe and 

appropriate to do so, coastal defense sites will be rehabilitated to enhance 

historic character and in order to make the sites accessible for the education and 

enjoyment of the public. Structural battery features will be considered as part of 

the larger coastal battery sites that are components of Sandy Hook’s cultural 

landscape. Vegetation will be managed within the boundaries of Sandy Hook’s 

battery sites to make it possible to preserve and observe the historic structures 

and to understand both the operation of the individual historic batteries and 

system of batteries. 

Preservation measures recommended in this cultural landscape report are 

consistent with fundamental historic preservation values expressed in The 

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

316 

Recommendations speaking to purely structural concerns are intended to be 

consistent with recommendations of architectural conservators and historians 

presented in the Historic Structure Report for Battery Potter, Mortar Battery and 

Battery Gunnison (2007), and with the Historic Fortification Preservation 

Handbook, prepared by the National Park Service, the University of Oregon and 

the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission as part of the Pacific 

Northwest Preservation Partnership (2003). 

PRESERVATION ISSUES 

Several preservation issues for the costal defense batteries were identified by 

previous cultural resource studies and through consultant with park staff. 

Properly addressing these issues will result in preserving the historic character of 

the batteries and improving their interpretation as critical elements in a defensive 

system protecting New York City. 

Coastal Erosion 

As the meandering shoreline of Sandy Hook Bay has made the preservation of 

Battery Arrowsmith impossible, in time coastal erosion has the potential to make 

the continued preservation and public access of other coastal defense sites 

impractical and the continued investment in maintenance difficult. In addition to 

Battery Arrowsmith, beach erosion and rising ocean levels already threaten 

Battery Kingman, Battery Mills, and the NIKE launch site. At Battery Kingman, 

storm events and bayside erosion have advanced toward the western edge of the 

battery landscape extents and have removed portions of a historic railroad bed. 

At Battery Mills, erosion has removed a portion of the vehicular route that 

circumscribes the battery. At the NIKE launch site, the Atlantic shoreline has 

advanced toward the eastern perimeter of the missile facility and a future storm 

event could remove portions of the perimeter fence and circulation features. 

Water Infiltration 

Coastal defenses were located and designed to fulfill a defensive purpose, rather 

than to stand as monuments for all time. They were often constructed in lessthan-ideal locations, and sometimes constructed with less-than-perfect materials 

and workmanship. Occupying coastal areas, these structures were often built on 

low boggy ground, or on eroding bluffs where wind-blown mist carries a freight 

of corrosive salt. Water—in the ground, in the air, or precipitated as rain—serves 

as the common element at work undermining these structures over time.9

 Water 

infiltration, combined with seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, results in concrete 

spalling and cracks. Accumulation of water in battery interiors and deterioration 

of metal elements further degrade the historic battery structures. 
TREATMENT

317 

Unmanaged Woody Vegetation 

After the Army deactivated coastal defense batteries, routine vegetation 

maintenance to support tactical operations, to provide camouflage, and to 

promote security ceased. In the subsequent decades, the unmanaged growth of 

large woody vegetation has become a common feature at the battery sites. The 

vegetation threatens the batteries’ historic earthworks due to the potential for 

uprooting in a storm event. In addition, vegetation growing near and on concrete 

structures accelerates deterioration of the concrete. Large woody vegetation on 

the structures, the earthworks, and within tactical views to the water obscures the 

visual connection between the defense and potential targets. Finally, unmanaged 

woody vegetation blocks access to coastal defense batteries such as batteries 

Urmston and Morris. 

TREATMENT GOALS AND APPROACH 

Laying to one side the threat posed by rising sea levels, coastal defense sites are 

inherently transient. Effective preservation must aim to slow deterioration rather 

than arrest it. Further providing some benefit for public investment in these 

preservation measures, modifications to the historic defense sites are justified 

where it is reasonable to provide safe visitor access. That the public may learn 

something meaningful during the course of a visit, it is also reasonable to 

implement modest changes to help visitors better understand the park’s cultural 

resources. These goals, clearly supported by park planning documents and the 

enabling legislation creating Gateway National Recreation Area, suggest 

Rehabilitation as the most appropriate choice among the four sanctioned 

approaches to treatments identified in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for 

the Treatment of Historic Properties. However, it must be clearly understood, that 

it is a relatively short list of fundamental preservation measures that comprise the 

core of the Rehabilitation program prescribed for the Sandy Hook coastal 

defenses. Of primary concern to the defense sites as cultural landscapes, 

beginning and implementing effective management of vegetation serves as the 

central task proposed by this report. Recommendations propose treatment 

measures aimed at preserving historic structures and their features, yet these are 

not intended to supersede, but rather to support recommendations found in 

historic structure reports. 

The following landscape treatment recommendations are presented below 

relative to Sandy Hook’s eleven extant batteries; including batteries Urmston, 

Morris, Engle, Peck, Nine Gun, Potter, Granger, Mortar, Gunnison, Kingman 

and Mills. The extant Fort Hancock NIKE missile battery, consisting of two 

separate sites, a radar site for acquiring targets and tracking outgoing missiles and 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

318 

its partner site designed for launching the missiles, is also included in the 

following recommendations. 

The following recommendations do not address the Mining Casemate, owing to 

the presence of this structure within the active U. S. Coast Guard reservation, and 

beyond National Park Service management responsibilities. Similarly, Battery 

Arrowsmith is left out of the following discussion. The battery is in an extremely 

ruinous state and coastal storms continue to break apart the remaining structure 

and the peninsula upon which it sits (Figure 5.4). Finally, coastal defenses 

constructed prior to the recommendations of the Endicott Board, such as the 

Civil War-era Fort at Sandy Hook, are not addressed in this treatment section. 

Treatment recommendations are outlined and presented below in two ways. 

Treatment tasks common to all sites are presented first, providing an opportunity 

to explore the rationale behind these common approaches with some depth. 

This is followed by a site-by-site presentation of treatment tasks, beginning with 

treatment measures recommended independently for Battery Urmston to the 

extreme northwest, to the NIKE missile launch site to the extreme southern end 

of the study area. Recognizing an element of redundancy in this approach, the 

choice of presenting landscape treatment recommendations in this way is 

intended as a convenience to those who care for these historic resources and who 

will implement these recommendations over time on a site-by-site basis. 

Evaluating these coastal defense sites as cultural landscapes for the first time, this 

report’s recommendations have clearly demarcated the physical geographic 

scope of treatment for these cultural resources. 

The preparation of the following treatment recommendations has been greatly 

aided by the Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook, prepared in 2003, 

through a partnership between the National Park Service, the University of 

Oregon, and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. This 

comprehensive document examines the issues facing historic fortifications from 

an international perspective, offering a range of treatment approaches with a 

breadth and depth well beyond the scope of this cultural landscape report. 

Owing to its excellence, the Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook should 

be considered “incorporated by reference” into the following landscape 

treatment recommendations, and should appropriately serve as the primary 

reference to those confronting specific issues related to structures, masonry, 

metals, wood, and other architectural materials. 
319 

Treatment

Figure 5.1. Aerial photograph of Sandy Hook 

landform, 2006. Prior to the National Park 

Service’s administration, Sandy Hook was a highly 

secured Army reservation that featured successive 

generations of coastal defenses which guarded the 

southern approach to New York City (GATE GIS).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

320

Figure 5.2. Mobile railway gun, circa 1939-1940. Mobile artillery, such as this 8-inch caliber gun, played an important role in coastal 

defenses at Sandy Hook, however, the treatment recommendations will focus on the concrete gun batteries and NIKE missile installation 

(Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).

Figure 5.3. Collapsible railway searchlight, no date. Similar to mobile artillery, mobile searchlights as well as small, auxiliary structures 

were features of Sandy Hook’s landscape that played a role in defending the southern approach to New York Harbor. These mobile and 

sometimes temporary structures will not be addressed in the treatment section (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia 

Publishing, 2007).
321 

Treatment

Figure 5.4. View looking northwest at Battery Arrowsmith. Coastal storms continue to break apart Battery 

Arrowsmith and the peninsula along Horseshoe Cove (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

322
TREATMENT

323 

TREATMENT TASKS COMMON TO ALL SITES 

The fundamental purposes behind all treatment tasks prescribed for Sandy 

Hook’s surviving coastal defense sites include preserving historic structures, 

landscapes, and providing safe and informative visitor access. Park planning 

documents do not recommend that these sites be returned to the condition in 

which they were in during military operation, nor to a state of nature. Therefore, 

a program of straightforward preservation measures, readily achieved, becomes 

more desirable than spelling out an “ideal” treatment program that would be 

impossible to realize. 

Management of vegetation serves as the foremost preservation task that will 

prolong the life of the historic concrete and earthen structures. Additionally, 

vegetation management will reestablish historic downrange views to the water 

that are critical to understanding the historic purpose and function of these sites. 

Following vegetation management tasks, repairs and maintenance of concrete 

surfaces, including repairing voids and cracks, and sealing the porous concrete 

surfaces against water infiltration will extend the number of years that the ruined 

structures can be made safely accessible to the public. In conjunction with 

limiting water infiltration on the concrete structures, exposed, corroding metal 

components at the batteries should be stabilized to preserve the metal and 

minimize deterioration to the concrete caused by metal corrosion. Providing safe 

and informative visitor access involves repairing, retrofitting and replacing 

deteriorated stairways, walkways, and accompanying safety railings. Providing 

safe access also involves repairing doors and erecting fences and other barriers to 

prevent visitors from accessing unsafe locations within these sites. 

The following common tasks are presented below. 

MANAGE VEGETATION TO PRESERVE AND INTERPRET PARK RESOURCES 

The following vegetation management recommendations are intended to 

preserve historic battery sites. These recommendations address three 

components of the battery sites and are not influenced by the aesthetic or 

environmental criteria of plant material. First, recommendations respond to the 

threats posed by large trees that could uproot in a storm event and displace 

historic engineered landforms. Second, tasks address woody vegetation 

established in cracks and voids in the historic concrete structures, or otherwise 

taking root in accumulated organic matter on concrete surfaces. Finally, 

measures provide for managing vegetation in perpetuation of historic views, 

critical to the historic operation of the ordnance. The essence of the following 

recommendations might be conveniently remembered as “4-by-4-by-Fore.” The 

first of the two “4’s” standing for eliminating trees greater than four-inches, 

measured at breast height, from engineered landforms; the second of the two 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

324 

“4’s” representing eliminating woody vegetation from within four-feet of 

buildings and structures. The third “Fore” refers to managing vegetation forward

of battery sites that blocks historic downrange views and hinders public 

interpretation and understanding of these sites. 

As is the case throughout the Sandy Hook peninsula, non-native invasive species 

are an endemic product of three hundred and fifty years of European settlement. 

This report recommends the careful, selective removal of out-of-scale vegetation 

to preserve cultural features, and discourages the creation of large areas of newly 

cleared soil, that would become prone to additional erosion or otherwise the 

colonization by non-native invasive species. Where non-native species are 

present and are effective in stabilizing engineered landforms from erosion, it is 

recommended that the protection afforded by these non-natives be provisionally 

retained until such time when they can be removed in concert with a robust 

revegetation program utilizing plants with a proven ability to prevent soil erosion 

and protect the integrity of the cultural resource. 

Manage Woody Vegetation on Engineered Slopes 

With the exception of the NIKE radar site, all of the batteries reviewed for the 

cultural landscape report contain engineered slopes. At the gun batteries, 

engineers covered concrete structures with earth to absorb the impact and 

explosion of enemy fire (Figure 5.5). In the case of the NIKE launch site, earthen 

berms and traverses were constructed to shield the area where missiles were 

armed with explosives. 

Engineered slopes historically supported vegetation as part of a concealment 

strategy. However, large trees were not permitted to grow to an extent where 

they compromised the integrity of the engineered landform, or obstructed the 

effective field-of-fire. Since their period of active service, unmanaged woody 

vegetation has obstructed views and threatens the long-term preservation of the 

earthworks and structures below them. The root systems of these woody species 

have penetrated the earthwork and have the potential to exploit and damage 

pores in the concrete structures. As the canopies of these woody species 

continue to grow, there is a risk that snow, ice, and wind could topple a tree and a 

major portion of the engineered earthwork would be removed with the tree’s 

roots (Figure 5.6). 

In order to prevent further damage to the earthworks and structures below them, 

all woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast height should be 

selectively removed from the engineered slope. After the woody vegetation has 

been cut, the stumps of deciduous species need to be treated to prevent sprouting 

and regrowth. Since grubbing out or grinding the woody stumps would cause 

damage to the historic earthwork and possibly the concrete structure below or 
TREATMENT

325 

nearby, the stumps should be treated with a triclopyr herbicide (GarlonTM brand 

or approved equal) to kill the root system and prevent resprouting. The 

herbicide treatment is especially important for non-native invasive species such 

as ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima) that will sprout vigorously once the main stem is 

cut (Figures 5.7 and 5.8). The selectively removed vegetation should be chipped 

and the chips and any remaining debris should be removed from the park and 

legally disposed. Removing wood chips and debris from the park is the preferred 

approach to limit the spread of non-native invasive species and undesirable 

plants such as poison ivy. 

Manage Woody Vegetation Growing Near Buildings and Structures 

All of the battery sites need to have woody vegetation removed that is growing on 

and near structural and landscape features. At the NIKE sites, woody vegetation 

is growing near radar platforms, barracks, and other auxiliary buildings. The root 

systems threaten footings and foundations. The plants block light and air 

movement accelerating the deterioration of painted surfaces, siding, and roofing. 

During the historic period, the Army concealed the concrete battery structures 

with camouflage surface treatments, paints, and overhead netting, however, 

vegetation was never permitted to grow on the concrete structures. Since the 

batteries were deactivated following World War II, low points such as stairwells 

and flat areas such as roofs of battery commander’s stations have accumulated 

soil, leaf litter, and moisture. These conditions have resulted in the growth of 

woody vegetation. Left untreated, this vegetation can grow to a considerable size 

(Figure 5.9). The vegetation threatens to further deteriorate the historic battery’s 

concrete features and surfaces and should be removed. 

Separation between individually cast concrete elements provides another 

opportunity for woody vegetation to become established. A void is created 

between concrete elements due to differential settling creating an opportunity for 

plant material (Figure 5.10). Even if woody vegetation is not growing on a 

structure or in a crack or void, the expanding root system of nearby vegetation 

can find and exploit weaknesses in concrete structures. In addition, as nearby 

vegetation grows ever larger, there will be an increase in the amount of leaf litter 

and debris on the concrete structure that will support secondary plants and cause 

greater moisture retention within the structure surfaces.10 

As a conservative measure aimed at mitigating structural problems caused or 

exacerbated by woody vegetation and the concrete structures, all woody 

vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete features should be 

removed. Both deciduous and evergreen stumps should be treated with a 

triclopyr herbicide (GarlonTM brand or approved equal) on the historic concrete 

structures since removing the live roots and stumps would cause further 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

326 

structural damage. After the root systems are dead and decayed, the stumps 

should be carefully removed to the greatest extent practicable, and following this, 

appropriate concrete repairs should be completed.11 

Manage Downrange Water Views 

Where battery commander’s stations or range finding positions were located in 

close proximity to a battery, soldiers stationed at Sandy Hook’s batteries could 

effectively identify, track, and engage an enemy target. This would not have been 

possible if the view from the battery to the water was obstructed by tall 

vegetation. The downrange views to targets on the water from the gun platforms 

and battery commander’s stations are significant in understanding the historic 

operation of the battery and should be reestablished wherever possible. 

Reestablishing historic visual connections to the water is crucial for interpretive 

and visitor access programs and to explain the tactical relationship of the battery 

to the coastline.12 

However, not all batteries relied upon a direct view to the target for their effective 

operation. Most notably, the fire of the Mortar Battery and batteries Kingman 

and Mills were directed from elevated positions and control towers located some 

distance from the gun positions. Rather than a visual link to the water, the NIKE 

missile battery relied on an in-line visual connection between the radar site and 

the launch site. This was critical in order that the tracking radar equipment could 

“lock” onto the nose of the missile prior to launch so that the outbound 

trajectory could be monitored. 

Managing downrange view comprises a third and final step in managing the 

woody vegetation growing on or near historic coastal defenses. After removing 

woody vegetation growing on the engineered slopes and from voids in the battery 

structure itself, the resulting views to the water must be evaluated. Additional 

cutting may not be needed once woody vegetation has been managed on the 

structures and slopes. However, in some instances tall, individual woody 

vegetation that blocks the view shed can be identified and removed (Figure 5.11). 

Following removal, as is recommended in the prior two vegetation management 

recommendations, deciduous stumps should be treated with a triclopyr herbicide 

to discourage root sprouts and suckering. Cut material must be removed for 

proper disposal. 
TREATMENT

327 

PROVIDE SAFE VISITOR ACCESS 

Repair, Retrofit, and Replace Safety Railings 

Handrails located along steps and ramps and guardrails are positioned near the 

open sides of elevated areas at many of the batteries at Sandy Hook. The majority 

of these rails are made from pipe railings with cast ball joint connectors. Repair 

and replacement priority should be given to the batteries that are part of the 

park’s interpretive program or are planned to be made open and accessible to the 

public in the foreseeable future (Figure 5.12). These include the Nine Gun 

Battery, Battery Potter, and the NIKE radar site. 

Where railings survive, all of the current railings have large openings below the 

top or intermediate horizontal rails that would not adequately protect all visitors. 

In order to provide a consistent level of protection and satisfy applicable building 

codes, the existing railings should be repaired, retrofitted, and replaced where 

necessary. Retrofitting existing railings or installing new railings to comply with 

life safety codes is necessary when a battery is opened for public access. The 

panels should be installed where there is a vertical change equal to or greater than 

thirty inches. 

At Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California’s Bay Area, historic 

architects have successfully retrofitted railing systems on historic buildings with 

mesh infill panels. This approach inserts panels of steel mesh or woven-wire 

fabric into the large voids of railing out of compliance with life safety codes 

(Figure 5.13). 

A less costly alternative to the infill approach to retrofitting safety railing may be 

accomplished with simple tools and readily available building materials. This 

alternative utilizes applied materials such as black vinyl-coated woven-wire 

fabric, or chain-link, fastened with corrosion resistant fittings common to the 

fencing industry. These materials, tensioned and clamped to the inboard side of 

historic and repaired handrailings adjacent to pedestrian traffic, will satisfy safety 

requirements, result in a similar modest visual appearance, and may be installed, 

repaired, or replaced conveniently. 

Prior to choosing either an infill or an applied approach for repairing and 

retrofitting safety railings, a detailed inspection and evaluation of existing railings 

must be undertaken. Those sections of surviving historic railings found in good 

to fair condition may only need minor repairs and the addition of an infill or 

applied treatment. Other sections of safety railing may need to have missing 

sections of railing replaced, and loose paint removed and recoated with primer 

and paint to match the historic black finish. Railings in good condition without 

rust may be treated with corrosion inhibitors, however, these products are 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

328 

typically a wax coating and should not be used in places where the railing would 

be handled.13

Railings in fair condition with visible rust should be chemically treated to halt the 

corrosion process. Rust converters should be applied that react with the iron 

oxide to render a more stable compound that will accept primer and paint. 

Immediately after this treatment, the metal should be primed and painted to 

match the historic finish.14 

Damaged or severely deteriorated railings and components should be removed 

and replaced with new components that match the original as close as possible. 

To reduce future maintenance requirements, the new railings may be finished 

with a color-galvanized coating that matches the historic paint finish. The colorgalvanized coating, especially in a waterfront setting, will last longer and require 

less maintenance than traditional prime and paint finishes. Duncan Galvanizing 

and Voigt and Schweitzer Galvanizing are two national companies that offer 

color-galvanizing services. 

Existing railings were screwed into threaded escutcheon plates and the plates 

bolted to the concrete structures. For added strength against lateral loads, new 

railing components should be core drilled and set in non-shrink epoxy grout. An 

escutcheon plate that closely matching the historic plates should be fitted around 

the vertical member before the rail is set and lowered into position to cover the 

epoxy interface (Figure 5.14).15 

Infill panels or applied meshes covering for the large openings in the existing 

railings should consider several factors. To prevent a small child from falling 

through a railing, most building codes require that a four-inch sphere must not be 

able to pass through any opening in the railing design. In addition to this 

criterion, using an infill pattern of horizontal members or wide-spaced meshes 

creates a ladder effect that potentially encourages climbing. Adding vertical 

members creates a balustrade appearance that detracts from the historic form of 

the simple pipe rail guards. Therefore, the preferred option for visitor safety and 

to retain the historic form of the pipe rails is to add tightly-spaced mesh panels 

(Figure 5.15). 

The infill or applied retrofit material should be attached to the rails with noncorrosive vinyl-coated hardware clamps permitting convenient replacement or 

removal without damaging the historic railings. The mesh, either as infill or as 

applied, should feature a matte black finish or other protective coating that will 

recede from view when seen from the inboard side of the battery. The mesh 

should be either a welded wire fabric or a coated chain-link made from ninegauge or heavier wire. 
TREATMENT

329 

Repair and Secure Interior Access Points 

Metal and wood doors and metal gates, windows, and grating are located on gun 

and missile batteries throughout Sandy Hook. All of these building features 

require a detailed evaluation that is beyond the scope of this cultural landscape 

report. However in general terms, sound material with minor corrosion or decay 

should be treated in place. Loose paint and rust should be removed immediately 

followed by priming and painting to match the historic finish. A moderate level 

of repair may also be conducted in place. For example, an operational gate with a 

missing a hinge spindle should be repaired in place with a new hinge spindle that 

matches the historic dimensions and finish. If a component is damaged or 

severely deteriorated, it should be removed and repaired at an off-site shop or 

newly fabricated to match the existing (Figure 5.16).16

As was highlighted in the discussion of newly fabricated railings, new metal 

doors, gates, windows, and gratings may be finished with a color-galvanized 

coating that resembles the historic paint finish. The color-galvanized coating will 

last longer and require less maintenance than traditional prime and paint finishes. 

A final recommendation for doors and gates addresses their hinge hardware. 

Bronze or brass hinge hardware may be cast into the concrete structure to receive 

a door or gate. Either bronze or brass, in contact with the iron in the steel door, 

reacts quickly with air and moisture to produce corrosion. To prevent this 

accelerated reaction, a hard plastic washer should be installed to separate the 

two metals.17

Close Hazardous Social Trails and Repair Eroded Paths 

During a review of existing conditions of Sandy Hook’s historic gun and missile 

the batteries in January 2009, steep and unsafe social trails were observed at 

Battery Engle, Battery Gunnison, Battery Potter and the Mortar Battery. Many of 

these trails lead up or across a historic engineered earthwork. Due to the steep 

elevation changes on the earthworks, the effect of these trails is to channelize 

stormwater and promote additional soil erosion. 

Despite the presence of fences and signs forbidding access and warning of 

dangers, visual evidence of unauthorized trail use encourages others to follow. 

Low-growing native shrubs should be planted at the top and bottom of a social 

trail to block access. Appropriate native species would include fragrant sumac 

(Rhus aromatica) and bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica). Access to a social trail can 

be further obscured by placing cut branches—three to four feet in length—at the 

trail’s top and bottom. 

To manage erosion, straw or coir fiber wattles should be installed at 

approximately ten-foot intervals along the trail to be closed. The wattles are 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

330 

commercially available in a 1-foot diameter size and are packaged in long lengths. 

The wattles will need to be cut and should extend beyond the width of the trail. 

They should be secured with two-inch square wood stakes. A porous, 

biodegradable erosion control fabric—woven from jute, straw or wood fibers—

should be added between the wattles on slopes greater than 4:1. Low-growing 

native shrubs should be planted to secure the soil and discourage future access 

(Figure 5.17). Before installation of the wattles, nearby leaf duff and organic 

matter should be collected. After installation, the duff should be spread over the 

former trail to help disguise and revegetate the trail bed. 

As part of closing hazardous social trails and repairing eroded paths, the park 

should continue to use fences to restrict access to closed battery sites and manage 

pedestrian circulation. In order to reduce a variety non-historic fence types and 

to make future replacements and repairs more efficient, the park should use three 

fence types at the batteries. First, the tall chain-link fencing should remain and 

continued to be used at sites that are not open to public access. Second, a wood 

post and poultry wire fence, such as the one at the Mortar Battery, should be 

installed to prevent access on historic earthworks. This second fence type should 

not be installed at every battery, but only added where patterns of unauthorized 

visitor access need to be changed. Third, wooden split-rail fence should be 

installed to reinforce designated pedestrian routes and direct circulation. The 

park currently uses split-rail fence along trails leading to the North Pond near 

batteries Engle and Peck and the Nine Gun Battery. All three fence types are 

readily available from commercial companies, relatively inexpensive to purchase, 

install, and maintain, and identifiable as a contemporary introduction to the 

historic battery sites. 

PRESERVE BATTERY STRUCTURES 

Repair Voids and Cracks in Concrete Surfaces 

Concrete is subject to expansion and contraction caused by temperature 

fluctuations. In addition, concrete will absorb small amounts of water 

especially on horizontal surfaces where water may not drain quickly. The 

infiltration of water, combined with seasonal freezing and thawing, results in 

spalling and cracking of concrete surfaces. Even small cracks in concrete create 

locations where organic matter can accumulate, and where seeds can lodge and 

vegetation can take root to further damaging the structure. In order to protect 

the concrete battery structures, spalling concrete surfaces should be stabilized 

and cracks repaired. 

Spalling surfaces should be removed until sound concrete is encountered. If 

reinforcing steel is exposed, additional concrete should be removed so the steel 

is 1⁄2-inch clear minimum on all sides. The steel should be cleaned and have an 
TREATMENT

331 

anticorrosion coating applied. In consultation with a structural engineer, new 

reinforcing may be required and this material should be epoxy coated to 

inhibit corrosion. 

The removed area should be mechanically cleaned and patching material applied 

according to the manufacturer’s directions. Deep patches will require dowels, 

welded wire fabric, and other reinforcing. These should be installed using 

specific items certified for horizontal, vertical, and overhead applications. 

Finally, the texture and contour of the finished patch should be compatible with 

the character of the historic concrete (Figure 5.18).18

Similar to spalling concrete surfaces, cracks will allow water into the concrete 

substrate where further damage will occur. Cracks should be repaired and for 

small cracks, the preferred treatment is grouting and sealing. This method 

involves removing an area slightly larger than the crack with a hand or power 

chisel. The void should be mechanically cleaned and dry prior to installing the 

sealant. The sealant should be a non-epoxy compound and have the same 

properties as the material around it in terms of bonding strength and water 

exchange. If the sealant is stronger and has a different porosity, it will lead to 

cracks and deterioration at new locations away from the repair.19 

Large, structural cracks will require extensive repair and a preferred method for 

their repair should be determined with a structural engineer. Small and large 

crack repairs should be compatible with the character of the historic concrete 

(Figure 5.19). 

Seal Horizontal Concrete Battery Surfaces 

After spalling and cracked concrete surfaces are repaired, maintenance coatings 

are required on the exposed concrete of the gun and missile batteries to slow 

ongoing decay. Challenging environmental factors that lead to concrete 

deterioration will always be at work against the best-intentioned preservation 

measures. In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete 

battery structures, a surface coating must be applied periodically to the 

horizontal surfaces. 

It is important to emphasize that concrete surface defects that pool and collect 

rainwater must be repaired before the application of a maintenance coating. 

The two broad categories of coatings available are penetrating sealers and 

surface sealers. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

332 

Concrete Surface Sealers and Membranes 

Surface sealers form a protective water repellent layer above the concrete surface. 

The most readily-available sealer is latex paint. Although the Army used latex 

paint at certain coastal defense batteries across the country, historic photographs 

of Sandy Hook batteries indicate they were finished with an asphalt emulsion 

paint—a product comparable to present-day driveway sealers (Figure 5.20). 

Latex paint may also be tinted for aesthetics, including tints that mimic the look 

of weathered concrete. 

Other surface sealers that provide thicker and more durable protective coatings 

compared to paint include Portland cement coatings modified with latex, acrylic 

latex, or polyvinyl acetate, stucco, and cement-based paints.20 A preferable 

surface sealer that would be in keeping with the asphalt emulsion paint is a 

bitumen coating. Worthy of consideration for the expansive horizontal concrete 

surface of the NIKE launch site, the materials and installation can be readily 

provided by a roofing contractor and additional protection could be achieved by 

laying gravel into the bitumen coating. After installation, the horizontal concrete 

surfaces will be protected with a sacrificial layer and regularly scheduled 

maintenance requirements will be reduced. 

An advantage of a bitumen coating over paints or penetrating sealers is that it can 

be built up to correct minor imperfections of the surface concrete. The coating 

should be finished to preventing ponding of accumulated water and to pitch 

water away from the structure. With the application of a bitumen coatings, water 

vapor will only be apply to escape through exposed vertical surfaces. Before a 

bitumen coating is applied, vapor transfer and its potential impact on the 

concrete structure should be reviewed by qualified professionals.21

Another alternative providing an effective and durable barrier to water 

infiltration are the various engineered membranes commonly used in the roofing 

industry. “Modified Bitumen” roofing membranes are rubberized bituminous 

(tar) sheets that have been reinforced with fiberglass.22 Some of these roofing 

systems and products are rated for use over weathered concrete, following the 

application of a sealant product. 

Penetrating Sealers 

The two generic types of penetrating sealers employ silane and siloxane, which 

are silicone-based compounds that penetrate into the concrete surface. These 

compounds react with concrete to form microscopic pores that are too small for 

water to pass through, yet the pores are large enough that water vapor may 

transpire. These products do not generally produce a surface sheen and, 

migrating into the concrete surface, penetrating sealers are able to resist abrasion 

when walked upon. In fact, these products are used commercially to seal 
TREATMENT

333 

sidewalks and other landscape paving. Penetrating sealers are susceptible to 

ultraviolet rays, salt spray, acid rain, and airborne pollutants over time, and need 

to be reapplied every four to five years in order to maintain an effective water 

repellent coating.23 Despite their relativity short service life, penetrating type 

sealers are generally preferable over surface sealers and are recommended for 

widespread use on the Sandy Hook coastal defense batteries. These products 

may be applied either by park staff or by contractors without specialized skills or 

equipment, and they are comparatively inexpensive. Available in 55-gallon 

drums for less than $1,500, similar to the unit cost of high-quality paint, this 

amount of product will seal up to 10,000 square feet (approximately one-quarter 

acre) of exposed concrete surface. 

Repair Roofing Material on Free-Standing Buildings 

The Battery Potter site and the NIKE Radar and Launch sites are host to 

numerous free-standing historic buildings that stand apart from the central 

battery infrastructure. These buildings were once used as workshops, 

storehouses, sentry posts, magazines, kennels, and barracks and are now 

underutilized as informal storage of cast-off materials. These fundamentally 

abandoned buildings are neglected and in disrepair. Water being the primary 

agent leading to building failure, maintaining effective roof coverings is the most 

cost-effective measure for the continued preservation of these historic resources. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

334 
335 

Treatment

Figure 5.6. Storm-thrown tree, Union Fort Fisher, Petersburg National Battlefield. Permitting large trees to 

grow on engineered slopes, increases risks that wind, could topple the tree and displace a large volumes of 

the earthwork with its roots. Falling trees also pose impact risks to structural features (Olmsted Center, 1998).

Figure 5.5. Sand being hauled into place in front of the terreplein, Nine Gun Battery, 1928. Engineers covered 

the concrete structures with sand and earth for concealment and to help absorb the impact of enemy fire 

(GATE 7009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

336

Figure 5.8. Application of triclopyr herbicide to a cut stump. Instructions from this particular manufacturer 

state to treat the outer two inches of the stump with herbicide. Note that the stump has been cut as flush 

to ground level as possible (Olmsted Center, May 2007).

Figure 5.7. Ailanthus stump at Battery Mills. If stumps are not 

treated after cutting, species like ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima) 

will produce root sprouts and develop into a denser, more vigorous 

stand of vegetation. Stumps should be cut as flush to ground 

level as possible and treated with a triclopyr herbicide following 

the specific manufacturer’s label instructions (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).
337 

Treatment

Figure 5.9. View looking northwest across gun platform #4, Battery Urmston. Low and flat areas like this 

gun platform have accumulated soil, leaf litter, and moisture. These conditions have resulted in the growth 

of woody vegetation that should be removed from the structure (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.10. Concrete separation at unreinforced steps. Separation 

between individually cast concrete elements provides another 

opportunity for woody vegetation to emerge. The voids can 

also be exacerbated by growing woody material (Joe C. Freeman 

et al., Seacoast Fortifications Preservation Manual, Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area, San Francisco, California, United 

States Department of the Interior, National Park Service and KEA 

Environmental, July 1999, 148).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

338

Figure 5.12. View looking west at safety railings, Battery Granger. The 

existing railing system at Battery Granger displays successive generations 

of railing components and repairs (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.11. View east from south gun platform, Battery Gunnison. The downrange views from gun 

emplacements and battery commander’s stations are significant to the historic operation of the batteries 

and should be reestablished to greatest extent practicable. The evergreens located closest to the gun in this 

image are growing upon the engineered slope. Once these have been removed, downrange water views 

can be evaluated and in limited instances tall, individual woody vegetation removed on a case-by-case basis 

(Olmsted Center, January 2009).
339 

Treatment

Figure 5.13. Example of the infill approach to retrofitting railing systems for compliance with life-safety 

codes. In the wide openings between the horizontal pipe rail members, a mesh panel framed by square bar 

stock has been added. The frame is connected to the existing pipe rails by welding metal tabs between the 

two (Barbara Judy, Golden Gate National Recreation Area). 

Figure 5.14. Cross-section, new railing installation. New guardrails and handrails 

should be attached by core drilling into the existing concrete and setting the rail in

non-shrink epoxy grout. An escutcheon plate matching the historic plates should 

be fitted around the vertical member before the rail is set and lowered into 

position to cover the epoxy interface (Freeman et al., Seacoast Fortifications 

Preservation Manual, 160).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

340

Figure 5.16. Off-site repair of historic metal door for Battery Worth, Fort Casey, Washington. Standing 

water resulted in the bottom portion of this door being severely deteriorated. The door was removed and 

is shown being repaired with a new steel plate and angles (From, David M. Hansen, Kimberly Keagle, and 

Deborah Rehn, Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook, Olympia, WA: Washington State Parks and 

Recreation Commission, 2003, 3.102).

Figure 5.15. Safety railing infill elevations. Horizontal members and wide-spaced meshes (options B and 

C) create a ladder effect that potentially encourages climbing. Adding vertical members (option D) creates 

a balustrade appearance that detracts from the historic form of the simple pipe rail guards. The preferred 

option (E or F) for visitor safety and to retain the historic form is to add tightly-spaced mesh panels (Olmsted 

Center, 2009).

A) Existing Conditions

C) Wide-Spaced Mesh Infill

B) Horizontal Infill

D) Vertical Infill

E) Preferred Option – Tightly-Spaced Mesh Infill F) Preferred Option – Chain-link Infill
341 

Treatment

Figure 5.17. Typical revegetation detail to close an existing social trail. To manage erosion on closed social trails, straw or coir fiber 

wattles should be installed at approximately ten-foot intervals. Low-growing native shrubs should be planted between the wattles to 

discourage future use (Olmsted Center, 2009).

Figure 5.18. Typical repair of spalling concrete surface. The image on the left illustrates the removal of unsound concrete and 

preparation of the area to receive patching material. On the right, the patch is in place and has been finished to be compatible with the 

character of the historic concrete. In addition, the prepared area may be lightly coated with an approved bonding agent to promote 

greater adhesion of the new concrete (Hansen, Keagle, and Rehn, Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook, 3.78-3.79).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

342

Figure 5.19. Typical concrete cracks. The image on the left illustrates a small, surface crack that can be repaired by grouting and sealing. 

The image on the right illustrates a large, structural crack that will require extensive repairs. Consultation with a structural engineer is 

recommended to determine a preferred method of repair (Freeman et al., Seacoast Fortifications Preservation Manual, 147).

Figure 5.20. Oblique aerial view of Nine Gun Battery, 1942. This World War II-era photograph of Nine Gun Battery, and a portion of 

Battery Peck (left), indicate they were both finished with an asphalt emulsion paint (also refer to cover photograph). This surface 

treatment has worn away from gun platforms #3 and #4 (center) and the brighter appearance of the concrete underneath is visible 

(National Archives, Record Group 661 S, Philip S. Gage Collection, Fort Hancock Folder).
TREATMENT

343 

SITE-BY-SITE TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 

The following treatment recommendations are organized site-by-site, presented 

in order, beginning with Battery Urmston, at the northwestern extremity of 

National Park Service property on Sandy Hook, toward the south, concluding 

with the NIKE launch site. Many of the treatment tasks identified in the 

following site-by-site breakdown are common to all of Sandy Hook’s surviving 

coastal defense sites, and have been presented and explained in some detail 

previously in this report. Acknowledging a redundancy with material presented 

above, these common tasks are reiterated briefly below, organizing all relevant 

treatment tasks associated with a single site for the convenience of those using 

this report. 

BATTERY URMSTON (LCS SH-540) 

The Army began construction of Battery Urmston in 1899 as a smaller rapid-fire 

battery operating in concert with the large caliber gun batteries guarding the 

approach to New York Harbor. By 1900, four gun emplacements at Battery 

Urmston were fitted with balanced pillar mounted guns. When not in use, the 

guns could swing ninety degrees to the shoreline and rest their barrels in a notch 

in the concrete gun platform. The final phase of construction was completed in 

June 1904 with the completion of two additional gun emplacements in between 

the prior four emplacements (Figure 5.21). The disarming of this battery took 

place in the reverse order of its construction. Four of the six gun emplacements, 

the two outside pairs, were disarmed following World War I. Emplacements #3 

and #4 at the center of the battery remained in service until 1942, when the two 

guns here were relocated to a temporary emplacement in the dunes north of 

Battery Gunnison. These two relocated guns continued to serve as “New Battery 

Urmston” until September 1946. 

Battery Urmston survives in poor condition. Access to the battery site is made 

difficult by the unmanaged growth of woody vegetation, including especially 

vigorous growths of poison ivy. Downrange views are blocked by trees. 

Concrete surfaces display widespread spalling and metal fixtures such as 

handrails and door and window hardware are severely corroded. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

344 

TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

UR-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

Large woody vegetation growing on the north-facing engineered slopes of 

Battery Urmston consists primarily of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), 

beach plum (Prunus maritima), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), and ailanthus 

(Ailanthus altissima) (Figure 5.22). To protect the earthwork and the concrete 

structures below, woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast 

height should be removed following the guidelines in the general treatment 

recommendations. Due to their close proximity, it is difficult to prescribe a line 

that divides the engineered earthworks of Battery Urmston and Battery Morris. 

Looking at both batteries as a single unit, the area to be selectively cleared would 

be approximately 1.2 acres (Drawing 5.1, scope of treatment). 

UR-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

Untreated vegetation on Battery Urmston has grown to a considerable size and 

threatens to further deteriorate the historic battery’s concrete features. 

Consistent with treatment recommendations offered for all of Sandy Hook’s 

coastal defense sites, vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features should be removed. As highlighted in the general treatment 

recommendations, both deciduous and evergreen stumps should be treated with 

a triclopyr herbicide to inhibit resprouting and to promote root decay. After the 

root systems deteriorate, the stumps should be carefully removed to the greatest 

extent practicable, and appropriate concrete repairs should be undertaken. 

UR-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views 

Historic photographs indicate a clear line of sight and field of fire at Battery 

Urmston to defend against fast moving, shallow-draft boats (Figure 5.23). 

Vegetation removals on the engineered slope and structure itself will greatly 

improve an unobstructed view to the water. After these removals, it will be 

necessary to evaluate the views and determine if select, tall woody vegetation 

beyond the engineered slope should be removed (Figure 5.24). In addition to 

vegetation, the introduction of new buildings and structures can impact the visual 

connection to the water. No buildings or accessory structures should be 

constructed within the downrange view from Battery Urmston to the water. 
TREATMENT

345 

UR-4: Remove all woody vegetation six-feet north of the U. S. Coast Guard 

perimeter fence 

Immediately south of Battery Urmston is U. S. Coast Guard property separated 

by a six-foot high chain-link fence topped with barbed wire. The north side of 

the fence, closest to Battery Urmston, is becoming overrun with ailanthus 

(Ailanthus altissima), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), poison ivy 

(Toxicodendron radicans), and honey locust saplings (Gleditsia triacanthos). If 

not treated and maintained, this area will soon be impassable. Once the large 

woody vegetation has been removed, the six-foot width can be easily maintained 

with a small tractor and brush hog mowing deck (Figure 5.25). 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

UR-5: Construct New Visitor Access Trail 

During the historic period, a road paralleled Battery Urmston’s south facade and 

provided access for personnel and delivery of ammunition (see Figure 5.21). The 

road is presently extant but separated from the battery by the U. S. Coast Guard 

perimeter fence. Visitors and park staff currently walk to the battery in the area 

between the fence and concrete structure. At present, that area is becoming 

overrun with vegetation that makes access difficult. After the vegetation is 

removed north of the perimeter fence, the park should construct trail to Battery 

Urmston. Since regular mowing will be required to maintain vegetation along the 

fence, a practical method for defining and maintaining the trail is to mow a fourfoot wide route at a lower height. 

UR-6: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety railings 

Historic safety railings are typically located at stairwells on the south side of the 

battery and a handrail is installed along an external set of stairs to the 

commander’s station. Both are typically constructed from pipe railings with the 

individual sections connected by ball joint fixtures (Figure 5.26). Safety railings 

and handrailings should be treated to stop the corrosion process followed by 

priming and painting to match the historic finish. Infill panels should be installed 

where there is a vertical change equal to or greater than thirty inches in order to 

provide greater safety at the large openings below the top rails. 

UR-7: Repair and secure doors and grating to prevent unauthorized access 

Although operational during Battery Urmston’s years of service, the doors 

leading to the magazine and bomb proofs should be properly mounted and 

locked to prevent unauthorized access to interior spaces. Specific treatments 

should follow the procedures detailed in the general treatment recommendations, 

beginning with a case-by-case evaluation of the condition of each door or grille. 

At openings where an outer solid door and inner metal gate are installed, the gate 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

346 

should be securely locked and the solid door left open to permit air circulation 

and lessen the accumulation of moisture inside the battery structure. 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

UR-8: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks 

Spalling and cracks appear in both the vertical and horizontal concrete surfaces 

at Battery Urmston. Due to their lower elevation and an increased exposure to 

standing water, spalling is greater in the gun platforms. The tops of magazines 

and bomb proofs show less evidence of spalling concrete but substantial cracks 

are present (Figure 5.27). Both the spalling concrete and cracks should be 

repaired to reduce water infiltration, vegetation growth, and the further 

deterioration of the concrete. Detailed treatment information is provided in the 

general treatment recommendations. 

UR-9: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Historic photographs indicate that Battery Urmston, unlike nearby Battery Peck 

and Nine Gun Battery, did not have an asphalt emulsion surface treatment 

(Figure 5.28). After concrete surface defects have been repaired, two options are 

possible to treat Battery Urmston without creating a non-historic appearance. 

First, penetrating sealers could be used with the understanding that to achieve 

the best protection, they should be applied every few years. The other option, 

providing a more durable coating, is to apply bitumen with light-colored gravel 

laid into the coating. The gravel should match the color of the existing concrete. 

At Battery Urmston, approximately 3,130 square feet of concrete will need a 

surface coating. 

UR-10: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of 

Battery Urmston. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 

UR-11: Replace wood-slat fence east of battery 

At the eastern end of the Battery Urmston, an engineered earthwork rises up 

between the battery and Battery Morris. The earthwork ends abruptly at a 

retaining wall that extends from Urmston. Immediately east of the retaining wall, 
TREATMENT

347 

a four-foot high, wood-slat fence meanders up the earthwork and wraps around 

toward the gun platform. The fence is in fair condition but is not a historic 

feature of the battery. Removing the fence will help facilitate the vegetation 

removals on the engineered earthwork (Drawing 5.1). 

If upon the judgment of park staff, this location warrants the installation of a 

non-historic safety railing, then a metal safety railing should be installed. The 

metal safety railing should be visually compatible with repaired and retrofitted 

historic safety railings recommended for widespread use throughout Sandy 

Hook’s coastal defense batteries. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

348 

TABLE 5.1: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, BATTERY URMSTON

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

UR-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

UR-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

UR-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic 

downrange views 1 – high priority for action 

UR-4: Remove all woody vegetation six-feet 

north of the U. S. Coast Guard perimeter 

fence 

 1 – high priority for action 

UR-5: Construct New Visitor Access Trail 

A trail needs to be established on 

the south side of the battery in 

order to provide access for 

routine maintenance, 

implementing other treatment 

tasks, and visitor access 

1 – high priority for action 

UR-6: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety 

railings 

Can be implemented as part of a 

multiple battery or park-wide 

battery project 

2 – plan for future action 

UR-7: Repair and secure doors and grating 

to prevent unauthorized access 1 – high priority for action 

UR-8: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks 1 – high priority for action 

UR-9: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

UR-10: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 

UR-11: Replace wood-slat fence east of 

battery 

Coordinate with future plans to 

open battery site to public 

visitation

2 – plan for future action 
349 

Treatment

Figure 5.21. View looking northeast at Battery Urmston, circa 1900. In contrast to its appearance today, the 

south side of Battery Urmston contained no woody vegetation (GATE 7882).

Figure 5.22. View looking west at gun platforms #5 and #6, Battery Urmston. The engineered slope meeting 

the concrete structure on the west and north sides contains woody vegetation growing on, or within, four 

feet of concrete structures and should be removed (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

350

Figure 5.23. View looking northwest, Battery Urmston, circa 1906. The battery commander (center) did not have a shielded structure but 

stood between the two gun platforms. There could be no large woody vegetation obstructing the commander’s view or the field of fire 

for safe and effective operation of the gun battery (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).

Figure 5.24. View looking east toward water from Battery Urmston. Once woody vegetation larger than 

4-inches diameter growing on engineered slopes, and vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features is removed, downrange views should be evaluated to identify additional vegetation to be removed 

to in order to perpetuate historic views. Lower growing woody vegetation should be retained (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
351 

Treatment

Figure 5.25. U. S. Coast Guard perimeter fence south of Battery Urmston and Morris. After the large woody 

vegetation has been removed along the perimeter fence, a six-foot wide swath from the fence can be easily 

maintained with a small tractor and brush hog mowing deck. The mowed swath will provide a convenient 

route for visitor access to these batteries (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.26. Existing historic safety railing at Battery Urmston is fabricated of pipe rail sections and ball joint 

connectors. After treating corrosion and restoring the historic finish, infill panels should be installed where 

there is a vertical change equal to or greater than thirty inches in order to provide greater safety at the large 

openings below the top rails (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

352

Figure 5.27. View looking down at gun platform #5, Battery Urmston. The tops of the magazines and 

bomb proofs show less evidence of spalling concrete, yet substantial cracks are present (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).

Figure 5.28. Aerial photograph of Batteries Urmston and Morris, January 1933. This photograph indicates 

that at this time, the concrete surfaces belonging to Batteries Urmston and Morris did not feature a paint, 

asphalt emulsion, or another darkly hued surface treatment (Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, Engineer 

Research and Development Center).
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

1944 Rail Line

BATTERY

URMSTON

U. S. Coast

Guard

Reservation

U. S. Coast

Guard

Reservation

U. S. Coast

Guard

Housing

Electric

Transformer

#6

#5

#4

#3 #2 #1

#4

Battery Urmston

Treatment Plan Toe of Engineered Slope

UR-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views

UR-11: Replace wood-slat fence

UR-6: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

UR-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh

UR-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh

UR-4: Remove woody vegetation

six-feet north of the fence, typ.

UR-5: Construct new

visitor access trail

UR-6: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

UR-7: Repair and

secure doors

UR-7: Repair and

secure doors

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

UR-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete features

UR-8: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks

UR-9: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration

UR-10: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

Drawing 5.1

BATTERY MORRIS,

SEE DRAWING 5.2

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment

TREATMENT

355 

BATTERY MORRIS (LCS SH-539) 

The Army completed construction of Battery Morris in 1903 as a small-caliber, 

rapid-fire supplement to adjacent batteries Urmston and Engle. The four gun 

emplacements built at Battery Morris remained unarmed until 1909. In 1920, the 

fire from Battery Morris was directed by a newly constructed coincidence range 

finder located near its eastern end (Figure 5.29). This battery remained in service 

throughout World War II, and was disarmed in 1946. 

Battery Morris survives in a greatly deteriorated condition (Figure 5.30). Dense 

growth of vines and trees makes access difficult and blocks downrange views 

(Figure 5.31). The presence of leaf litter and plant debris perpetuate a damp 

environment hastening deterioration of concrete and metal surfaces. A wooden 

non-historic fence, apparently located here for reasons of safety, has deteriorated 

beyond repair. Concrete surfaces display widespread spalling, and metal fixtures 

such as handrails and door and window hardware are severely corroded. 

TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

MO-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

The existing topography of Battery Morris suggests that the north-facing 

engineered slopes of both Batteries Morris and Urmston were considered as a 

single element during the construction process to create a continuous protective 

feature. Since there is no discernable break or interruption in the landform, it is 

difficult to prescribe a line that divides the engineered earthworks of the two 

batteries. Considering the earthen shielding protecting both batteries as a single 

unit, the area subjected to selective vegetation removal is approximately 1.2 acres. 

Within this area, trees greater than four inches diameter at breast height should 

be carefully removed. The purpose of this recommendation is two-fold. First, 

smaller trees to not present as much canopy exposure to the wind, and are of less 

risk in toppling and displacing the engineered landform during a wind storm. 

Second, large trees were not permitted to obstruct the battery field of fire during 

the historic period. Managing vegetation to discourage the growth of large trees, 

while encouraging the growth of smaller trees and shrubs is historically accurate, 

and will perpetuate historic downrange views critical to interpreting the historic 

function of the historic batteries to visitors (Drawing 5.2, scope of treatment). 

Removed woody vegetation should be chipped and any remaining debris should 

be removed from the park and legally disposed. Both deciduous and evergreen 

stumps must be carefully treated with a triclopyr herbicide to prevent resprouting 

according to label directions. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

356 

MO-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

Battery Morris has a large amount of woody vegetation growing directly upon its 

concrete gun platforms, including dense stands of hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) 

along the south face of the structure. The vegetation, taking root in accumulated 

leaf litter and sprouting from voids and cracks in the concrete, threatens the 

long-term preservation of the battery and must be removed. In addition to the 

battery structure, the freestanding range finding station nearby should have all 

woody vegetation growing within four-feet removed. The vegetation removals 

around the range finding station will begin to return this structure to the 

prominent, open setting it once occupied. 

Both deciduous and evergreen stumps must be carefully treated with a triclopyr 

herbicide to prevent resprouting according to label directions. After the root 

system has deteriorated, the stumps should be carefully removed and appropriate 

concrete repairs undertaken. 

MO-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views 

North of Battery Morris’s engineered slope, the topography rises up to a height 

comparable to the gun platforms. After vegetation has been removed from the 

engineered slope and concrete structure, views from the battery to the water 

should be evaluated. Selectively clearing may be necessary since the ground level 

elevation of certain trees would be close to the elevation of the gun positions. 

MO-4: Remove all woody vegetation six-feet north of the U. S. Coast Guard 

perimeter fence 

The U. S. Coast Guard perimeter fence runs south of Battery Urmston and 

continues east past Battery Morris. The fence is a six-foot high chain-link topped 

with barbed wire. The north side of the fence, closest to Battery Morris, is 

becoming overrun with ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima), Virginia creeper 

(Parthenocissus quinquefolia), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), and honey 

locust saplings (Gleditsia triacanthos). If not treated and maintained, this area will 

soon be impassable. Also observed between the fence and Battery Morris is yard 

waste, most likely from the nearby Coast Guard properties. Managing a six-foot 

width of vegetation along the fence improves security, provides easier access for 

future maintenance work at the batteries, and demonstrates to abutters that the 

National Park Service is a responsible neighbor. Once the large woody 

vegetation has been removed, the six-foot width can be easily maintained with a 

small tractor and brush hog mowing deck. 
TREATMENT

357 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

MO-5: Rehabilitate existing road trace as visitor access trail 

During the historic period, a road paralleled Battery Morris’s south facade and 

provided access for personnel and delivery of ammunition. Today, the road is 

present as a variable-width trace north of the Coast Guard perimeter fence. The 

asphalt surface of the road contains numerous large cracks and is in poor 

condition. Large woody vegetation is growing in the cracks and makes visitor 

and staff access to Battery Morris difficult. In conjunction with removing 

vegetation north of the perimeter fence, the park should rehabilitate the road 

trace for access to the battery. Large woody vegetation emerging from the 

roadbed should be removed along with the deteriorated asphalt surface. After 

removing the asphalt, the exposed base course should be compacted. If the base 

course contains clay, organic matter, and other material that would not provide a 

stable surface, the existing base course should be removed and replaced with a 

hard, durable stone aggregate. A new asphalt surface should be installed over the 

base course with the width and alignment matching the existing roadbed. 

MO-6: Repair and secure doors and grating to prevent unauthorized access 

Based on field observations in January 2009, the doors on the south side of 

Battery Morris appeared to be in good to fair condition (Figure 5.32). 

Accumulated leaf litter and debris should be removed from the front of the doors 

in order to remove a source of moisture that will accelerate corrosion. 

MO-7: Replace wood guard panels on gun platforms 

At the eastern most gun platform of Battery Morris, wood guard panels have been 

installed due to the difference in elevation between the platform levels. The 

panels are constructed from two-by-fours, and have peeling, maroon paint 

(Figure 5.33). 

Metal pipe railing was historically used for safety railing on coastal batteries while 

wood was generally limited to light framing, doors, windows, decking, and 

siding.24 The wood panels are not a historic feature and do not comply with 

safety codes due to the excessive space between the rails and cross brace. The 

wood guard panels should be removed and great care should be exercised not to 

damage the historic concrete structures removing fasteners that secured the 

wood to the concrete. 

Presently the vegetation growing close to and on the battery provides more of a 

barrier to access than the wood panels. After vegetation removal and if the park 

intends to open Battery Morris to the public, wherever judged appropriate, the 

park should add pipe rail safety railings with metal mesh infill panels as discussed 

in the general treatment guidelines. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

358 

MO-8: Replace wood picket fence north and east of battery 

Similar to the wood guard panels, a wood picket fence was installed at Battery 

Morris to the north and east of the eastern most gun platform. The fence is 

painted maroon and appears to be in place to keep people from walking up the 

eastern historic earthwork and falling into the gun platform (Figure 5.34). 

The fence is not a historic feature and conveys a false sense of security. Only a 

little force would need to be applied to topple the fence. The entire length of 

fence should be removed and great care should be exercised not to damage the 

historic concrete structures removing fasteners that secured the wood to the 

concrete. Great care should also be exercised not to damage the historic 

earthwork north of the battery when posts are removed. Any depressions left 

from the posts should be filled with soil from a sterile source that does not have 

the potential to damage archaeological information. 25 If there is concern about 

safety in the vicinity of Battery Morris, the existing deteriorated wooden fencing 

can be replaced with chain-link fence similar to that used elsewhere at Sandy 

Hook’s battery sites. 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

MO-9: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks 

The extent of concrete deterioration was not clear in the field due to the amount 

of vegetation on structure. After vegetation removals and following the 

procedures highlighted in the general treatment recommendations, spalling 

concrete surfaces and cracks should be repaired. 

MO-10: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Like Battery Urmston, historic photographs indicate that Battery Morris did not 

have paint, asphalt emulsion, or another dark colored surface treatment (see 

Figure 5.28). After concrete surface defects have been repaired, two options are 

possible to seal horizontal concrete surfaces without creating a non-historic 

appearance. First, penetrating sealers could be used with the understanding that 

to achieve the best protection, they should be applied every few years. The other 

option, providing a more durable coating, is to apply bitumen with light-colored 

gravel laid into the coating. The gravel should match the color of the existing 

concrete. At Battery Morris, approximately 1,580 square feet of concrete will 

need a surface coating. 

MO-11: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of 

Battery Morris. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 
TREATMENT

359 

severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

360 

TABLE 5.2: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, BATTERY MORRIS

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

MO-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

MO-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

MO-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic 

downrange views 1 – high priority for action 

MO-4: Remove all woody vegetation sixfeet north of the U. S. Coast Guard 

perimeter fence 

 1 – high priority for action 

MO-5: Rehabilitate existing road trace as 

visitor access trail 

A trail needs to be established on 

the south side of the battery in 

order to provide access for 

routine maintenance, 

implementing other treatment 

tasks, and visitor access. 

1 – high priority for action 

MO-6: Repair and secure doors and grating 

to prevent unauthorized access 1 – high priority for action 

MO-7: Replace wood guard panels on gun 

platforms 

Coordinate with future plans to 

open battery site to public 

visitation 

2 – plan for future action 

MO-8: Replace wood picket fence north 

and east of battery 

Coordinate with future plans to 

open battery site to public 

visitation 

2 – plan for future action 

MO-9: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks 1 – high priority for action 

MO-10: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

MO-11: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 
361 

Treatment

Figure 5.29. Coincidence range finder station, Battery Morris, circa 1920. Note the open character of the 

adjacent landscape. Woody vegetation should be removed within four feet of the freestanding structure 

(GATE 7893). 

Figure 5.30. View looking northeast at Battery Morris. This image 

shows dense stands of hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) growing 

directly along the south face of the concrete structure (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

362

Figure 5.32. View looking northwest at south facade, Battery Morris. Accumulated leaf litter and debris 

should be removed from the front of the doors in order to remove a source of moisture that accelerates 

corrosion (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.31. Large hackberry growing in the accumulated leaf litter on 

top of Battery Morris (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
363 

Treatment

Figure 5.33. Wood guard panels at Battery Morris. The wood panels are not a historic feature and do 

not comply with safety codes due to the excessive space between the rails and cross brace. The wood 

guard panels should be removed and great care should be exercised not to damage the historic concrete 

structures removing fasteners that secured the wood to the concrete (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.34. Wood picket fence on top of Battery Morris. The entire length of the pictured nonhistoric fence should be removed. Great care should be exercised not to damage the historic concrete 

structures and the historic earthwork north of the battery when the posts are removed (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

364
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

DRAWN BY

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

U. S. Coast

Guard

Housing

U. S. Coast

Guard

Reservation

BATTERY

MORRIS

#3 #2 #1

Coincidence Range

Finding Station

#4

#2 #1

Battery Morris

Treatment Plan

MO-3: Remove Vegetation Blocking Historic Downrange Views

MO-8: Replace wood fence

MO-7: Replace wood guard panels

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

MO-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete features

MO-9: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks

MO-10: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration

MO-11: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

MO-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh

MO-1: Remove woody

vegetation on

engineered slopes

greater than 4” dbh

MO-4: Remove woody vegetation

six-feet north of the fence, typ.

MO-4: Remove woody vegetation

six-feet north of the fence, typ.

MO-5: Rehabilitate existing road trace MO-5: Rehabilitate existing road trace

MO-6: Repair and secure doors

Drawing 5.2

BATTERY URMSTON,

SEE DRAWING 5.1

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location

Scope of Treatment

TREATMENT

367 

BATTERIES ENGLE AND PECK (SH-189A AND SH-180) 

Although batteries Engle and Peck each have their own individual histories, 

because they lay immediately adjacent, they are considered together for the 

purpose of this cultural landscape report. The Army constructed and armed 

Battery Engle in 1898 with a single five-inch gun. The non-standard five-inch gun 

was deemed obsolete and the emplacement was disarmed in 1918. A 

rangefinding station was soon constructed over the former gun emplacement in 

1920, directing the fire of nearby Battery Peck (Figure 5.35). 

Battery Peck was completed and armed in 1903, joining Batteries Urmston, 

Morris and Engle in defending the shipping channel directly offshore Sandy 

Hook’s northern extremity. Battery Peck’s original armament consisted of two 6-

inch barbette mount guns shielded with semi-circular armor plating. Owing to its 

ability to fire rapidly, Battery Peck’s guns were removed used to replace the 

slower operating armament at Battery Gunnison in 1943 during World War II. 

Battery Peck was in turn refitted four with “Dual-Purpose” guns capable of 

engaging either aircraft or surface ships at a high rate of fire, and was 

redesignated as “Battery Number 8.” The former Battery Peck site served 

throughout World War II, and was disarmed in 1946. 26

Batteries Engle and Peck survive in deteriorated condition. Downrange views 

from gun emplacements and range finder stations have been blocked by the 

growth of woody vegetation (Figures 5.36 and 5.37). Accumulation of 

windblown sand, organic matter and the growth of vines and other plants hinder 

access throughout the battery site. Concrete surfaces display widespread 

spalling, and metal fixtures such as handrails and door and window hardware are 

severely corroded. 

TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

EN/PE-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing 

on engineered slopes 

The existing topography of the Battery Engle and Peck site suggests that the 

engineered slopes and terrain of both batteries Engle and Peck were considered 

as a single element during the construction process to create a continuous 

protective feature. Since there is no discernable break or interruption in the 

landform, it is difficult to prescribe a line that divides the engineered earthworks 

of the two batteries. Within this area, trees greater than four inches diameter at 

breast height should be carefully removed. The purpose of this recommendation 

is two-fold. First, smaller trees do not present as much canopy to the wind, and 

are of less risk in toppling and displacing the historic landform during a storm. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

368 

Second, large trees were not permitted to obstruct the battery field of fire during 

the historic period. Managing vegetation to discourage the growth of large trees, 

while encouraging the growth of smaller trees and shrubs is historically accurate, 

and will perpetuate historic downrange views critical to interpreting the historic 

function of the batteries to visitors (Drawing 5.3, scope of treatment). Removed 

woody vegetation should be chipped and any remaining debris should be 

removed from the park and legally disposed. Both deciduous and evergreen 

stumps must be carefully treated with a triclopyr herbicide to prevent resprouting 

according to label directions. 

EN/PE-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of 

concrete features 

Unmanaged vegetation on batteries Engle and Peck has grown to a considerable 

size and threatens to further deteriorate the historic battery’s concrete features. 

Vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete features should be 

removed. As highlighted previously in the treatment tasks common to all battery 

sites, both deciduous and evergreen stumps should be treated with a triclopyr 

herbicide to prevent resprouting and accelerate root decay. After the root 

systems deteriorate, the stumps should be carefully removed to the greatest 

extent practicable and appropriate concrete repairs should be made. 

EN/PE-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views 

North of Battery Engle and Peck’s engineered slope, the topography of the 

adjacent dunes rises up to a height comparable to the gun platforms. After 

vegetation has been removed from the immediacy of the engineered slopes and 

concrete structures, downrange views from the batteries Engle and Peck to the 

water should be evaluated. Selectively clearing may be necessary since the ground 

level elevation of certain trees would be close to the elevation of the gun positions. 

EN/PE-4: Remove vegetation blocking access to rear of Battery Peck 

During the historic period, North Bragg Drive turned west past Nine Gun Battery 

and paralleled the south facade Battery Peck. The south facade provided access 

for personnel and ammunition and located opposite the firing direction of the 

artillery, served as the rear of the battery. The rear of Battery Peck was kept free 

of vegetation to expedite deliveries and changes in personnel (Figure 5.38). 

Today the area between the rear of Battery Peck and North Bragg Drive is filled 

with dense vegetation and is nearly impassable (Figure 5.39). In order to provide 

staff and visitor access, the vegetation growing between North Bragg Drive and 

the rear of Battery Peck should be removed. Removing the vegetation also 

rehabilitates the rear of Battery Peck to resemble the open character present 

during the battery’s years of operation. 
TREATMENT

369 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

EN/PE-5: Close social trail and improve eroded pathway east of battery 

East of Battery Engle, a social trail winds up an engineered slope and connects to 

a series of trails around Battery Peck that lead to the observation platform. 

Although a spilt-rail fence has been installed, users have worn a path that 

squeezes between the fence and the historic structure (see Figure 5.36). In order 

to protect the historic engineered earthwork and limit potential erosion, the 

social trail should be closed. Low-growing native shrubs should be planted at the 

top and bottom of the trail to block access. Additional information on 

appropriate species and installing erosion control materials is presented in the 

treatment tasks common to all battery sites section. 

EN/PE-6: Install new split-rail fence around observation platform and direct 

pedestrian circulation via a new trail to the North Pond. 

Due to Battery Peck’s current hazardous conditions, a chain-link fence restricts 

visitor access to the structure from North Bragg Drive. Visitors arrive at batteries 

Engle and Peck by following an unpaved road to the observation platform and 

then heading south along a series of social trails to the batteries (Drawing 5.3). 

The social trails trod across the batteries’ engineered earthworks and lead visitors 

to structures that have not been rehabilitated for public access. 

In order to curtail unauthorized access to the batteries, preserve the engineered 

earthworks, and provide visitors with a continuous route to other attractions at 

the park, a new split-rail fence should be installed around the observation 

platform and a new trail established that unites with the existing trail to the North 

Pond. Split-rail fence is currently in place north of the observation platform to 

direct pedestrians and protect natural resource areas. Additional fencing should 

clearly define a space around the observation platform and contain an opening at 

the head of the new trail. The trail should proceed north of the engineered 

earthworks and gradually descend a steep slope before uniting with the existing 

trail to the North Pond (Drawing 5.3). After vegetation and battery structure 

tasks are completed, visitors should access batteries Engle and Peck from North 

Bragg Drive. This route allows visitors to approach the batteries in the same 

manner as soldiers did during the historic period. 

EN/PE-7: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety railings 

At batteries Engle and Peck, metal handrails line the steps that provided access 

from the ground level to the batteries. Metal guardrails are also installed near the 

open sides of elevated areas such as gun platforms (Figure 5.40). Metal railings in 

fair condition with visible rust should be chemically treated, primed, and painted 

to match the historic finish. Damaged or severely deteriorated railings should be 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

370 

removed and replaced with new components that match the original as close as 

possible. Additional information on metal treatments and adding infill or applied 

materials to comply with life safety codes can be found in the treatment tasks 

common to all battery sites. 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

EN/PE-8: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

In addition to the repair work needed for the metal guardrails and handrails, 

Battery Peck has a metal antenna and mounting brackets that attached it to the 

commander’s station (Figure 5.41). 

This specific metal fixture is not present at the other batteries. A measured 

drawing of the antenna and brackets should be prepared to document these 

features. At a later date, these components may need to be replaced and 

fabricated based on the measured drawings. 

The existing corrosion should be removed or made inert with a chemical 

treatment and immediately followed with priming and painting to match the 

historic finish.27

ENPE-9: Repair and secure doors and grating to prevent unauthorized access 

Existing metal doors at batteries Engle and Peck should be inventoried and 

evaluated to determine a proper level of treatment. Minor corrosion and 

replacing small functional or decorative components should be performed with 

the door in place. If a component is damaged or severely deteriorated, it 

should be removed and repaired at an off-site shop or newly fabricated to 

match the existing. Additional information on repairing and securing doors can 

be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 

EN/PE-10: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

Concrete surfaces at batteries Engle and Peck exhibit spalling areas and cracks 

resulting from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. In order to limit further 

damage to the concrete, spalling surfaces should be removed, mechanically 

cleaned, and patched to match the character of the historic material. Small cracks 

should be dried and prepared to receive a sealant that is compatible with the 

character of the historic concrete. The treatment of large, structural cracks 

should be determined by a structural engineer. Additional information 

addressing the repair of spalling areas and cracks can be found in the treatment 

tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation 

Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 
TREATMENT

371 

EN/PE-11: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water 

infiltration 

In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete structures at 

batteries Engle and Peck, a surface coating should be applied to the horizontal 

surfaces. Application of a surface coating must occur after spalling and cracked 

concrete surfaces are repaired and defected surfaces that collect and pool 

rainwater are corrected. Additional information penetrating sealers and surface 

sealers can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. At Battery 

Engle, approximately 415 square feet of concrete should be sealed. The area to 

be sealed at Battery Peck is approximately 4,100 square feet. 

EN/PE-12: Remove metal trailer and section of 12-foot chain-link fence 

West of Battery Peck and in close proximity to the CRF station (Battery Engle), 

the Army set a communications trailer for the NIKE system (Figure 5.42). As 

recently as 1990, a map of Battery Peck indicated in addition to the trailer, a 

twelve-foot high chain-link fence topped with barbed wire surrounded much of 

the trailer and observation deck. 

Based on field observations in January 2009, only a small portion of the chainlink fence remains. The fence is overrun with Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera 

japonica) and other vines and the trailer is a frequent target for graffiti. Although 

the NIKE system is part of the coastal defenses deployed throughout Sandy 

Hook’s history, the location of the trailer and fence so close to Battery Peck 

detract from understanding the spatial relationship of the gun emplacements, 

commander’s station, CRF station, and the water in the distance. The trailer and 

section of fence should be removed to improve and visual and spatial connection 

of these elements. 

Prior to removing the trailer, the structure should be thoroughly documented 

including its interior configuration, remaining equipment, and any surviving 

papers. Removing the trailer should be accomplished by disassembling it and 

carrying pieces out via the trail to the observation deck. Large machinery should 

not be brought in the vicinity of the trailer as machinery will have the potential to 

damage Battery Peck’s historic concrete structures and earthworks. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

372 

TABLE 5.3: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, BATTERIES ENGLE AND PECK

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

EN/PE-1: Remove woody vegetation 

greater than four-inches diameter growing 

on engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-3: Remove vegetation blocking 

historic downrange views 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-4: Remove vegetation blocking 

access to rear of Battery Peck 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-5: Close social trail and improve 

eroded pathway east of battery 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-6: Install new split-rail fence around 

observation platform and direct pedestrian 

circulation via a new trail to the North Pond. 

 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-7: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety 

railings 

Can be implemented as part of a 

multiple battery or park-wide 

battery project 

2 – plan for future action 

EN/PE-8: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 

EN/PE-9: Repair and secure doors and 

grating to prevent unauthorized access 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-10: Stabilize spalling concrete 

surfaces 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-11: Repair and seal horizontal 

concrete surfaces to reduce water 

infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

EN/PE-12: Remove metal trailer and 

section of 12-foot chain-link fence 2 – plan for future action 
373 

Treatment

Figure 5.35. Batteries Engle and Peck circa 1920. The battery commander’s station for Battery Peck is seen in 

the foreground. The low concrete structure seen in the background is the coincidence range finder station 

built into the former gun emplacement of Battery Engle in 1920. Note the low-growing vegetation in this 

photograph, making possible downrange views and effective operation of the batteries (GATE 7892).

Figure 5.36. View looking northwest at Battery Engle (CRF Station Peck). Although a split-rail fence has 

been installed as a safety measure, park visitors have trod a path that squeezes between the fence and the 

historic structure. Low-growing native shrubs should be planted at the top and bottom of the trail to block 

access (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

374

Figure 5.37. Blocked downrange view looking northwest from the Battery Peck battery commander’s 

station. Blocked views such as these may be readily reestablished by selectively removing out-of-scale 

woody vegetation. Views to the water from coastal batteries are critical in understanding the historic 

purpose and operation of the coastal defense system (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.38. View looking northwest at Battery Peck, circa 1905-10. The south facade or rear of the battery 

provided access for personnel and ammunition and was kept free of vegetation to expedite those functions 

(Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
375 

Treatment

Figure 5.39. View looking northwest at Battery Peck. Today the area south of Battery Peck is filled with 

dense vegetation and is nearly impassable. Existing vegetation should be removed to resemble the 

open character present during the battery’s years of operation and to improve access (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009). 

Figure 5.40. View of historic guardrail south of emplacement #1, Battery Peck. Severely deteriorated 

railing components, such as the vertical post in the foreground, should be removed and replaced with 

new components that match the original as close as possible. Final painting or a color-galvanized 

coating should match the historic railing paint finish (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

376

Figure 5.41. View of northwest facade of Battery Peck’s commander station. The metal antenna and 

mounting brackets are features of this structure and should be preserved or replaced in kind. Measured 

drawings should be prepare to document these features followed by corrosion treatment, priming, and 

painting to match the historic finish (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.42. View looking north at a post World War II trailer located near Batteries Peck and Engle. The 

trailer is in a seriously deteriorated condition and, along with an accompanying section of fence, should 

be removed to improve the visual and spatial connection among Battery Peck’s gun emplacements, 

commander station, CRF station, and the water in the distance (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Fence

BATTERY PECK

BATTERY

ENGLE

#1

Battery

Commander’s

Station

Wayside

Drainage

Structure

Observation

Platform

Trailer

#2

Trail to North Pond

NORTH BRAGG DRIVE

Batteries Engle and Peck

Treatment Plan

EN/PE-11: Repair & seal

concrete surfaces

EN/PE-5: Close trail and

improve eroded path

EN/PE-5: Close trail and

improve eroded path

Connect to

North Pond

trail

EN/PE-12: Remove trailer

and chain-link fence

EN/PE-6: Install new

split-rail fence

EN/PE-6: Install new split-rail fence and

direct pedestrian circulation via new

trail to the North Pond. 

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

EN/PE-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete features

EN/PE-10: Stabilize spalling concrete surface 

EN/PE-4: Remove vegetation blocking access

EN/PE-9: Repair and secure doors

EN/PE-8: Repair and

repaint metal fixtures

EN/PE-7: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings 

EN/PE-7: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings 

EN/PE-1: Remove woody

vegetation on

engineered slopes

greater than 4” dbh

EN/PE-1: Remove woody

vegetation on

engineered slopes

greater than 4” dbh

Drawing 5.3

EN/PE-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment

TREATMENT

379 

NINE GUN BATTERY (SH-181) 

The Army began construction of what has become known as Nine Gun Battery in 

1897, the project built astride the curtain walls of an incomplete five-sided granite 

fort begun in the 1850s. Three gun emplacements were completed and armed in 

1898 with 10-inch caliber guns mounted on counterweight carriages. Four 

additional gun emplacements were completed in 1899 and armed in 1900 when it 

became commonly known as Seven Gun Battery, yet officially designated as 

Battery Halleck. Two additional gun emplacements were completed south of the 

existing arrangement of gun positions in 1902 and later armed in 1904 (Figure 

5.43 and cover of report). Improvements to naval artillery eventually provided 

ships at sea with guns of greater range and destructive force than the coastal 

artillery mounted at Fort Hancock’s Nine Gun Battery. Obsolete before the end 

of World War II, maps of the post drawn in 1944 indicate that at that time, the 

armament at the Nine Gun Battery had been dismantled.28 

Among the most visually prominent and accessible of Sandy Hook’s coastal 

defense sites, the Nine Gun Battery has been the subject of several stabilization 

efforts during National Park Service stewardship. Despite these efforts, the Nine 

Gun Battery continues to share common issues with other battery sites 

throughout Sandy Hook. These include spalling and deteriorating concrete 

surfaces, including unsafe concrete walkways where concrete has fallen away, 

leaving only a lattice-work of corroded reinforcing steel; woody vegetation 

actively growing in expansion joints between concrete surfaces. Metal 

handrailings at the Nine Gun Battery are in fair to good condition due to recent 

maintenance, however, corrosion is present in this marine environment and there 

are many instances of corroded metal fixtures including safety railings and metal 

doors and windows. Unmanaged growth of young trees, vines, and other woody 

vegetation on the engineered earthwork obscures downrange views and masks 

the presence of social trails, animal burrows, and other instances of erosion and 

disturbance (Figure 5.44). 

TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

9G-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

A mixture of vegetation presently grows on the engineered earthwork at Nine 

Gun Battery including native and non-native vines and groundcovers, grasses, 

shrubs, and large woody vegetation. Large woody vegetation defines any 

deciduous or evergreen tree that has a trunk size greater than four-inches 

diameter at breast height. Given this size, a tree that topples over due to wind, 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

380 

rain, snow, or ice is likely to damage a portion of the engineered earthwork. 

Additionally, the tree roots can damage the concrete structures below the 

protective earthwork. In order to protect the historic earthwork, woody 

vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast height should be 

selectively removed and the stumps treated with a triclopyr herbicide. Further 

information on vegetation removals and treatment can be found in the treatment 

tasks common to all battery sites. 

9G-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

At Nine Gun Battery, woody vegetation is growing in close proximity to concrete 

structures and is also emerging from spalling areas, cracks, and where leaf litter 

and debris have accumulated (see Figure 5.44). The existing woody vegetation is 

either causing or has the potential to cause structural concrete problems. Given 

the harmful effect of woody vegetation in this situation, all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete features should be removed. After 

removing the woody material, both deciduous and evergreen stumps should be 

treated with a triclopyr herbicide. Additional information on removing woody 

vegetation growing near and on structures can be found in the treatment tasks 

common to all battery sites. 

9G-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views 

Unobstructed views were necessary from the artillery and battery commander’s 

stations at Nine Gun Battery in order to have a clear field of fire and to locate and 

acquire the range of potential targets (Figure 5.45). After removing woody 

vegetation growing on the engineered earthwork and from the battery structure 

itself, the resulting downrange views to the water must be evaluated. In some 

instances tall, individual woody vegetation that blocks the view shed should be 

identified and removed. Further information on managing vegetation for 

downrange views can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

9G-4: Remove phragmites (Phragmites sp.) from gun platform wells 

The gun platforms at Nine Gun Battery feature concentric steps that lead to a 

lower level and a circular well in which the artillery was emplaced. Over time, 

water and organic debris have accumulated in several wells and colonies of 

phragmites (Phragmites sp.) have emerged. 

Similar to the woody vegetation growing on the concrete structures, the 

phragmites threatens to further degrade the historic battery’s concrete and 

should be removed. In addition, the phragmites distracts from the interpretive 

goal of opening sections of Nine Gun Battery to visitors and conveying the 

purpose and intent of this coastal defense system (Figure 5.46). 
TREATMENT

381 

Since phragmites reproduces vegetatively, some mechanical control methods 

such as mowing, disking, and cutting can actually increase its spread. If 

phragmites is cut just after tasseling—usually before the end of July—most of the 

food reserves produced that season are removed with the aerial portion of the 

plant thereby reducing the plant’s vigor. 

In addition to timely cutting and removal of the culms, the remaining stems 

should be treated with a hand-swiped application of a glyphosate herbicide. The 

phragmites will need to be monitored and the process repeated for several 

seasons until the stand is removed.29

After the phragmites has been successfully removed, the circular wells at each 

gun platform should be inspected, cleaned out if debris has built up, and 

monitored to prevent the future accumulation of water and debris. If a drain in 

the gun well is failing and causing water and debris to collect, the structure 

should be cleaned out. Drainage lines should be flushed with pressurized water 

(150 psi) to remove any accumulated debris. Additional repairs, improvements, 

and supplements to the existing historic drainage system should be designed by a 

qualified engineer advised by a historical architect. 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

9G-5: Repair and secure doors and grating to prevent unauthorized access 

The existing metal doors and grates at Nine Gun Battery have been inventoried 

and evaluated by park staff to determine a proper level of treatment (Figures 5.47 

and 5.48). Missing doors and grates are presently being fabricated as part of 

opening Nine Gun Battery for visitor access. In addition to off-site fabrication, 

repairing minor corrosion and replacing small functional or decorative 

components should be performed with the door in place. Additional information 

on repairing and securing doors can be found in the treatment tasks common to 

all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook

(Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 

9G-6: Install chain-link fence outside cantilevered structure at gun platforms #5 

through #7 to mitigate hazards 

As covered previously, door and window openings will require repaired elements 

or to otherwise be properly secured to prevent unauthorized access inside the 

battery. After this has been completed, the existing chain-link fence to the rear 

(land-side) of the Nine Gun Battery should be removed making it possible for 

visitors to walk about the ground level of the batteries. 

Between gun platforms #5 and #7, a new chain-link fence should be installed 

outside a cantilevered structure to protect visitors (Drawing 5.4). This 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

382 

component of the batteries will not be accessible to visitors from the gun 

platform level and it is possible that material from above could injure a visitor on 

the ground level. 

9G-7: Rehabilitate metal stairs and handrails from ground level to gun platforms 

#1 and #2 

The next six treatment tasks for Nine Gun Battery address topics raised in the 

Nine Gun Battery Visitor Access Plan. Many of the topics, such as rehabilitating 

handrails, are discussed for multiple batteries at Sandy Hook and should be 

included as part of the specific tasks for Nine Gun. 

The Visitor Access Plan proposes to open gun platforms #1, #2, and #9. These 

three platforms will be accessible from the ground level and a pedestrian route 

between platforms #2 and #9 will be provided across the terreplein. 

In order to access platforms #1, handrails should be installed on the existing 

concrete ramp (Figure 5.49). The ramp already has escutcheon plates on its 

outside edge. The escutcheons should be inspected and have their fasteners 

tightly secured or new fastening hardware installed. If the plates are not in good 

condition, a new handrail should be installed that is core drilled into the ramp’s 

concrete structure. 

The new handrail components should match the original pipe railings and ball 

joint connectors at Nine Gun. To reduce future maintenance requirements, the 

new handrails should be finished with a color-galvanized coating that matches 

the historic paint finish. The color-galvanized coating, especially in a waterfront 

setting, will last longer and require less maintenance than traditional prime and 

paint finishes. 

In addition to the concrete ramp, individual metal stairs lead directly to gun 

platforms #1 and #2. Damaged or severely deteriorated treads and stringers 

should be removed and replaced with new components that match the original. 

The joints and connections should be inspected and properly tightened and 

secured. Corrosion should be removed or made inert with a chemical treatment 

and immediately followed with priming and painting to match the historic finish. 

For both the concrete ramp and metal stair handrails, wire mesh panels should be 

added to the existing openings to provide a higher level of protection. The mesh 

should have a matte black finish or coating that will recede in front of the batteries. 

9G-8: Construct handrails on existing concrete stairs from gun platforms #1 and 

#2 to terreplein 

Visitors will access the terreplein from gun platforms #1 and #2 via existing 

concrete stairs north of each gun emplacement (Drawing 5.4). The stairs should 
TREATMENT

383 

have new handrails added with a mesh infill on their outside edge. There is 

approximately ten-feet of elevation difference between the gun platform level 

and terreplein. Due to this change in elevation, the handrails need to have mesh 

infill in order to act like a guardrail and provide a greater level of visitor 

protection. 

The new handrails should be installed by core drilling into the steps’ concrete 

structure and should match the original pipe railings and ball joint connectors at 

Nine Gun. Each vertical member should be fitted with an escutcheon plate to 

match the existing. To reduce future maintenance requirements, the new 

handrails should be finished with a color-galvanized coating that matches the 

historic paint finish. 

9G-9: Install boardwalk at perimeter of terreplein forward slope for access 

between gun platform #2 to gun platform #9 

As presented in the Nine Gun Battery Visitor Access Plan, the visitor route 

between gun platforms #2 and #9 will be on top of the terreplein. The terreplein 

will be marked with yellow paint to demarcate a six-foot wide route visitors 

should adhere to. 

The currently proposed visitor route between gun platforms #2 and #9 presents 

two problems. There is an approximate ten feet of elevation change between the 

terreplein and the gun platform level and no proposed protective measure to 

prevent an accident. In addition, there is no measure to prevent or discourage 

visitors from exiting the route and proceeding down the historic earthwork. 

Without some measure in place, visitors will develop trails down and across the 

historic earthwork and the foot traffic will damage this resource. 

In order to provide greater visitor safety and protect the historic earthwork, a 

boardwalk should be installed with simple pipe rail guards. The guards will 

indicate to visitors not to deviate from the boardwalk route and will be 

compatible with historic pipe railings currently in place (Figures 5.50 and 5.51). 

9G-10: Install wood stairway from terreplein level to gun platform #9 

Unlike gun platforms #1 and #2, there are no concrete stairs from the terreplein 

level to gun platform #9. In order to provide visitor access, a wood stairway 

should be constructed and installed. Wood construction was seldom used at the 

gun batteries and due to this fact, visitors will be better able to distinguish new, 

non-historic construction from the historic fabric (Drawing 5.4). 

The stairway should have uniform riser and tread dimensions with a maximum 

riser height of seven-inches and a minimum tread depth of eleven-inches. 

Guardrails and handrails need to be provided due to the ten-feet or more of 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

384 

elevation change. Finally the stairway should terminate on gun platform #9 in a 

direction that positions visitors’ path of travel away from the gun pit. 

9G-11: Rehabilitate concrete stairs and install handrails from gun platform #9 to 

ground level 

The final component to creating a pedestrian circulation loop across Nine Gun is 

to rehabilitate the concrete stairs in the west corner gun platform and install new 

handrails to the ground level (Drawing 5.4). After the vegetation removals have 

been completed, access to the stairs will be greatly improved. At this time, the 

existing concrete should be inspected and repairs made on any spalling or cracks. 

The stairs should have new handrails added with a mesh infill on their outside 

edge. The new handrails should be installed by core drilling into the steps’ 

concrete structure and should match the original pipe railings and ball joint 

connectors at Nine Gun. Each vertical member should be fitted with an 

escutcheon plate to match the existing. To reduce future maintenance 

requirements, the new handrails should be finished with a color-galvanized 

coating that matches the historic paint finish. 

9G-12: Provide picnic area at southern flank of Nine Gun Battery 

South of Nine Gun Battery, Parking Lot J provides a central location where 

visitors can leave their vehicles and walk to the North Beach area, Battery Potter, 

and Nine Gun. Around 2000, the park removed picnic grounds from the North 

Beach and is currently interested in establishing a new picnic area to address 

visitor demand. Between Nine Gun Battery and Lot J, a picnic area should be 

created at a node where recreation opportunities and historic resources meet 

(Drawing 5.4). 

The picnic area should be located south of Nine Gun’s engineered slope and 

large vegetation should remain between the picnic area and earthwork to 

discourage visitor access on the historic resource. Selective clearing will be 

needed to provide a sufficient open area for tables. 

9G-13: Eliminate existing social trail and construct new visitor trail from gun 

emplacement #8 toward North Pond 

Historic aerial photographs indicate that informal trails lead from Nine Gun 

Battery’s emplacements down the engineered earthwork to the surrounding land 

north and east of the battery. An existing social trail is present starting at 

emplacement #8 that traverses the earthwork below emplacements #8 and #9. 

The existing trail is steep, hastens erosion of the earthwork, and is dangerous for 

visitors to properly use. The existing social trail should be closed and revegetated 

and a better option provided for visitors wanting to connect to existing trails in 
TREATMENT

385 

the vicinity of the North Pond. Additional information on appropriate native 

species to block trail access and erosion control materials is presented in the 

treatment tasks common to all battery sites section. 

After the existing social trail has been closed and revegetated, a new trial should 

be constructed that follows shallower grades down the engineered earthwork. 

Cribbing, check dams, and other trail stabilizing features should be installed as 

needed to facilitate access and limit erosion. At the toe or bottom of the 

engineered slope, the trail should lead across relatively level ground and avoid 

existing depressions and dunes. The new trail should unite with the existing trail 

west of the North Pond (Drawing 5.4). 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

9G-14: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks 

The extent of concrete deterioration was not clear in the field due to the amount 

of vegetation on structure. After vegetation removals and following the 

procedures highlighted in the general treatment recommendations, spalling 

concrete surfaces and cracks should be repaired. 

9G-15: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Like Battery Urmston, historic photographs indicate that Battery Morris did not 

have paint, asphalt emulsion, or another dark colored surface treatment. After 

concrete surface defects have been repaired, two options are possible to seal 

horizontal concrete surfaces without creating a non-historic appearance. First, 

penetrating sealers could be used with the understanding that to achieve the best 

protection, they should be applied every few years. The other option, providing a 

more durable coating, is to apply bitumen with light-colored gravel laid into the 

coating. The gravel should match the color of the existing concrete. At Battery 

Morris, approximately 1,580 square feet of concrete will need a surface coating. 

9G-16: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of 

Nine Gun Battery (see Figure 5.48). Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible 

rust should be chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic 

finish. Damaged or severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and 

replaced with new components that match the original as close as possible. 

Additional information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety 

Railings section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the 

Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and 

Recreation Commission, 2003). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

386 

Interpretive Treatments 

9G-17: Restore section of railroad track and locate flatcar to interpret the 

handling of heavy ordnance and munitions 

When Sandy Hook’s gun batteries were operational, a railroad transported the 

large guns and their ordnance from docks located near the northern tip of the 

peninsula to the various batteries. Although present-day roads and trails have 

been constructed over some former rail lines, the location and importance of the 

railroad to coastal defenses has become difficult to perceive. In conjunction with 

plans to open the Nine Gun Battery to greater visitor access, an opportunity 

exists to restore a short section of railroad track and locate a flatcar upon it to 

interpret the transportation of shells and other heavy materials. 

South of gun platform #1, a rail line connected the docks to the west with the 

proving ground to the east. This section of track ran through an area west of the 

battery that had been used for overflow parking. The track continued east 

crossing the present-day Parking Lot J before terminating at the proving ground 

(Figure 5.52). 

Although the railroad bed and ties are not visible, the tracks do appear in a 

section of asphalt pavement west of Nine Gun (Figure 5.53). From this location, 

the tracks should be extended roughly eighty-feet east to meet Lot J and west into 

the field for a sufficient length to locate a flatcar. The park no longer plans to use 

the field for overflow parking and as a result, there will be no conflict between 

parking requirements and adding this interpretive element. Extending the tracks 

to Lot J will help to physically draw visitors to the interpretive display and reveal 

a small part of a historic transportation system that is largely obscured. 

9G-18: Excavate and interpret exposed portions of the northeast bastion and 

curtain wall of the pre-existing granite fort 

Prior to Nine Gun Battery’s construction, a granite block-constructed fort 

occupied the northern end of Sandy Hook. Roughly trapezoidal in shape with 

projecting bastions at the northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest corners, 

the structure was known as the Fort at Sandy Hook. The Fort was constructed 

between 1859 and 1867, yet never completed as powerful rifled artillery made the 

brittle qualities of stone and brick masonry obsolete for future use in coastal 

defense sites.30

Construction began on Nine Gun in 1897 and the concrete battery structure was 

built over the pre-existing granite structure’s eastern wall (Figure 5.54). The 

layout and angled position of Nine Gun Battery’s northernmost two gun 

positions was not capricious, but matched the salient angle of the earlier granite 

fort (Figure 5.55).
TREATMENT

387 

North of gun platform #8, evidence can be seen of granite blocks that comprised 

the northeast bastion of the Fort (Figure 5.56). In consultation with a regional 

archaeologist, an extant section of the bastion should be excavated and exposed. 

With a piece of the granite fort revealed, the proposed Nine Gun Battery Visitor 

Access Plan should incorporate interpretation of this prior structure as part of the 

continuum of Sandy Hook’s coastal defenses. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

388 

TABLE 5.4: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, NINE GUN BATTERY

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

9G-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

9G-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

9G-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic 

downrange views 1 – high priority for action 

9G-4: Remove phragmites (Phragmites sp.) 

from gun platform wells 1 – high priority for action 

9G-5: Repair and secure doors and grating 

to prevent unauthorized access 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 

9G-6: Install chain-link fence outside 

cantilevered structure at gun platforms #5 

through #7 to mitigate hazards 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 

9G-7: Rehabilitate metal stairs and handrails 

from ground level to gun platforms #1 and 

#2 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 

9G-8: Construct handrails on existing 

concrete stairs from gun platforms #1 and 

#2 to terreplein 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 

9G-9: Install boardwalk at perimeter of 

terreplein forward slope for access between 

gun platform #2 to gun platform #9 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 

9G-10: Install wood stairway from 

terreplein level to gun platform #9 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 

9G-11: Rehabilitate concrete stairs and 

install handrails from gun platform #9 to 

ground level 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 

9G-12: Provide picnic area at southern flank 

of Nine Gun Battery 2 – plan for future action 

9G-13: Eliminate existing social trail and 

construct new visitor trail from gun position 

#8 to North Pond 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 

9G-14: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks 1 – high priority for action 

9G-15: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

9G-16: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 

9G-17: Restore section of railroad track and 

locate flatcar to interpret the handling of 

heavy ordnance and munitions 

3 – low priority 

9G-18: Excavate and interpret exposed 

portions of the northeast bastion and 

curtain wall of the pre-existing granite fort 

Coordinate with plans to open 

the battery for visitor access 1 – high priority for action 
389 

Treatment

Figure 5.43. Aerial photograph of Nine Gun Battery, January 1933. This photograph shows the engineered slope of Nine Gun Battery 

with limited vegetation. To protect the earthwork, all woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast height should 

selectively removed. The area north of Battery Alexander appears darker in this image because it is the north slope and in shadows 

(Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, Engineer Research and Development Center).

Figure 5.44. View looking west toward battery commander’s station Bloomfield, Nine Gun Battery. Eastern 

red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) have become established in the joints of the concrete terreplein and should 

be removed (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

390

Figure 5.45. Conceptual section through Nine Gun Battery. After vegetation is selectively 

removed from concrete structures and from engineered slopes, the historic downrange views 

from the battery commander’s station should be evaluated. The batteries could not defend New 

York Harbor if they did not have an unobstructed view to the water. Restoring the view and 

visual connection to the water is important in communicating the history and mission of these 

defenses to the public (Olmsted Center, 2009).

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’
391 

Treatment

Figure 5.46. View of phragmites in gun well #6, Nine Gun Battery. Phragmites should be cut just after 

tasseling and the remaining stems should be treated with a hand-swiped application of a glyphosate 

herbicide (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.47. View of failing metal door, Nine Gun Battery. Doors 

and windows should be properly mounted and locked to prevent 

unauthorized access to interior spaces. While the door in view may 

be repaired, when a door is damaged or severely deteriorated, a 

new door should be fabricated to match the existing in materials 

and finish (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

392

Figure 5.48. View of shell hoist metal door, Nine Gun Battery. Doors 

and windows should be properly mounted and locked to prevent 

unauthorized access. If a door is damaged or severely deteriorated, a 

new door should be fabricated to match the existing in materials and 

finish (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.49. View looking northwest at the concrete ramp to gun 

platform #1, Nine Gun Battery. New safety railings should be installed 

on the ramp to facilitate visitor access. The rails should either attach 

to the existing escutcheon plates or be core drilled into the ramp’s 

concrete structure. The new handrail components should match the 

original pipe railings and ball joint connectors at Nine Gun Battery to 

the greatest extent practicable (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
393 

Treatment

Figure 5.50. Conceptual section through Nine Gun Battery and boardwalk. In order to provide greater visitor safety and protect the 

historic earthwork, a boardwalk should be installed for visitor access across the terreplein (Olmsted Center, 2009).

Figure 5.51. Detail section of decking and handrails, 

Nine Gun Battery. The handrails will indicate to 

visitors not to deviate from the boardwalk route 

and will be compatible with the historic pipe railings 

currently in place (Olmsted Center, 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

394

Figure 5.52. Aerial photograph of Nine Gun Battery, January 1933. The red dashed line has been added to highlight the rail line 

from the docks to the proving ground. Two rail cars can be seen in the image. A section of track near Nine Gun should be restored 

and a flatcar located there to interpret the handling of heavy ordnance and munitions (Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, Engineer 

Research and Development Center).

Figure 5.53. View of extant railroad track, Nine Gun Battery. From this location, the tracks should be 

extended roughly eighty-feet east to meet parking lot J and west into the field for a sufficient length to 

locate a flatcar for interpretive purposes (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
395 

Treatment

Figure 5.54. Construction of Nine Gun Battery, 1897. The concrete battery structure was built over a Civil 

War-era granite block fort. The fort’s bastions can be seen in the image as the forming of the battery occurs 

over the fort’s eastern wall (GATE 7880).

Figure 5.55. Site plan of Fort Hancock, 1967. This plan shows the location of the mid-19th century granite 

fortress (dashed outline) in relation to Nine Gun Battery. A portion of the northeast curtain wall and bastion 

is visible above the ground surface, though greatly obscured by vegetation (Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 

Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

396

Figure 5.56. Portion of the northeast curtain wall belonging to the former granite fort. This large granite 

block is located north of gun platform #8. A longer section of the curtain wall and northeast bastion could 

be carefully exposed to help park visitors understand and appreciate the multiple layers of coastal defenses 

at Sandy Hook (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 30’ 60’ 120’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

1944 Rail Line

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Fence

Marsh

BATTERY

ALEXANDER

BATTERY

HALLECK

BATTERY

BLOOMFIELD

BATTERY

RICHARDSON

#9

Wayside Concrete pad

Utility

vault, typ.

NORTH BRAGG DRIVE

ATLANTIC DRIVE

Parking

Lot J

#8

NORTH POND

#7 #6 #5 #4 #3 #2 #1

Naturalized Area

North

Maintenance

B-156

B-130

B-157

Naturalized Area

Ruins of fog

horn building

Ruins

Nine Gun Battery

Treatment Plan

9G-13: Eliminate existing social

trail and construct new visitor trail

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

9G-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete features

9G-5: Repair and secure doors and grating to prevent unauthorized access

9G-14: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks

9G-15: Repair and seal concrete surfaces

9G-16: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

9G-4: Remove phragmites, typ.

9G-1: Remove woody

vegetation on

engineered slopes

greater than 4” dbh

9G-1: Remove woody

vegetation on

engineered slopes

greater than 4” dbh

9G-1: Remove woody

vegetation on

engineered slopes

greater than 4” dbh

9G-18: Excavate and

interpret exposed

portions of pre-existing

granite fort

9G-18: Excavate and

interpret exposed

portions of pre-existing

granite fort

9G-11: Rehabilitate concrete stairs

9G-10: Install wood stairway

9G-6: Install chain-link fence

Drawing 5.4

9G-17: Restore

section of

railroad track

and locate flatcar

9G-12: Provide

picnic area

9G-8: Construct handrails

9G-9: Install boardwalk

for access between gun

platform #2 to gun platform #9

9G-7: Rehabilitate metal stairs

and handrails from ground level

to gun platforms #1 and #2

9G-9: Install boardwalk

for access between gun

platform #2 to gun platform #9

9G-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment

TREATMENT

399 

BATTERY POTTER (SH-264) 

The Army began construction of “Lift-Gun Battery #1” in 1891 and the first of its 

two 12-inch guns was emplaced and test fired the following year. This unusual 

gun battery is the only example of a steam-powered hydraulic lift that raised the 

guns into firing position from behind a protective earth-shielded concrete 

fortification. This technology made possible a 360 degree field of fire. Masonry 

construction was completed in 1893 and a second gun was emplaced in 1895. 

The battery site was designated as Battery Potter in 1903 (Figure 5.57). However 

the battery’s usefulness was short-lived, as the innovative development of the 

depressing-type counterweight gun carriages led the Army to disarm Battery 

Potter in 1906. Immediately prior to its being disarmed, the Army had conceived 

of a new role for Battery Potter, using its elevated terreplein to locate a primary 

fire control structure organizing the concerted fire of the entire system of coastal 

artillery on Sandy Hook. Initially, a wooden structure was added to Battery 

Potter’s terreplein in 1905 to coordinate firing at the Mortar Battery. Two years 

later, a series of concrete structures were added to coordinate firing at Nine Gun 

Battery, Battery Granger, Battery Peck, and Battery Gunnison.31 In addition to 

these control structures, switchboard rooms for telephone communications 

among the batteries were added near the front entry of Battery Potter in 1907. 

During World War II, Battery Potter continued its service as an element of the 

Advanced Harbor Entrance Control Post. This use was discontinued after the 

war’s end. 

Battery Potter survives in deteriorated condition and is host to preservation 

issues common to historic battery sites throughout Sandy Hook (Figure 5.58). 

These include unmanaged woody vegetation growing upon the engineered 

earthwork designed to absorb the impact of enemy fire, and also obscuring 

downrange views from the gun positions and from the battery commander’s 

station. The roots of adjacent woody vegetation penetrate cracks and voids 

within the concrete structure exacerbating poor conditions. While Battery Potter 

has recently been equipped with safety railings surrounding the rooftop wells 

that once held the steam driven machinery that lifted the guns, metal fittings and 

fixtures such as railings, stairways, and doors and windows are subjected to 

ongoing corrosion. The large openings present in both historic and modern 

railing systems do not meet life-safety code requirements. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

400 

TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

PO-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

A mixture of vegetation presently grows on the engineered earthwork at Battery 

Potter including native and non-native vines and groundcovers, grasses, shrubs, 

and large woody vegetation. Large woody vegetation defines any deciduous or 

evergreen tree that has a trunk size greater than four-inches diameter at breast 

height. Given this size, a tree that topples over due to wind, rain, snow, or ice is 

likely to damage a portion of the engineered earthwork. Additionally, the tree 

roots can damage the concrete structures below the protective earthwork. In 

order to protect the historic earthwork, woody vegetation greater than fourinches diameter at breast height should be selectively removed and the stumps 

treated with a triclopyr herbicide. For Battery Potter, the area to be selectively 

cleared would be approximately 0.9 acres (Drawing 5.5, scope of treatment). 

Further information on vegetation removals and treatment can be found in the 

treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

PO-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

At Battery Potter, woody vegetation is growing in close proximity to concrete 

structures and is also emerging from spalling areas, cracks, and where leaf litter 

and debris have accumulated (Figure 5.59). The existing woody vegetation is 

either causing or has the potential to cause structural concrete problems. Given 

the harmful effect of woody vegetation in this situation, all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete features should be removed. After 

removing the woody material, both deciduous and evergreen stumps should be 

treated with a triclopyr herbicide. Additional information on removing woody 

vegetation growing near and on structures can be found in the treatment tasks 

common to all battery sites. 

PO-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views 

Unobstructed views were necessary from the artillery and fire control stations at 

Battery Potter in order to have a clear field of fire and to locate and acquire the 

range of potential targets (Figure 5.60). After removing woody vegetation 

growing on the engineered earthwork and from the battery structure itself, the 

resulting downrange views to the water must be evaluated. In some instances tall, 

individual woody vegetation that blocks the view shed should be identified and 

removed. Further information on managing vegetation for downrange views can 

be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 
TREATMENT

401 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

PO-4: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety railings 

At Battery Potter, metal guardrails are installed between the superior slope and 

the terreplein where the guns were emplaced and along open sides of elevated 

areas (Figure 5.61). Metal railings in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated railings should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional information 

on metal treatments and adding infill or applied materials to comply with life 

safety codes can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

PO-5: Formalize and relocate visitor parking 

While there should be no increase in number of parking spaces serving Battery 

Potter, the existing informal parking area is ill-defined and poorly drained. 

Visually, the presence of visitor parking in its current configuration detracts from 

the formality of the rear approach to the castellated granite defensible entrance. 

A new parking area, surfaced in crushed stone, and of an area no greater in size 

than the current parking area, should be designed and constructed to facilitate 

convenient visitor access to this unique coastal battery structure and landscape. 

This recommendation amounts to shifting the existing informal parking area 

approximately fifty-feet southward (Drawing 5.5). 

PO-6: Install Accessible Route from Parking Level to Battery Potter terreplein 

An unmet need has been expressed by park staff, park partners, and the public 

for an accessible elevated location where visitors might take in a panoramic view 

and where the entire coastal defense system can be explained and understood. 

The Sandy Hook Lighthouse provides an elevated location but it is constrained 

by three factors. First, the Lighthouse is only open April through October. 

Second, its narrow stairway limits the number of people who can ascend to the 

top and observe the view. Finally, it would be impossible to make the Lighthouse 

accessible to those with mobility issues. Seeking a more practical alternative, 

interest has been expressed in making the summit of the Mortar Battery 

accessible to the public in order to both explain the operation of the Mortar 

Battery and the surrounding defensive system. Another option often mentioned 

is the elevated terreplein of Battery Potter. 

Site visits to both the Mortar Battery site and Battery Potter site, followed by 

discussions with park staff, suggest that Battery Potter appears to be the most 

promising and practical location on which to accommodate this unmet need. 

This recommendation is based on observing the dangerously steep earthen slopes 

of the Mortar Battery, where new non-historic stairways and safety railings, 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

402 

ramps, viewing platforms and corresponding safety barriers would be required 

before inviting the public to the summit. These modifications to the historic 

battery would also be prominently in view, greatly distracting from the historic 

conditions that the park hopes to perpetuate. 

Interestingly, directions communicated from the observation point atop Battery 

Potter were used to direct the systematic fire of gun batteries defending the 

southern approach to New York Harbor, including the Mortar Battery. While 

anti-aircraft guns occupied the summit of the Mortar Battery after the large guns 

were removed, soldiers originally operating the guns in the pits relied on 

instructions telephoned in from off-site observation towers, such as the position 

atop Battery Potter to aim the guns and track a potential enemy. 

Battery Potter currently features pedestrian routes to the top of the battery 

structure from both an exterior steel staircase and an interior concrete stairway. 

The terreplein provides a generous viewing area that is already minimally 

equipped with safety railings. These existing safety railings could be easily 

supplemented and modified for improved safety with comparatively little impact 

to the historic character of the structure or its corresponding landscape. 

Elsewhere in the National Park system, former military sites have made historic 

battery structures accessible through sensitive rehabilitation efforts. Battery 

Huger, an Endicott period concrete structure, rests atop Fort Sumter in 

Charleston, South Carolina (FOSU), at the center of perhaps the most historically 

significant coastal battery site in the United States. Battery Huger has been made 

accessible with the addition of three small wheelchair lifts. The former 

bombproof Joint Operations Center located in the dry moat of fortress San 

Cristobal in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SAJU) has been retrofitted with an interior 

elevator, making viable use of this World War II-era concrete structure for visitor 

services, museum storage, and administrative needs. 

The qualities of the Battery Potter site provide the superior circumstances 

required to develop a successful design for universal access to the summit of 

Battery Potter. Designing and constructing a new ramp, supported in part by 

concrete piers, may be designed into the wooded site immediately south-east of 

Battery Potter (Drawing 5.5). Located in this position, sight of the lengthy ramp 

from the vantage point of Hudson Road would be obscured by the surrounding 

vegetation and the flare of the engineered earthen slope adjacent to freestanding 

switchboard building (B-256). 
TREATMENT

403 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

PO-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids 

Concrete surfaces at Battery Potter exhibit spalling areas and cracks resulting 

from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. In order to limit further damage 

to the concrete, spalling surfaces should be removed, mechanically cleaned, and 

patched to match the character of the historic material. Small cracks should be 

dried and prepared to receive a sealant that is compatible with the character of 

the historic concrete. The treatment of large, structural cracks should be 

determined by a structural engineer. Additional information addressing the 

repair of spalling areas and cracks can be found in the treatment tasks common to 

all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook

(Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 

PO-8: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete structures at 

Battery Potter, a surface coating should be applied to the horizontal surfaces. 

Application of a surface coating must occur after spalling and cracked concrete 

surfaces are repaired and defected surfaces that collect and pool rainwater are 

corrected. Additional information penetrating sealers and surface sealers can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. At Battery Potter, 

approximately 32,000 square feet of concrete should be sealed. 

PO-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of 

Battery Potter. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged 

or severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 

PO-10: Restore roofs of plotting rooms 

In 1907, the Army added two concrete buildings on top of Battery Potter’s 

terreplein to improve the targeting of enemy ships. One building was configured 

as a grouping of five distinct, interconnected structures and the other building 

was designed as a grouping of two. The buildings served the large caliber guns at 

Nine Gun Battery and Battery Granger as well as the rapid fire guns at Battery 

Peck and Battery Gunnison. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

404 

Today, the concrete structures are in poor condition primarily due to exposure 

to the elements. Deteriorating wooden rafters and trusses are present on top of 

the buildings and no roofing material or other covering is present (Figure 5.62). 

In order to stabilize the plotting room buildings, the roofs should be restored 

based on the research presented in the Historic Structure Report for Battery 

Potter, Mortar Battery and Battery Gunnison and following the Secretary of the 

Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Once the roofs are 

restored, the interiors may be used to house durable exhibitry and help interpret 

the coastal defense system at Sandy Hook. 
TREATMENT

405 

TABLE 5.5: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, BATTERY POTTER

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

PO-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

PO-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

PO-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic 

downrange views 1 – high priority for action 

PO-4: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety 

railings 

Coordinate with installing 

accessible route to terreplein 2 – plan for future action 

PO-5: Formalize and relocate visitor 

parking 1 – high priority for action 

PO-6: Install accessible route from parking 

level to Battery Potter terreplein 

Coordinate with safety railing 

treatment 2 – plan for future action 

PO-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks and voids 1 – high priority for action 

PO-8: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

PO-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 

PO-10: Restore roofs of plotting rooms 1 – high priority for action 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

406 
407 

Treatment

Figure 5.57. View looking southeast at Battery Potter, 1893. The Lift-Gun Battery #1, designated Battery 

Potter in 1903, was the only coastal defense battery constructed that used a steam-powered hydraulic lift 

to raise the guns up into firing position after they were loaded behind the protection of a massive concrete 

fortification (GATE 7811).

Figure 5.58. View looking north at defensible main entry, Battery Potter. The main entry is through an 

arched opening flanked by defensive stone towers. Each tower had gun loop slots so machine guns could 

fire on potential attackers. The entry facade resembles a castle and was constructed from granite blocks 

salvaged from Sandy Hook’s Civil War-era fort (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

408

Figure 5.59. View looking east at the chemin de ronde, Battery Potter. 

Woody vegetation is growing in the chemin de ronde, a designed sentry 

route located north, south, and east of Battery Potter’s superior slope. 

The vegetation threatens the historic battery’s concrete features and 

surfaces and should be removed. After vegetation removals, the chemin 

de ronde should be regularly inspected and leaf litter and accumulated 

debris should be removed to prevent future vegetation growth and to 

protect the concrete surface (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
409 

Treatment

Figure 5.60. Conceptual section through Battery Potter. Existing, large woody vegetation on 

the engineered slope obstructs downrange views from the plotting rooms and terreplein to 

the water. Large woody vegetation on the engineered slope should be removed to restore 

views and protect the historic earthwork from potential damage due to thrown trees. Existing 

vegetation beyond the toe of the engineered slope may not impact views due to the viewing 

height on Battery Potter (Olmsted Center, 2009).

0’ 15’ 30’
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

410

Figure 5.61. Recently installed contemporary safety railing, Battery Potter. Woven-wire may be either 

installed as infill panel, or the mesh applied with clamps to satisfy life-safety codes (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).

Figure 5.62. Plotting rooms, Battery Potter. In improving physical access to the upper level of Battery 

Potter for use as an elevated prospect, rehabilitating the deteriorated plotting rooms shown here may

be of some value for interpretive purposes. Once the roofs of these buildings are replaced, the interiors 

may be used to house durable exhibitry. Enamelled interpretive wayside panels may effectively 

substitute for missing window frames, offering detailed graphic interpretation of Battery Potter and the 

entire coastal defense system (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 12.5’ 25’ 50’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

PLAN NORTH

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Deciduous Tree

Fence

Railing

BATTERY

POTTER

HUDSON DRIVE

B-144

Wooden Wheelstops, Typ.

Wayside

B-145

B-260

(Coal

Shed)

B-259

(Central

Power

Plant)

Foundation of Battery

Commander’s Tower

B-257

(Switchboard

Room Type “C”)

Plotting

Rooms

Plotting

Rooms

Weather

Pole

B-258

(Cable Hut “A”)

B-256

(Switchboard

Room

Type “A”)

NORTH BRAGG DRIVE

Future Multi-Use Path

Future Multi-Use Path

Battery Potter

Treatment Plan

Section

Section

Toe of Engineered Slope

Drawing 5.5

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

PO-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete features

PO-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids 

PO-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

PO-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh

PO-4: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings, typ.

PO-5: Formalize and

relocate visitor parking 

PO-6: Install accessible route

to Battery Potter terreplein

PO-10: Restore roofs

of plotting rooms

PO-8: Repair and seal concrete surfaces

PO-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment

TREATMENT

413 

BATTERY GRANGER (SH-266) 

Battery Granger was the first large caliber gun battery at Sandy Hook to use the 

Buffington-Croizer counterweight gun carriage. Located between Battery Potter 

to the north and Mortar Battery to the south, construction on Battery Granger 

was completed in 1896 and it was armed with two ten-inch guns in 1897 (Figure 

5.63). A decade after the guns were emplaced, the Army updated Battery Granger 

by extending the platforms behind the guns in order to allow for more convenient 

loading of munitions. In addition, they added an enclosed, concrete battery 

commander’s station between the two gun emplacements providing a central 

location and greater protection for the commanding officer. After decades of 

standing ready, Battery Granger was declared obsolete and disarmed in 1942. 

Battery Granger stands east of Hudson Drive and is presently not open to 

visitors. The park has installed a chain-link fence and signage between the road 

and battery to warn visitors of potentially hazardous conditions (Figure 5.64). 

Efflorescence can be seen on some vertical concrete surfaces and small spalling 

areas are present on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. The views from the 

commander’s station to the water are blocked by woody vegetation first 

encountered at the edge of the terreplein and continuing on the engineered 

earthwork. Phragmites, also called common reed, is growing in the wells at both 

gun platforms. Guardrails are located along the terreplein on either side of the 

commander’s station. The railings are in good to fair condition showing limited 

corrosion, however, they contain large openings that do not provide safety for 

all visitors. 

TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

GR-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

Images from the historic period indicate the Army managed vegetation on the 

engineered slopes (Figure 5.65). Presently, a mixture of vegetation grows on the 

earthwork including native and non-native vines and groundcovers, grasses, 

shrubs, and large woody vegetation (Figure 5.66). Large woody vegetation 

defines any deciduous or evergreen tree that has a trunk size greater than fourinches diameter at breast height. Given this size, a tree that topples over due to 

wind, rain, snow, or ice is likely to damage a portion of the engineered earthwork. 

Additionally, the tree roots can damage the concrete structures below the 

protective earthwork. In order to protect the historic earthwork, woody 

vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast height should be 

selectively removed and the stumps treated with a triclopyr herbicide. For 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

414 

Battery Granger, the area to be selectively cleared would be approximately 0.8 

acres (Drawing 5.6, scope of treatment). Further information on vegetation 

removals and treatment can be found in the treatment tasks common to all 

battery sites. 

GR-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

At Battery Granger, woody vegetation is growing in close proximity to concrete 

structures and is also emerging from spalling areas, cracks, and where leaf litter 

and debris have accumulated (Figure 5.67). The existing woody vegetation is 

either causing or has the potential to cause structural concrete problems. Given 

the harmful effect of woody vegetation in this situation, all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete features should be removed. After 

removing the woody material, both deciduous and evergreen stumps should be 

treated with a triclopyr herbicide. Additional information on removing woody 

vegetation growing near and on structures can be found in the treatment tasks 

common to all battery sites. 

GR-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views 

Unobstructed views were necessary from the artillery and battery commander’s 

stations at Battery Granger in order to have a clear field of fire and to locate and 

acquire the range of potential targets (Figure 5.68). After removing woody 

vegetation growing on the engineered earthwork and from the battery structure 

itself, the resulting downrange views to the water must be evaluated. In some 

instances tall, individual woody vegetation that blocks the view shed should be 

identified and removed. Further information on managing vegetation for 

downrange views can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

GR-4: Remove phragmites (Phragmites sp.) from gun platform wells 

Being similar in design to the gun emplacements utilized at the nearby Nine Gun 

Battery, the two gun emplacements located at Battery Granger feature a 

depressed, circular well in which the artillery was once secured. Over time, water 

and organic debris have accumulated in the two wells and colonies of phragmites 

(Phragmites sp.), a species of large grass, have become well established. 

Similar to the woody vegetation growing on the concrete structures, the 

phragmites threatens to further degrade the historic battery’s concrete and 

should be removed. Since phragmites reproduces vegetatively, some mechanical 

control methods such as mowing, disking, and cutting can actually increase its 

vigor and accelerates its growth. If phragmites is cut just after tasseling—usually 

before the end of July—most of the food reserves produced that season are 

removed with the aerial portion of the plant thereby reducing the plant’s vigor. 
TREATMENT

415 

In addition to timely cutting and removal of the culms, the remaining stems 

should be treated with a hand-swiped application of a glyphosate herbicide. The 

phragmites will need to be monitored and the process repeated for several 

seasons until the stand is removed. 

After the phragmites has been successfully removed, the circular wells at each 

gun platform should be inspected, cleaned out if blocked, and monitored to 

prevent the buildup of water and debris. If a drain in the gun well is failing and 

causing water and debris to collect, the structure should be cleaned out. 

Drainage lines should be flushed with pressurized water (150 psi) to remove any 

accumulated debris. Additional repairs, improvements, and supplements to the 

existing historic drainage system should be designed by a qualified engineer 

advised by a historical architect. 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

GR-5: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety railings 

At Battery Granger, metal guardrails are installed near the open sides of the gun 

platforms (Figure 5.69). Metal railings in fair condition with visible rust should 

be chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged 

or severely deteriorated railings should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional information 

on metal treatments and adding infill or applied materials to comply with life 

safety codes can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

GR-6: Repair and secure doors and grating to prevent unauthorized access 

Existing metal doors and grating at Battery Granger should be inventoried and 

evaluated to determine a proper level of treatment. Minor corrosion and 

replacing small functional or decorative components should be performed with 

the door in place. If a component is damaged or severely deteriorated, it 

should be removed and repaired at an off-site shop or newly fabricated to match 

the existing. Additional information on repairing and securing doors can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 

GR-7: Install accessible route from road level to Battery Granger terreplein 

In addition to the visitor access plan for the Nine Gun Battery and treatment 

recommendations for an accessible route to Battery Potter’s terreplein, an 

accessible route should be installed from the road level to Battery Granger’s 

terreplein. The accessible route should begin south of emplacement #1 and 

following a series of designed switchbacks at a 12:1 slope, the route should 

ascend the engineered earthwork and arrive at a flush transition on top of the 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

416 

terreplein (Drawing 5.6). Ramps supported in part by concrete piers should 

elevate the accessible route above the engineered earthwork and minimize 

disturbance to this historic feature. Landings will be required along the route at 

every change in direction and also after traveling at a continuous 12:1 slope for 

thirty feet. Existing vegetation between Hudson Road and the battery and also 

south of the battery should be retained to screen the accessible route and to 

minimize the visual impact of ramps needed to negotiate the existing elevation 

change. Existing railings on top of Battery Granger should be inspected and 

supplemented for visitor safety. Modifications to address existing, wide openings 

and the addition of new railings if needed will create relatively little impact to the 

historic character of the historic structure or its corresponding landscape. 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

GR-8: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids 

Concrete surfaces at Battery Granger exhibit spalling areas and cracks resulting 

from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. In order to limit further damage 

to the concrete, spalling surfaces should be removed, mechanically cleaned, and 

patched to match the character of the historic material. Small cracks should be 

dried and prepared to receive a sealant that is compatible with the character of 

the historic concrete. The treatment of large, structural cracks should be 

determined by a structural engineer. Additional information addressing the 

repair of spalling areas and cracks can be found in the treatment tasks common to 

all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook

(Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 

GR-9: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

The concrete terreplein at Battery Granger shows evidence of an asphalt-based 

product either used to fill joints or remaining in the joints after use as part of a 

larger concrete surface treatment (Figure 5.70 and see Figure 5.65). Cement 

grout was also used to fill cracks for concrete batteries from the 1890s to early 

1900s.32 In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete 

structures at Battery Granger, a surface coating should be applied to the 

horizontal surfaces. Application of a surface coating must occur after spalling 

and cracked concrete surfaces are repaired and defected surfaces that collect and 

pool rainwater are corrected. Additional information penetrating sealers and 

surface sealers can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. At 

Battery Granger, approximately 14,000 square feet of concrete should be sealed. 

GR-10: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of 

Battery Granger. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 
TREATMENT

417 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

418 

TABLE 5.6: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, BATTERY GRANGER

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

GR-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

GR-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

GR-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic 

downrange views 1 – high priority for action 

GR-4: Remove phragmites (Phragmites sp.) 

from gun platform wells 1 – high priority for action 

GR-5: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety 

railings 

Coordinate with installing 

accessible route to terreplein 2 – plan for future action 

GR-6: Repair and secure doors and grating 

to prevent unauthorized access 1 – high priority for action 

GR-7: Install Accessible Route from Road 

Level to Battery Granger terreplein 

Coordinate with safety railing 

treatment 2 – plan for future action 

GR-8: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks and voids 1 – high priority for action 

GR-9: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

GR-10: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 
419 

Treatment

Figure 5.63. Battery Granger, circa 1900. Note the growth of woody vegetation beyond the limits of the engineered 

slopes. Great effort was made to disturb as little pre-existing vegetation in front of the battery as possible in order 

to conceal the structure from enemy fire (GATE 7778).

Figure 5.64. View looking north at emplacement #1 and battery commander’s station, Battery Granger. Battery 

Granger is accessed via Hudson Drive, left, and a chain-link fence and signage have been installed between the road 

and battery to warn visitors of potentially hazardous conditions. Eastern red cedars, right, are heavily concentrated 

at the interface of the engineered slope and the battery’s concrete terreplein (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

420

Figure 5.65. Aerial photograph of Battery Granger, January 1933. This photograph indicates management 

of woody vegetation growing on the engineered slope forward of the battery (Coastal and Hydraulics 

Laboratory, Engineer Research and Development Center).

Figure 5.66. View looking northwest at engineered slope to rear of 

Battery Granger, host to large unmanaged woody vegetation (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
421 

Treatment

Figure 5.67. View looking southeast at Battery Granger. This image 

shows three large hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) trees growing directly 

adjacent to the corner of the concrete structure (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).

Figure 5.68. Blocked view northeastward from the battery commander’s station at Battery Granger. Blocked 

downrange views to the water makes it difficult for park visitors to understand the historic operation of 

these coastal defense sites. Note corrosion of ferrous metal building features (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

422

Figure 5.69. Existing safety railings, Battery Granger. At this location 

and elsewhere throughout Sandy Hook’s coastal defense sites, one can 

see the tangible history of maintenance and repair. This simple railing 

may be retrofitted with either infill mesh panels or otherwise with 

woven wire mesh applied with clamps and hardware to satisfy lifesafety codes (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.70. Close-up view of existing concrete terreplein, Battery 

Granger. Existing conditions indicate that joints between concrete 

panels were once sealed with bituminous material. With the passage 

of time, this sealant material requires maintenance (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

LEGEND

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 8.75’ 17.5’ 35’

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

BATTERY

GRANGER

#1

Wayside

Drainage

Structure

#2

HUDSON DRIVE

GR-4: Remove phragmites GR-4: Remove phragmites

Battery Granger

Treatment Plan

Section Section

Toe of Engineered Slope

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

GR-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete features

GR-8: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids

GR-10: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

GR-5: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

GR-5: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

GR-6: Repair and secure doors

GR-6: Repair and secure doors

GR-7: Install accessible

route to terreplein

GR-1: Remove woody vegetation on engineered slopes greater than 4" dbh

GR-9: Repair and seal

concrete surfaces

GR-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views

Drawing 5.6

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment

TREATMENT

425 

MORTAR BATTERY (SH-349) 

Construction began in 1890 on the Mortar Battery, the first completed and 

operational concrete mortar battery in United States.33 The battery contained 

four mortar pits, each with four twelve-inch mortars, protected by earth and sand 

that rose almost thirty-five feet above them (Figure 5.71). Lacking a direct view 

to their targets on the water, the Army constructed telephone data booths above 

each of the four mortar pits in 1905.34 The booths received instructions from 

control structures on top of Battery Potter and relayed the information to 

artillery crews who positioned the mortars accordingly. 

Following World War I, the Mortar Battery was disarmed because the range of its 

artillery could not engage ships equipped with more powerful guns. Between 

1922 and 1923, two anti-aircraft guns were mounted on top of the engineered 

earthwork and a third was added circa 1937. During World War II, the tunnels 

that connected the mortars and stored ammunition were converted into the New 

York Harbor Defense Command Post (HDCP). The HDCP coordinated coastal 

defenses from Long Island to Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

Located east of Hudson Road and opposite the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the 

Mortar Battery is accessed through an opening in the perimeter wall that leads to 

the southwest battery. A gravel and wood-chip surfaced trail parallels the 

perimeter wall and offers access to the northwest battery as well. Efflorescence 

can be seen on some of the vertical surfaces and spalling is present on both 

horizontal and vertical surfaces of the mortars. Vegetation emerges from the 

broken and cracked concrete surfaces and large woody vegetation is present on 

the engineered earthwork. The park has installed fencing to discourage visitors 

from climbing up the engineered earthwork and fencing is also located along 

closed trails at the top of the structure. 

TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

MB-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

A mixture of vegetation presently grows on the engineered earthwork at the 

Mortar Battery including native and non-native vines and groundcovers, grasses, 

shrubs, and large woody vegetation (Figures 5.72 and 5.73). Large woody 

vegetation defines any deciduous or evergreen tree that has a trunk size greater 

than four-inches diameter at breast height. Given this size, a tree that topples 

over due to wind, rain, snow, or ice is likely to damage a portion of the 

engineered earthwork. Additionally, the tree roots can damage the concrete 

structures below the protective earthwork. In order to protect the historic 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

426 

earthwork, woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast height 

should be selectively removed and the stumps treated with a triclopyr herbicide. 

For the Mortar Battery, the area to be selectively cleared would be approximately 

4.8 acres. Further information on vegetation removals and treatment can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

MB-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

structures and features 

At the Mortar Battery, woody vegetation is growing in close proximity to 

concrete structures and is also emerging from spalling areas, cracks, and where 

leaf litter and debris have accumulated (Figures 5.74 and 5.75). The existing 

woody vegetation is either causing or has the potential to cause structural 

concrete problems. Given the harmful effect of woody vegetation in this 

situation, all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features should be removed. After removing the woody material, both deciduous 

and evergreen stumps should be treated with a triclopyr herbicide. Additional 

information on removing woody vegetation growing near and on structures can 

be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

MB-3: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety railings 

At the Mortar Battery, metal handrails line the steps that provided access to the 

telephone data booths. Metal railings in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated railings should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional information 

on metal treatments and adding infill or applied materials to comply with life 

safety codes can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

MB-4: Close social trails and stabilize the eroded path south of southwest mortar 

An eroded path presently heads up the engineered earthwork south of the gallery 

to the southwest mortar pit. Additional social trails lead up and across the 

engineered earthwork. Both the path and trails should be closed in order to limit 

erosion and preserve the historic structure. Low-growing native shrubs should 

be planted at the top and bottom of a social trail to block access. Branches cut 

three to four feet in length should also be placed at the top and bottom of a trail 

to obscure the route. Additional information on appropriate plant species and 

erosion control measures can be found in the treatment tasks common to all 

battery sites. 
TREATMENT

427 

MB-5: Install at-grade boardwalks in exterior access galleries to mortar pits 

From the interior trail along the west perimeter wall, visitors may access the 

northwest or southwest mortar pits via concrete galleries. After heavy rains, 

standing water can be an issue in the galleries because the drainage system is not 

properly functioning. Please see treatment task MB-10 for additional 

information on improving the drainage system. 

In order to improve visitor access to the northwest or southwest mortar pits, an 

at-grade boardwalk should be installed in the galleries. The boardwalk should be 

similar in construction to the boardwalk presented in treatment task 9G-9 for 

Nine Gun Battery (see Figure 5.51). However, since the walk will be six inches or 

less above the current surface and tall, concrete walls separate the galleries from 

the engineered earthworks, there is no need for a handrail. 

For the base of the boardwalk, two-by-six pressure treated joists should be set on 

the existing concrete walkways to the mortar pits. The bottom of the joists may 

need to be scribed and cut to match the concrete surface and provide a level 

platform to attach the decking. The decking should be pressure treated or a 

wood or synthetic lumber product that resists rot. Deck boards should be set 

perpendicular to the joists and nailed or screwed with galvanized fasteners. At 

either edge of the decking, a two-inch tall wood bumper should be attached to 

delineate the extents of the walking surface. The boardwalk should only be a 

temporary solution to providing safe access in wet conditions to the mortar pits. 

After the drainage system is improved and standing water is no longer present, 

the boardwalk should be removed. 

MB-6: Clear vegetation from former north access road 

By 1942, an unpaved road was installed north of the Mortar Battery. The road 

proceeded east from Hudson Road and provided access to temporary structures 

located north and east of the battery. Presently, the road is almost entirely 

overtaken by vegetation and is barely passable as a trail (Figure 5.76). In order to 

rehabilitate a circulation feature from the historic period, vegetation should be 

cleared from the former access road and an unobstructed, twelve-foot wide route 

maintained. Woody vegetation should be cut as flush to ground level as possible. 

Since the trees are not growing on a historic engineered earthwork, the remaining 

stumps should be ground with a stump grinder to a depth of three inches below 

grade to minimize potential archeological disturbance. After the woody 

vegetation has been removed, the twelve-foot width can be easily maintained 

with a small tractor and brush hog mowing deck. Rehabilitating the access road 

will aid in accomplishing other treatment tasks at the Mortar Battery by 

providing an area away from primary circulation routes for vehicles and staging. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

428 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

MB-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids 

Concrete surfaces at the Mortar Battery exhibit spalling areas and cracks 

resulting from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles (see Figure 5.75). In 

order to limit further damage to the concrete, spalling surfaces should be removed, 

mechanically cleaned, and patched to match the character of the historic material. 

Small cracks should be dried and prepared to receive a sealant that is compatible 

with the character of the historic concrete. The treatment of large, structural 

cracks should be determined by a structural engineer. Additional information 

addressing the repair of spalling areas and cracks can be found in the treatment 

tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation 

Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 

MB-8: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete structures at the 

Mortar Battery, a surface coating should be applied to the horizontal surfaces. 

Application of a surface coating must occur after spalling and cracked concrete 

surfaces are repaired and defected surfaces that collect and pool rainwater are 

corrected. Additional information penetrating sealers and surface sealers can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. At the Mortar Battery, 

approximately 8,900 square feet of concrete should be sealed. 

MB-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of the 

Mortar Battery. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 

MB-10: Improve drainage to minimize standing water in mortar pits and access 

ways 

The four mortar pits were recessed into an engineered earthwork that rose 

approximately thirty-five feet above each pit’s concrete platform. As a result, the 

mortar pits were low points that could collect water and surface runoff. In order 

to remove any water, the Army designed and installed a system of drain inlets, 

catch basins, and the underground lines. Today, the drainage system is not 
TREATMENT

429 

properly functioning and standing water in the mortar pits and access ways 

damages the historic structure and limits visitor access. 

In order to improve drainage and minimize standing water, the existing drain 

inlets and structures should be cleaned out. Drainage lines should be flushed 

with pressurized water at 150 psi to remove any accumulated debris. If existing 

cast iron or vitrified clay pipes have collapsed, the area of the identified failure 

should be carefully excavated and the pipe replaced with schedule 40 PVC or 

ADS N-12 pipe. Both schedule 40 PVC and ADS N-12 are designed to withstand 

vehicular loads and are commonly used in drainage applications. Repairs, 

improvements, and supplements to the existing historic drainage system should 

be designed by a qualified engineer advised by a historical architect. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

430 

TABLE 5.7: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, THE MORTAR BATTERY

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

MB-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

MB-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

MB-3: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety 

railings 

Can be implemented as part of a 

multiple battery or park-wide 

battery project 

2 – plan for future action 

MB-4: Close social trails and stabilize the 

eroded path west of southwest battery 1 – high priority for action 

MB-5: Install at-grade boardwalk in exterior 

access corridor 

Provides immediate 

improvement for visitor access. 

Boardwalk should be removed if 

drainage tasks detailed in MB-10 

eliminate standing water 

1 – high priority for action 

MB-6: Clear vegetation from former north 

access road 2 – plan for future action 

MB-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks and voids 1 – high priority for action 

MB-8: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

MB-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 

MB-10: Improve drainage to minimize 

standing water in gun pits and access ways 1 – high priority for action 
431 

Treatment

Figure 5.71. Oblique aerial photograph of the Mortar Battery, circa 1917, taken from an Army Signal Corps balloon. Note the low, 

scrub vegetation growing on the Mortar Battery’s engineered landform (GATE 7870). 

Figure 5.72. View looking northwest above mortar pit, the Mortar Battery. Woody vegetation greater than 

four-inches diameter should be removed from engineered slopes, and all woody trees and shrubs must not be 

allowed to grow upon, or within four-feet of a concrete structure or feature (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

432

Figure 5.73. View looking northeast along interior trail, the Mortar Battery. In order to protect the historic 

earthwork, woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast height should be selectively 

removed (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.74. View looking northwest along interior trail, the Mortar Battery. Given the harmful effect of 

woody vegetation growing in close proximity to concrete structures, all woody vegetation growing on or 

within four feet of concrete features should be removed (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
433 

Treatment

Figure 5.75. View looking southeast at concrete glacis, the Mortar 

Battery. Here, a tree greater than four-inches in diameter is seen 

growing directly upon the concrete battery surfaces. Such vegetation 

must be removed in the interest of long-term preservation of the 

battery structures (Olmsted Center, April 2008).

Figure 5.76. View looking northwest at trail north of the Mortar Battery. By 1942, an unpaved road was 

installed north of the Mortar Battery that presently is overtaken by vegetation and is barely passable as 

a trail. Vegetation should be cleared from this former access road and an unobstructed route maintained 

(Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

434
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 15’ 30’ 60’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

PLAN NORTH

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Fence

Utility Pole

MORTAR

BATTERY

HUDSON ROAD

BATTERY McCOOK BATTERY REYNOLDS

Electric

Transformer

Telephone

data booth, typ.

Manhole

Wayside

Southwest

Mortar Pit

Southeast

Mortar Pit

Northeast

Mortar Pit

Northwest

Mortar Pit

Wayside

Metal ring

Conc. foundation

Wire fence

Counterscarp Battery

Wire fence

Post and

cable fence

Post and cable fence

MAST

Campus

Battery commander’s

station, typ.

Mortar Battery

Treatment Plan

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

MB-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids

MB-8: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration

MB-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

MB-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4" dbh MB-4: Close social trail and

stabilize the eroded path

MB-10: Improve

drainage

in gun pits, typ.

MB-6: Clear vegetation from

former north access road

MB-6: Clear vegetation from

former north access road MB-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4" dbh

MB-5: Install at-grade boardwalk

MB-10: Improve

drainage in

access ways, typ.

Drawing 5.7

MB-2: Remove all woody vegetation

growing on or within four-feet of

concrete features, typ.

MB-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing

on or within four-feet of concrete features, typ.

Future Multi-Use Path

Future Multi-Use Path

Future Multi-Use Path

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 5’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment

TREATMENT

437 

BATTERY GUNNISON (SH-337) 

Battery Gunnison joined Battery Urmston, Morris, Engle, and Peck as the fifth 

rapid-fire gun battery at Sandy Hook. The Army completed construction in 1904 

and the following year, emplaced two six-inch guns that were mounted on 

counterweight carriages (Figure 5.77). In 1943, the Army decided to install the 

faster-firing barbette carriages and guns from Battery Peck at Battery Gunnison. 

In order to mount Battery Peck’s guns, concrete was added to fill the gun 

platform area to the top of the parapet wall. Once the new guns were installed, 

Battery Granger was re-designated New Battery Peck. Following World War II, 

the battery was deactivated. The six-inch guns were replaced in 1948 with similar 

artillery that remains in place today.35

Presently, park infrastructure is located in close proximity to Battery Gunnison 

and includes Parking Lot G and a trio of buildings for visitors heading to 

Gunnison Beach. A concrete walk parallels the route to the beach and gently 

winds towards Battery Gunnison’s gun platform #2. Recent vegetation clearing 

has been conducted near the battery, however, large woody vegetation remains 

on the engineered earthwork and obscures downrange views. Concrete surfaces 

display efflorescence and spalling areas consistent with long-term water 

infiltration. Handrails are installed along the stairs leading up to the guns 

platforms and guardrails are located around platforms themselves. The railings 

are in good condition, but contain large openings that do not provide safety for 

all visitors (Figure 5.78). 

TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

GU-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

A mixture of vegetation presently grows on the engineered earthwork at Battery 

Gunnison including native and non-native vines and groundcovers, grasses, 

shrubs, and large woody vegetation. Large woody vegetation defines any 

deciduous or evergreen tree that has a trunk size greater than four-inches 

diameter at breast height. Given this size, a tree that topples over due to wind, 

rain, snow, or ice is likely to damage a portion of the engineered earthwork. 

Additionally, the tree roots can damage the concrete structures below the 

protective earthwork. In order to protect the historic earthwork, woody 

vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast height should be 

selectively removed and the stumps treated with a triclopyr herbicide. For 

Battery Gunnison, the area to be selectively cleared would be approximately 0.5 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

438 

acres. Further information on vegetation removals and treatment can be found 

in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

GU-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

At Battery Gunnison, woody vegetation is growing in close proximity to concrete 

structures. The existing woody vegetation is either causing or has the potential to 

cause structural concrete problems. Given the harmful effect of woody 

vegetation in this situation, all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet 

of concrete features should be removed. After removing the woody material, 

both deciduous and evergreen stumps should be treated with a triclopyr 

herbicide. Additional information on removing woody vegetation growing near 

and on structures can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

GU-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views 

Unobstructed views were necessary from the artillery and battery commander’s 

stations at Battery Gunnison in order to have a clear field of fire and to locate and 

acquire the range of potential targets. After removing woody vegetation growing 

on the engineered earthwork and from the battery structure itself, the resulting 

downrange views to the water must be evaluated (see Figure 5.78). In some 

instances tall, individual woody vegetation that blocks the view shed should be 

identified and removed. Further information on managing vegetation for 

downrange views can be found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

GU-4: Close social trail and stabilize erosion southeast of emplacement #1 

A social trail heads southeast from emplacement #1 and terminates at the toe of the 

engineered slope. The trail does not connect to another circulation feature and 

should be closed in order to limit erosion and preserve the historic earthwork. 

Low-growing native shrubs should be planted at the top and bottom of a social 

trail to block access. Branches cut three to four feet in length should also be 

placed at the top and bottom of a trail to obscure the route. Additional 

information on appropriate plant species and erosion control measures can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

GU-5: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety railings 

At Battery Gunnison, metal handrails line the steps that provided access from the 

ground level to the batteries. Metal guardrails are also installed near the open 

sides of elevated areas such as gun platforms (see Figure 5.78). Metal railings in 

fair condition with visible rust should be chemically treated, primed, and painted 

to match the historic finish. Damaged or severely deteriorated railings should be 
TREATMENT

439 

removed and replaced with new components that match the original as close as 

possible. Additional information on metal treatments and adding infill or applied 

materials to comply with life safety codes can be found in the treatment tasks 

common to all battery sites. 

GU-6: Construct new visitor trail between emplacements #1 and #2 

Visitors viewing the artillery at either emplacement #1 or #2 currently have to 

retrace their steps and walk down from a gun platform, cross behind the battery, 

and climb up a set of stairs in order to view the opposite emplacement. In order 

to create a continuous route for visitors at Battery Gunnison, a new trail should 

be constructed between emplacements #1 and #2. Starting at emplacement #1, 

the trail should begin at the parapet wall south of a raised concrete apron. The 

trail should continue in a gentle arc approximately five feet east of the battery and 

meet the parapet wall at emplacement #2 north of a raised concrete apron. The 

east side of the new trail should be heavily planted with low-growing native 

shrubs to discourage visitors from exiting the designated route and creating new 

social trails across the engineered earthwork (Drawing 5.8). 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

GU-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids 

Concrete surfaces at Battery Gunnison exhibit spalling areas and cracks resulting 

from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. In order to limit further damage 

to the concrete, spalling surfaces should be removed, mechanically cleaned, and 

patched to match the character of the historic material. Small cracks should be 

dried and prepared to receive a sealant that is compatible with the character of 

the historic concrete. The treatment of large, structural cracks should be 

determined by a structural engineer. Additional information addressing the 

repair of spalling areas and cracks can be found in the treatment tasks common to 

all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook

(Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 

GU-8: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete structures at 

Battery Gunnison, a surface coating should be applied to the horizontal surfaces. 

Application of a surface coating must occur after spalling and cracked concrete 

surfaces are repaired and defected surfaces that collect and pool rainwater are 

corrected. Additional information penetrating sealers and surface sealers can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. At Battery Gunnison, 

approximately 5,200 square feet of concrete should be sealed. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

440 

GU-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of 

Battery Gunnison. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 
TREATMENT

441 

TABLE 5.8: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, BATTERY GUNNISON

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

GU-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

GU-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

GU-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic 

downrange views 1 – high priority for action 

GU-4: Stabilize erosion south of south gun 

platform 1 – high priority for action 

GU-5: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety 

railings 

Battery Gunnison is a good case 

study for safety railing treatment 

due to the battery’s high visibility 

and potential for visitation from 

those accessing Gunnison Beach 

1 – high priority for action 

GU-6: Construct new visitor trail between 

emplacements #1 and #2 1 – high priority for action 

GU-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks and voids 1 – high priority for action 

GU-8: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

GU-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

442 
443 

Treatment

Figure 5.77. Battery Gunnison, circa 1941 prior to converting the battery to barbette mounted guns. Note the predominance of 

herbaceous vegetation at this time. Also note the weathered black paint on the concrete surfaces (GATE 7834).

Figure 5.78. View looking northeast at emplacement #2, Battery Gunnison. The Battery Gunnison landscape survives in a superior 

state of preservation compared with other battery sites on Sandy Hook. Open downrange views convey the character of the 

cultural landscape and the historic purpose of these defenses to visitors (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

444
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 7.5’ 15’ 30’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Deciduous Tree

Fence

BATTERY

GUNNISON

Warning

Sign

Drainage

Structure

Drainage

Structure

#2 #1

Drainage

Structure

Concrete

Pad, Typ.

Battery

Commander’s

Station

Shell

Hoist,

Typ.

Wayside

Wood Post & Rope

Bollards, Typ.

Gunnison

Beach

Facilities

To Gunnison Beach

ATLANTIC DRIVE

Toe of Engineered Slope

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

GU-7: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids

GU-9: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

GU-8: Repair and seal

concrete surfaces

GU-8: Repair and seal

concrete surfaces

GU-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4" dbh 

GU-4: Close social trail and

improve eroded pathway

GU-6: Construct new visitor trail

between emplacements #1 and #2

GU-5: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

GU-5: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

GU-3: Remove vegetation blocking historic downrange views

Drawing 5.8

GU-2: Remove all woody

vegetation growing on

or within 4’ of concrete

features, typ.

GU-2: Remove all woody

vegetation growing on

or within 4’ of concrete

features, typ.

Battery Gunnison

Treatment Plan

Future Multi-Use Path

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment

TREATMENT

447 

BATTERIES KINGMAN AND MILLS (SH-441 AND 440) 

The last large caliber gun batteries constructed at Sandy Hook were batteries 

Kingman and Mills. The Army completed masonry construction of the batteries 

1917 and armed them in 1919 with twelve-inch guns. The guns were emplaced 

on open, circular platforms and had a 360-degree field of fire (Figure 5.79). The 

artillery more than doubled the range of earlier large caliber guns and stood on 

the western side of the peninsula, further away from potential enemy fire.36 

Between 1941 and 1942, the open gun platforms at batteries Kingman and Mills 

were casemated to protect the guns from aerial bombing (Figure 5.80). The 

casemated dates appear inscribed on concrete bulkheads even though the 

batteries were originally constructed twenty-five years earlier. Following World 

War II, both batteries were disarmed in 1948. 

Currently, the most striking feature of the two batteries is their forty-foot tall 

earthen mounds that rise in stark contrast to the flat, slightly undulating coastal 

topography around them (Figure 5.81). Large woody vegetation and a thick 

understory of vines cover the engineered earthen casemates. Above the gun 

emplacements at batteries Kingman and Mills, concrete canopies were 

constructed to shield the artillery from overhead fire. The canopies and concrete 

facades around the emplacement openings show efflorescence and in some cases, 

large spalling areas. The park has installed a six-foot high chain-link fence above 

each gun emplacement to prevent unauthorized access to the concrete canopies 

and injury from a fall. 

BATTERY KINGMAN TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

KI-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

The two 12-inch guns at Battery Kingman were originally emplaced on open 

platforms that permitted 360-degrees of rotation and firing (see Figure 5.79). 

Between 1941 and 1942, the emplacements were casemated with concrete 

structures and covered with enough protective sand and earth to cover a threestory building. World War II-era photographs show the vegetation immediately 

around the gun and on the earthen casemate above was a low growing turf mixture. 

Restoring the earthen casemate to a turf mixture is not a practical treatment and 

would create new maintenance challenges for the park. In order to preserve the 

historic earthwork and concrete structures below, all woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter at breast height should be removed. For Battery 

Kingman, the area to be selectively cleared would be approximately 3.7 acres 

(Drawing 5.9, scope of treatment). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

448 

KI-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

In comparison to the disappearing gun batteries, Battery Kingman does not as 

high a quantity of exposed concrete structures. Concrete facades, canopies to 

shield the gun emplacements, sloped glacises that meet the earthen casement, and 

bulkhead entries on the west side are all present and threatened by woody 

vegetation growing on them or nearby (Figure 5.82). As discussed in the general 

treatment recommendations, all woody vegetation growing on or within fourfeet of concrete features should be removed and treated with a triclopyr 

herbicide to inhibit resprouting and kill the root system. 

KI-3: Clear overgrowth external to gun battery in area of gun traverse/field of 

fire 

Two 12-inch guns were emplaced at Battery Kingman and the barrel of each gun 

was nearly forty feet long. In order to rotate the gun into position and set its 

firing trajectory, the vegetation immediately around the platform had to be low 

growing. A 1940s photograph of the north gun platform shows the vegetation 

immediately around the gun and on the earthen casemate above was a low 

growing turf mixture (Figure 5.83). 

Restoring a turf mix across the entire earthwork is not a practical treatment and 

would create new maintenance challenges for the park. To visually convey the 

space required to operate the battery’s 12-inch guns, the recommendation is to 

clear tree and shrub vegetation immediately around the gun platform. This 

clearing effort needs to focus on the slopes against the battery’s concrete facades 

as the level area in front of the guns is relatively free of tree and shrub vegetation 

(Figure 5.84). 

To remove Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), greenbrier (Smilax sp.), 

and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), the park may consider using tended or 

supervised goats enclosed within temporary fencing that the herbivores may 

consume the vines and other vegetation. Gateway National Recreation Area has 

successfully used goats at Battery Duane in the Staten Island Unit and the same 

treatment could be considered at batteries Kingman and Mills. 

With the overgrown vegetation removed, a low-maintenance, perennial, native 

grass such as switch grass (Panicum virgatum) should be planted. Once 

established, switch grass competes very well against invasive species and provides 

excellent food and cover for wildlife. To help establish the new plantings, 

erosion control fabric should be used on slopes greater than 4:1. 
TREATMENT

449 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

KI-4: Maintain chain-link fences above casemate canopies to prevent 

unauthorized access and visitor injuries 

Above both gun emplacements at Battery Kingman, concrete canopies shield the 

artillery from overhead fire. The canopies emerge from a concrete facade 

constructed in front of the emplacement. The engineered earthwork meets the 

top of the concrete facade and continues to rise at a 2:1 slope to an elevation 

approximately thirty-five feet above most of the surrounding area. 

To prevent unauthorized access to the canopy and avoid injury due to the steep 

slope of the earthwork, the National Park Service installed a six-foot high chainlink fence above the concrete facade (Figure 5.85). As previously mentioned, 

visitor access is not planned for Battery Kingman. Although visitors are not 

supposed to have access, the chain-link fence should be maintained for added 

safety. Regular inspections should make sure the line posts are solid and securely 

anchored to the ground. The chain-link mesh should be inspected for any holes 

or other deficiencies. Both the posts and mesh should be repaired or replaced as 

conditions merit. 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

KI-5: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids 

Concrete surfaces at Battery Kingman exhibit spalling areas and cracks resulting 

from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles (see Figures 5.84 and 5.85). In 

order to limit further damage to the concrete, spalling surfaces should be removed, 

mechanically cleaned, and patched to match the character of the historic material. 

Small cracks should be dried and prepared to receive a sealant that is compatible 

with the character of the historic concrete. The treatment of large, structural 

cracks should be determined by a structural engineer. Additional information 

addressing the repair of spalling areas and cracks can be found in the treatment 

tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation 

Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 

KI-6: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete structures at 

Battery Kingman, a surface coating should be applied to the horizontal surfaces. 

Application of a surface coating must occur after spalling and cracked concrete 

surfaces are repaired and defected surfaces that collect and pool rainwater are 

corrected. Additional information penetrating sealers and surface sealers can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. At Battery Kingman, 

approximately 975 square feet of concrete should be sealed. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

450 

KI-7: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of 

Battery Kingman. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 

KI-8: Cap and seal concrete pipe on northern end of battery to prevent injury and 

reduce water damage 

In addition to the animal burrow, a vertically set concrete pipe was observed on 

the northern end of Battery Kingman. The pipe protruded slightly above finish 

grade and was positioned north of the north gun emplacement (Figure 5.86). A 

1944 plan prepared for the Army Corps of Engineers’s Report of Completed Works 

does not show a structure or below-ground room that would correspond to this 

concrete pipe (see Figure 2.76). It may have served as a ventilation shaft and 

based on observations during the field review, appears to run down a 

considerable distance from finish grade. 

Even though visitor access is not planned for Battery Kingman, the concrete pipe 

should be capped and sealed to prevent possible injury and reduce water entering 

into or around the underground structures. An ABS plastic cap with noncorrosive, vandal-resistant hardware should be fitted over and secured to the 

concrete pipe. The top of the cap should be pitched to prevent water and ice 

from building up (Figure 5.87). 

KI-9: Repair animal burrow on northern end of battery 

During on-site review of the gun batteries at Sandy Hook, no evidence was 

observed of animal disturbance to the historic earthworks accept at Battery 

Kingman. On the northern end of the battery, a burrow with excavated earth in 

front of it was discovered (Figure 5.88). Most likely a groundhog burrow, the 

animal’s activities have destroyed a small portion of the historic earthwork. The 

damage should be repaired and efforts made to stop future damage to the 

earthwork. 

The preferred management recommendation for groundhogs and burrowing 

animals is to humanely trap the animal and relocate it to an area away from the 

historic earthwork. If this remedy does not work, extermination is the next 
TREATMENT

451 

option to pursue.37 The burrow should be filled with soil from a sterile source 

that does not have the potential to damage archaeological information. 38 

BATTERY MILLS TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

MI-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

Park staff recently undertook a woody vegetation removal project on the south 

end of Battery Mills. Their work targeted ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima)—the 

predominant woody species on this section of the battery. After cutting down 

the trees, the trunks and limbs were left in place on the historic earthwork (Figure 

5.89). The fallen debris needs to be removed and any future removals should 

allow proper time and equipment for the trunks and limbs to be removed. The 

long-term preservation of the historic earthworks will require future inspection 

and removal of woody species greater than four-inches diameter. The frequency 

of inspections and removals should be increased to manage invasive non-native 

plant species such as ailanthus. In order to safely and effectively permit future 

inspections and removals, the trunks and limbs have to be removed. For Battery 

Mills, the area to be selectively cleared would be approximately 3.9 acres 

(Drawing 5.10, scope of treatment). 

MI-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

Like Battery Kingman, the concrete features at Battery Mills include concrete 

facades, canopies to shield the gun emplacements, sloped glacises that meet the 

earthen casement, and bulkhead entries on the west side (Figure 5.90). All woody 

vegetation growing on or within four-feet of these concrete features should be 

removed and treated with a triclopyr herbicide to kill the root system. 

MI-3: Clear overgrowth external to gun battery in area of gun traverse/field of fire 

Like Battery Kingman, Battery Mills once emplaced two 12-inch guns that 

required an unobstructed arc for positioning and setting their firing trajectory. A 

World War II-era photograph of Battery Mills has not been found to confirm the 

vegetation immediately around the gun and on the earthen casemate. However, 

Battery Mills and Kingman both appear on a 1943 plan entitled “Batteries 

Kingman and Mills, Alterations to Electrical Systems, General Plan and Index” 

and have identical layouts. Since their design is the same and not wanting to 

distinguish and draw attention to either battery, they arguably shared the same 

vegetation treatment. A 1940s photograph of Battery Kingman shows the 

vegetation immediately around the gun and on the earthen casemate above was a 

low growing turf mixture. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

452 

Restoring a turf mix across the entire earthwork is not a practical treatment and 

would create new maintenance challenges for the park. To visually convey the 

space required to operate the battery’s 12-inch guns, the recommendation is to 

clear tree and shrub vegetation immediately around the gun platform. This 

clearing effort needs to focus on the slopes against the battery’s concrete facades 

as the level area in front of the guns is relatively free of tree and shrub vegetation 

To remove Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), greenbrier (Smilax sp.), 

and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), the park may consider using 

introduced goats in fenced areas to consume the vines and other vegetation. 

Gateway National Recreation Area has successfully used goats at Battery Duane 

in the Staten Island Unit and the same treatment might be effectively used at 

Battery Mills. 

With the overgrown vegetation removed, a low-maintenance, perennial, native 

grass such as switch grass (Panicum virgatum) should be cultivated. Once 

established, switch grass competes very well against invasive species and provides 

excellent food and cover for wildlife. To help establish the new plantings, 

erosion control fabric should be used on slopes greater than 4:1. 

MI-4: Remove Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) between 

northwestern side of battery and coastline 

Recent storm activity has advanced the coastline towards the western side of 

Battery Mills. On the northwest side of the battery, the eroded and recently 

disturbed area has been colonized by Japanese knotweed (Polygonum 

cuspidatum) (Figure 5.91). Japanese knotweed has been identified as an invasive 

non-indigenous plant species by the New Jersey Department of Environmental 

Protection. Knotweed’s smooth stalks are chambered and similar in appearance 

to bamboo. The stalks emerge in early spring and their dense growth prevents 

indigenous species from establishing. As a result, plant species diversity and 

wildlife habitat are reduced.39

The Japanese knotweed should be removed and one of the most effective 

strategies is to inject glyphosate herbicide into the lower nodes of the stalks. 

Stem injection has demonstrated better control of knotweed than other herbicide 

application methods and mechanical methods.40 The injection method greatly 

reduces the possibility of herbicide drift that could occur with a foliar application 

and several companies offer injection tools (Figure 5.92). After initial treatment, 

the Japanese knotweed will need to be monitored and the process repeated for 

several seasons until the stand is removed. 
TREATMENT

453 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

MI-5: Maintain chain-link fences above casemate canopies to prevent 

unauthorized access and injury 

Between the first and second World Wars, Battery Mills and Kingman were 

improved with earthen casemates constructed over the gun emplacements. Like 

Battery Kingman, Battery Mills features concrete canopies that shielded the 

emplaced guns from overhead fire. The canopies project from a concrete facade 

and at the top of the facade, the engineered earthwork rises at a steep rate to an 

elevation approximately thirty-five feet above most of the surrounding area. 

To prevent unauthorized access to the canopy and avoid injury due to the steep 

slope of the earthwork, the National Park Service installed a six-foot high chainlink fence above the concrete facade. Although visitors are not supposed to have 

access to Battery Mills, the chain-link fence should be maintained for added 

safety. Regular inspections should make sure the line posts are solid and securely 

anchored to the ground. The chain-link mesh should be inspected for any holes 

or other deficiencies. Both the posts and mesh should be repaired or replaced as 

conditions merit. 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

MI-6: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids 

Concrete surfaces at Battery Mills exhibit spalling areas and cracks resulting from 

water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. In order to limit further damage to the 

concrete, spalling surfaces should be removed, mechanically cleaned, and 

patched to match the character of the historic material. Small cracks should be 

dried and prepared to receive a sealant that is compatible with the character of 

the historic concrete. The treatment of large, structural cracks should be 

determined by a structural engineer. Additional information addressing the 

repair of spalling areas and cracks can be found in the treatment tasks common to 

all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook

(Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 

MI-7: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete structures at 

Battery Mills, a surface coating should be applied to the horizontal surfaces. 

Application of a surface coating must occur after spalling and cracked concrete 

surfaces are repaired and defected surfaces that collect and pool rainwater are 

corrected. Additional information penetrating sealers and surface sealers can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. At Battery Mills, 

approximately 975 square feet of concrete should be sealed. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

454 

MI-8: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of 

Battery Mills. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 

MI-9: Cap and seal concrete pipe on southern end of battery to prevent injury 

and reduce water damage 

Similar to Battery Kingman, a vertically set concrete pipe was observed on the 

southern end of Battery Mills. The pipe protruded slightly above finish grade and 

was positioned south of the south gun emplacement. Unlike Battery Kingman, 

the concrete pipe at Battery Mills had a flanged end (Figure 5.93). A 1944 plan 

prepared for the Army Corps of Engineers’s Report of Completed Works does not 

show a structure or below-ground room that would correspond to this concrete 

pipe (see Figure 2.77). It may have served as a ventilation shaft and based on 

observations during the field review, appears to run down a considerable 

distance from finish grade. 

Even though visitor access is not planned for Battery Mills, the concrete pipe 

should be capped and sealed to prevent possible injury and reduce water entering 

into or around the underground structures. An ABS plastic cap with noncorrosive, vandal-resistant hardware should be fitted over and secured to the 

concrete pipe. The top of the cap should be pitched to prevent water and ice 

from building up. 

MI-10: Install course stone soil revetment at the toe of the engineered slope on 

the battery’s western side 

Aerial photographs from 2002, 2003, and 2006 indicate a narrow road looping 

around Battery Mills. The western portion of this road, closest to Sandy Hook 

Bay, aligns with a railroad line that delivered ordnance to the battery and is 

shown on a 1944 Army Corps of Engineers map of Fort Hancock. 

In the past three years, storm activity has eroded the western portion of the loop 

road and the coastline is advancing toward the engineered slope and concrete 

bulkheads that enter the battery (Figures 5.94). 
TREATMENT

455 

To better respond to beach erosion, the park is currently installing and testing a 

sand-slurry system that can replenish eroded areas. Current plans are to deposit 

sand-slurry from the testing phase of the system on the western edge of Battery 

Mills. The addition of the sand-slurry will be helpful, however, to better protect 

the concrete structure and historic earthworks of Battery Mills randomly and 

loosely placed course stones should be installed at the toe of the battery’s slope. 

Placed at the toe of the slope, the course stones would be located at a minimum 

approximately thirty-five feet from the shore line observed in January 2009 

(Drawing 5.10). Since the course stones would be inland from the shore, they 

would not interfere with normal tidal actions. The course stones would provide a 

needed layer of protection to the concrete structure and historic earthwork in the 

event of a major storm event or hurricane. Finally, placed course stones would 

be consistent with a component of the battery’s historic appearance. A 1950s 

photograph indicates stacked stone walls were constructed near one of the 

battery’s entries (Figure 5.95). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

456 

TABLE 5.9: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, BATTERY KINGMAN

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

KI-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

KI-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing 

on or within four-feet of concrete features 1 – high priority for action 

KI-3: Clear overgrowth external to gun 

battery in area of gun traverse/ field of fire 1 – high priority for action 

KI-4: Maintain chain-link fences above 

casemate canopies to prevent unauthorized 

access and visitor injuries 

3 – requires ongoing monitoring of 

condition 

KI-5: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks and voids 1 – high priority for action 

KI-6: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

KI-7: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 

KI-8: Cap and seal concrete pipe on 

northern end of battery to prevent injury 

and reduce water damage 

 1 – high priority for action 

KI-9: Repair animal burrow on northern 

end of battery 1 – high priority for action 
TREATMENT

457 

TABLE 5.10: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, BATTERY MILLS

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

MI-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

MI-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of concrete 

features 

 1 – high priority for action 

MI-3: Clear overgrowth external to gun 

battery in area of gun traverse/ field of fire 1 – high priority for action 

MI-4: Remove Japanese knotweed 

(Polygonum cuspidatum) between 

northwestern side of battery and coastline 

 1 – high priority for action 

MI-5: Maintain chain-link fences above 

casemate canopies to prevent unauthorized 

access and injury 

3 – requires ongoing monitoring of 

condition 

MI-6: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks and voids 1 – high priority for action 

MI-7: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

MI-8: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures 2 – plan for future action 

MI-9: Cap and seal concrete pipe on 

southern end of battery to prevent injury 

and reduce water damage 

 1 – high priority for action 

MI-10: Install course stone soil revetment at 

the toe of the engineered slope on the 

battery’s western side 

The next major storm event 

could irrevocably damage the 

historic earthwork 

1 – high priority for action 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

458 
459 

Treatment

Figure 5.79. View looking north of gun emplacements at Batteries 

Kingman and Mills. Prior to 1941, the guns were emplaced on open 

platforms that permitted 360-degrees of rotation and firing. The north 

emplacement at Mills is in the foreground and beyond that the south 

emplacement at Kingman (GATE 938).

Figure 5.80. View looking southwest at gun emplacement, Battery 

Kingman, circa 1940s. During World War II, the vegetation immediately in 

front of and directly above the casemate was maintained at a low height 

(GATE 8084).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

460

Figure 5.81. View looking northeast at the Battery Kingman engineered landform. This photograph shows the size and quantity of 

woody vegetation growing on Battery Kingman’s engineered slope. All woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast 

height should be selectively removed to preserve the historic structure and its sheltering earthwork (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.82. View looking south atop of the engineered slope, Battery 

Kingman. Here, a large tree is seen growing near an exposed concrete 

feature seen at the left foreground. Woody vegetation should not 

be permitted to grow on, or within four-feet of concrete battery 

structures and features (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
461 

Treatment

Figure 5.83. North gun emplacement, Battery Kingman, circa 

1940s. This photograph shows the vegetation immediately around 

the gun emplacement and on the earthen casemate above was a 

low growing turf mixture ensuring the field of fire would not be 

obstructed (GATE 8085).

Figure 5.84. View looking northwest at the south gun emplacement, Battery Kingman. Vegetation removal 

to restore the historic field of fire should focus on the slopes against the battery’s concrete facades as the 

level area in front of the guns is relatively free of tree and shrub vegetation (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

462

Figure 5.85. View looking southwest at north gun emplacement, Battery Kingman. Although visitors are 

warned of the hazards of accessing the summit of these batteries, existing chain-link fencing located above 

the concrete casemate canopies should be maintained for added safety at both Battery Kingman and Battery 

Mills (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.86. Concrete pipe on north slope of Battery Kingman. The concrete pipe should be capped to 

prevent possible injury and reduce water entering into or around the underground structures (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).
463 

Treatment

Figure 5.87. Installation of cap over concrete pipe and ABS plastic ventilation cap. The top of the cap should 

be pitched to prevent water and ice from building up. It should also be vented to allow air flow (Olmsted 

Center and http://www.toolstation.com/images/library/stock/webbig/22205.jpg ).

Figure 5.88. Animal burrow on north slope of Battery Kingman. The preferred management 

recommendation for burrowing animals is to humanely trap the animal and relocate it to an area away from 

the historic earthwork. The burrow should be filled with soil from a sterile source that does not have the 

potential to damage archaeological information (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

464

Figure 5.89. View looking east at southern end of Battery Mills. After recent cutting to manage invasive non-indigenous plant species, 

trunks, limbs, and other fallen debris were not removed. In order to safely and effectively permit future inspections and removals, the 

trunks and limbs have to be removed (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.90. View looking east at a bulkhead entry, Battery Mills. All woody vegetation growing on or within 

four-feet of concrete features like the bulkhead entries should be removed (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
465 

Treatment

Figure 5.91. Japanese knotweed growing on western side of Battery Mills. The red dashed outline 

indicates the area of Japanese knotweed in this image. Japanese knotweed has been identified as an 

invasive non-indigenous plant species by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and 

should be removed (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.92. Injection tool for delivering herbicide to Japanese knotweed. 

One of the most effective strategies for controlling knotweed is to inject 

glyphosate herbicide into the lower nodes of the stalks. This image shows 

a proprietary injection tool with a marking attachment to indicate which 

plants have been treated (http://www.jkinjectiontools.com/methodinfo.

php?method=steminjection).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

466

Figure 5.93. Concrete pipe on southern slope of Battery Mills. The concrete pipe should be capped to 

prevent possible injury and reduce water entering into or around the underground structures (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.94. Eroded loop road on western side of Battery Mills. To better protect the concrete structures and 

historic earthworks of Battery Mills, randomly and loosely placed course stones should be installed at the 

toe of the battery’s slope (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
467 

Treatment

Figure 5.95. View looking northeast at the western side of Battery Mills, circa 1950s. Adding randomly and 

loosely placed course stones at the toe of the battery’s slope would be consistent with a component of its 

historic appearance. This image shows a stacked stone wall near one of the battery’s entries (GATE 20536).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

468
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 17.5’ 35’ 70’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

1944 Shore Line

1944 Rail Line

BATTERY

KINGMAN

SANDY HOOK BAY

Wood Guardrails

Wood Guardrails

Wood

Post

Fence

Remnants of Wood Bulkhead

Battery Kingman

Treatment Plan

NOTE: Maintain lack of downrange views due to the high angle of trajectory from these guns

KI-8: Cap concrete pipe 

KI-4: Maintain

chain-link fence

KI-4: Maintain

chain-link fence

KI-9: Repair animal burrow

KI-3: Clear overgrowth

in gun traverse

KI-3: Clear overgrowth

in gun traverse

Toe of Engineered Slope

Drawing 5.9

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

KI-5: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids

KI-6: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration

KI-7: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

KI-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh

KI-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing

on or within 4’ of concrete features, typ.

KI-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing

on or within 4’ of concrete features, typ.

KI-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 1’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 15’ 30’ 60’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Lockwood

 Kessler & Bartlett, 1976

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Fence

1944 Rail Line

BATTERY

MILLS

SANDY HOOK BAY

Wood Guardrails

Abandoned Trail

Fallen Metal Pipe

Wood Guardrails

MI-4: Remove Japanese knotweed

Battery Mills

Treatment Plan

MI-3: Clear overgrowth

in gun traverse

MI-3: Clear overgrowth

in gun traverse

MI-9: Cap concrete pipe

MI-5: Maintain chain-link fence

MI-5: Maintain chain-link fence

NOTE: Maintain lack of downrange views due to the high angle of trajectory from these guns

MI-10: Install course stones at the toe of slope

MI-10: Install course stones

at the toe of slope

Toe of Engineered Slope

Drawing 5.10

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

MI-6: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids

MI-7: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration

MI-8: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures

MI-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh MI-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing

on or within 4’ of concrete features, typ.

MI-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing

on or within 4’ of concrete features, typ.

MI-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment
TREATMENT

471 

NIKE MISSILE BATTERY 

The Army developed the NIKE missile battery to engage long-range bombers 

that emerged as a threat in the closing years of World War II. Sandy Hook’s 

NIKE missile battery consisted of a launching complex, where the missiles were 

stored in underground magazines, and a radar tracking and control station with 

equipment for acquiring targets, tracking targets, and tracking the flight of 

outbound missiles. Sandy Hook’s battery was one of the few dual battery sites 

built in the United States featuring two rows of missile launchers and two 

corresponding groups of radar. Construction was completed on the launch site 

in spring 1955 and on the radar site in 1956 (Figures 5.96 and 5.97). 

The Army soon introduced a second-generation NIKE missile, known as the 

Hercules, and began modifying launch sites in 1958. Sandy Hook received the 

new missile and related enhancements to the radar site between 1961 and 1962. 

The development of intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs, shifted the 

threat away from the long range bombers the NIKE system was intended to stop. 

The Army deactivated the NIKE missile battery at Sandy Hook in 1971, concluding 

a history of coastal defenses that stretched back to the American Revolution. 

The NIKE radar and launch sites are approximately a mile apart and located off 

of Hartshorne Drive, Sandy Hook’s major north-south thoroughfare. The 

buildings and structures at both sites show early to intermediate signs of 

deterioration in specific building materials that include metal, concrete block, 

and corrugated siding and roofing (Figure 5.98). The radar towers feature 

guardrails around the tops of their platforms with large openings that would not 

adequately protect all visitors. 

Beginning with deactivation of the sites, woody vegetation has encroached on 

buildings, vehicular and pedestrian circulation features, and the perimeter fences 

(Figure 5.99). Large woody vegetation also covers the majority of the engineered 

earthworks in the launch site (Figure 5.100). The radar site is open to volunteerled tours on a regular schedule throughout the year. Tours of the launch site 

occur three or four times per year. Additionally, the NIKE launch site has 

become host to a variety of uses including park maintenance and law 

enforcement, a New Jersey state beach cleaning program, and academic research 

on weather, tides, and shellfish (Figures 5.101 and 5.102). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

472 

NIKE RADAR SITE TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

NR-1: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of buildings 

and structures 

Consistent with the approach to vegetation management recommended for 

traditional gun battery sites found to the north, all woody vegetation should be 

removed to a minimum distance of four feet from buildings and structures. 

Beyond buildings themselves within the boundaries of the NIKE radar site, this 

recommendation would include fencing, roads, sidewalks and concrete pads. 

During the NIKE radar site’s years of operation, vegetation was strictly 

maintained among the buildings and structures in Control Area #1, Control Area 

#2, and the Ready Barracks (Figure 5.103). Currently, woody vegetation is well 

established and growing near radar platforms, barracks, and other auxiliary 

buildings. The vegetation’s root systems threaten footings and foundations. 

Mold, mildew, and the accelerated deterioration of painted surfaces, siding, and 

roofing all result from vegetation blocking light and air movement at a building 

or structure. 

To protect the buildings and structures at the NIKE radar site, all woody 

vegetation growing in a zone around Control Area #1, Control Area #2, and the 

Ready Barracks should be removed (Drawing 5.11). Deciduous stumps should be 

treated with a triclopyr herbicide to prevent root sprouts from emerging. 

NR-2: Remove all woody vegetation six-feet off either side of circulation features 

After the army abandoned the NIKE radar site and the property was transferred 

to the National Park Service, vegetation management that was a routine part of 

the site’s maintenance was not addressed. Consequently, circulation features 

such as parking lots, access roads, sidewalks and a basketball court have become 

obscured with overgrown vegetation. 

The park has recently removed some vegetation to reveal the historic sidewalks 

that once provided access between the control areas and the Ready Barracks. 

Further removal of woody vegetation is needed to protect the circulation features 

from future incursions. Asphalt and concrete-paved circulation features, as well 

as gravel-surfaced features, should have vegetation cleared a minimum of six-feet 

off of all sides of the feature (Figure 5.104). Large woody vegetation, particularly 

eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana), should be removed first. Once the large 

woody vegetation has been removed, the six foot width can be easily maintained 

with a small tractor and brush hog mowing deck. 
TREATMENT

473 

NR-3: Remove all woody vegetation four-feet off either side of the perimeter fence 

The extent of the NIKE radar site was clearly marked by a perimeter fence 

topped with barbed wire. The fence not only defined the site but secured it with 

access strictly controlled at gates located at Control Area #1, Control Area #2, 

and the Ready Barracks. 

To verify security of the radar area, a site plan from 1954 indicates a fire break 

thirty-feet inside the perimeter fence. No vegetation was allowed to grow within 

this thirty-foot zone for security as well as fire prevention. Restoring the thirtyfoot fire break is not practical and would create additional maintenance 

workload, however, the fence line and historic boundary of the site should be 

clearly delineated and maintained by removing all woody vegetation a minimum 

of four-feet off either side of the perimeter fence (Figure 5.105 and Drawing 5.11). 

Large woody vegetation, particularly eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana), 

should be removed first. Once the large woody vegetation has been removed, the 

four-foot width can be easily maintained with a small tractor and brush hog 

mowing deck. 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

NR-4: Install compatible stairway for safe access to radar platform 

The park has expressed interest in opening up one of the radar platforms to 

visitors so that from an elevated position, visitors can better understand the 

layout of the radar site and take in the surrounding landscape. Based on existing 

elevations, it is recommended that the acquisition radar platform (Building 421) 

in Control Area #2 be rehabilitated for visitor access. This platform will give 

visitors the highest point in the radar site for viewing the area. In addition, 

Building 421 is close to two existing circulation features that presently facilitate, 

and a proposed project that will enhance convenient visitor access. Building 421 

is approximately 200 feet east from Parking Lot L and the recently installed 

multi-use path. Current park planning proposes to create a loop off of the 

existing multi-use path that routes visitors through the radar site. The majority of 

the proposed loop follows existing roads in the radar site and will bring visitors 

directly to the base of Building 421. 

Access to Building 421 is currently provided by a metal ladder running nearly 

vertical from ground level to the top of the platform. To provide safe access to 

the platform, a compatible stairway should be installed. The stairway should be 

designed with metal components matching the tubular railings used on the 

platform and finished in a matching color. The stairway should be located on the 

north side of the platform where it will be less conspicuous for visitors viewing 

the site from the parking lot and multi-use path to the west (Figure 5.106). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

474 

NR-5: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety railings 

In addition to providing safe access up to the platform, safety needs to be 

improved for the guardrails at the top. Damaged or severely deteriorated rails 

and components should be removed and replaced with new components that 

match the original. The joints and connections of the existing guardrails should 

be inspected and properly tightened and secured. Corrosion should be removed 

or made inert with a chemical treatment and immediately followed with priming 

and painting to match the historic finish.41

To provide a higher level of protection, expanded metal mesh should cover the 

existing guardrail openings. On other radar platforms, expanded metal mesh is 

present at the lower level of the guardrail (Figure 5.107). The metal gauge and 

mesh spacing should match the existing sample. The new infill material should 

cover lower and upper guardrail openings and be attached to the inside of the 

rails with non-corrosive hardware. The clamps would permit easy replacement 

or removal and minimize damage to the guardrails. 

NR-6: Relocate brick masonry stockpiles to Fort Hancock maintenance yard 

Servicemen were not continuously stationed at the radar site but arrived at the 

facility from their Fort Hancock barracks when called into action. In the 

northwest corner of the radar site, west of the Ready Barracks, a gravel parking 

lot was installed to handling parking for the arriving servicemen (Figure 5.108). 

Currently, the parking lot is the site of a stockpile of yellow brick of a type widely 

used in many of Fort Hancock’s historic buildings. Since the area was never 

historically used for material storage and the brick is intended for buildings a mile 

and a half north of the radar site, the brick should be stacked on to palettes and 

moved to a storage location within the maintenance yard at Fort Hancock. 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

NR-7: Stabilize Free-Standing Buildings 

The control areas and Ready Barracks are defined by a collection of buildings 

and accompanying landscape features that were designed to identify, track, and 

guide NIKE missiles to aerial targets. Presently, the free-standing buildings are in 

a generally fair condition with some building materials showing signs of 

deterioration due to inadequate protection from the elements (see Figure 5.98). 

The radar towers, support buildings and barracks should be thoroughly 

inventoried in order to assess specific conditions and develop recommendations 

for building treatments beyond the scope of this report. In the interim, 

temporary measures to close and secure exterior openings and routine 

maintenance such as painting can provide short-term protection against the 

elements and help stabilize free-standing buildings. Equipment from the historic 
TREATMENT

475 

period currently exposed to the elements, such as the generator northwest of the 

Equipment Building (454), should be moved to a protected, interior location. 

NR-8: Repair and replace chain-link fencing site-wide 

The chain-link fencing found throughout the NIKE radar site is in serious 

disrepair, the material and fixtures having reached the end of their useful service 

life. Removing woody vegetation growing on either side and in many instances 

though the wire fabric will only make this advanced state of decay more apparent 

(see Figure 5.105). Owing to the fact that fencing material and hardware of this 

kind remains available in commerce, the entire fencing system should be replaced 

in-kind once the adjacent vegetation has been removed. 

When replacing sections of the fencing system, new line posts should match the 

existing H-beam posts. The wire gauge and mesh opening should match the 

existing chain-link and all material and hardware should be galvanized to match 

the specifications of the original material. 

A site plan from 1954 indicates the perimeter fence was type FE-6—a designation 

for chain-link with barbed wire on a single extension arm. The plan further 

illustrates that the fence was installed at roughly ten-feet in height with minor 

variations to account for existing grades and to maintain unobstructed lines of 

sight. The contractor was to excavate either side of the fence at a 2:1 slope in 

order to maintain the specified height (Figure 5.109). When replacing sections of 

the deteriorated fencing system, new line posts should match the existing Hbeam posts. The wire gauge and mesh opening should match the existing chainlink and all material and hardware should be galvanized. 

NR-9: Preserve historic light fixtures 

Two sidewalks provided pedestrian access from the Ready Barracks to Control 

Area #1 and #2. Along these walks simple light fixtures—comprised of a tubular 

pole and metal reflector—were installed. The majority of light fixtures are in 

good to fair condition and should be periodically assessed (Figure 5.110). 

Damaged or severely deteriorated components should be replaced. If necessary, 

new hardware and connectors should be fabricated to match the existing if a 

contemporary supplier cannot be found. Corrosion on the metal components 

should be removed or made inert with a chemical treatment and immediately 

followed with priming and painting to match the historic finish. 

During site inspection, a historic light fixture near the Ready Barracks was seen 

haven fallen over (Figure 5.111). This fixture is located between buildings 404 

and 405 which are presently two concrete slabs. The slabs would have supported 

barrack structures and therefore have building number designations. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

476 

The light fixture should be reset and will most likely require a new concrete 

footing to accomplish this task. Due to snowy conditions, it was difficult to 

determine at what point the fixture failed and fell over. Resetting the fixture may 

require a new tubular pole with adequate length to extend into the footing below 

ground. The new pole should match the existing in material, dimensions, and 

finishing. The fixture’s other components should be inspected at this time and 

repaired or replaced based on their condition. 
TREATMENT

477 

NIKE LAUNCH SITE TREATMENT TASKS 

Vegetation Management Treatment Tasks 

NL-1: Remove woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

Following an approach consistent with to that recommended for the Sandy Hook 

gun batteries, woody vegetation should be removed a distance of at least four feet 

from engineered slopes. Rather than the earthen shielding forward of the 

batteries found to the north, at the NIKE launch site, engineered slopes include 

the portion of the access road built upon a ramped fill section ascending from the 

barracks area to the level of the launch platform. At this mid-twentieth century 

site, engineered slopes also include the earthen traverses surrounding the 

Warhead Building and the slopes adjacent to the launch area. 

NL-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of buildings 

and structures 

Also consistent with the approach to vegetation management recommended for 

more traditional gun battery sites, all woody vegetation should be removed to a 

minimum distance of four feet from buildings and structures. Beyond buildings 

themselves, this would include fencing, roads and concrete pads. 

When the army actively used launch area, the vehicular connection between the 

barracks to the west and Missile Magazines and Missile Maintenance Area to the 

east was maintained on either side with a turf mixture (Figure 5.112). Today, this 

connection has become overgrown and feels like a tight corridor in contrast to its 

open, historic feel (Figure 5.113). 

The landscape around the Ready Barracks survives in good condition and does 

not require extensive vegetation removal. In the barracks area, two London 

planetrees (Platanus × acerifolia) are growing in the lawn panels between the 

buildings and these trees should remain. Historic photographs show that trees 

were growing in the barrack’s lawn panels in contrast to bare earth maintained 

along other features like fence lines (Figure 5.114). Targeted removals should 

take place at barracks buildings 430 and 431 were young eastern red cedars 

(Juniperus virginiana) have started to grow near the buildings’ foundations. 

Removal work around buildings should focus on the Generator Building (429) 

and kennel buildings (457 and 458) as these structures are becoming enveloped 

by overgrown vegetation (Figure 5.115). 

In addition to buildings and structures, vegetation removal should proceed on 

the historic earthworks in the Missile Maintenance Area (Figure 5.116). The 

treatment for these earthworks should follow the guidelines established for the 

park’s older batteries. All woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

478 

breast height should be selectively removed and the stumps treated with a 

triclopyr herbicide. For the two earthworks in the Missile Maintenance Area, 0.5 

acres will need to be selectively cleared. 

NL-3: Remove all woody vegetation four-feet off either side of the inner and 

outer perimeter fences 

The NIKE launch site distinguishes itself from the radar site with both an outer 

and inner perimeter security fence. The outer fence defines the extent of the site 

while the inner fence provides an additional layer of security to access the four 

missile magazines and the launching apparatus. Similar to the radar site, a plowed 

and harrowed firebreak of bare soil was once maintained along the outer 

perimeter fence. A plan from 1958 indicates the bare soil of the firebreak was 

once thirty-feet wide to the inside of the fence and twenty-feet wide to the 

outside the fence. The inner fence surrounding the magazines and launching 

apparatus was devoid of all vegetation when the facility was operational (see 

Figure 5.96). 

Currently, extensive vegetation has become established between the inner fence 

and perimeter road around the magazine and launch area (Figure 5.117). 

Vegetation also encroaches on the outer perimeter fence. Restoring the firebreak 

is not practical; however, the fence lines should be clearly delineated and 

maintained by removing all woody vegetation at least four-feet off either side. 

Once the large woody vegetation has been removed, the four-foot width can be 

easily maintained with a small tractor and brush hog mowing deck. 

Visitor Access Treatment Tasks 

In preparation to have self-guided access and guided tours of the NIKE launch 

site, park staff has drafted the Fort Hancock NIKE Launch Area Visitor Access 

Plan. The plan addresses proposed circulation routes for visitors as well as site 

improvements for a safer and more enjoyable experience. As the NIKE launch 

site is currently used by various park maintenance programs, as well as being the 

site of a National Park Service law enforcement firearms range, making this site 

accessible to the public will require displacing these functions elsewhere, or 

otherwise carefully coordinating dates and times of visitor access in order to 

provide the public with a safe experience. 

NL-4: Relocate staging area for beach cleaning equipment 

When the NIKE launch site was operational prior to 1974, there was no 

circulation route between the northern end of the Missile Maintenance Area and 

the southern perimeter of the missile magazines (Figure 5.118). During the past 

decade, a New Jersey state beach cleaning program has established a convenient 
TREATMENT

479 

route to the beach as well as to an area to store and clean their vehicles where 

historically neither had existed. 

The equipment and staging for the state’s beach cleaning program should not be 

relocated within the NIKE launch site, but moved to new location that does not 

impact historic resources. Relocating the cleaning and staging area out of the 

launch site will also enhance the guided tours planned for the southwest Missile 

Magazines. The proposal is for visitors to proceed east on the access road and 

then head north into a tunnel entry to access the southwest magazine. 

NL-5: Remove recycling storage bins from historic earthwork in the Missile 

Maintenance Area 

A component of the park’s maintenance activities at NIKE launch includes 

storage for the park recycling program. Currently, storage bins and containers 

are located at the eastern end of a historic earthwork in the Missile Maintenance 

Area (Figure 5.119). Looking in plan view at the site, the earthwork is roughly 

crescent-shaped and 1958 plans indicate the top of the earthwork rose seven to 

ten feet higher than the surrounding grade. An existing paved area at the base of 

the earthwork may provide convenient access to the recycling materials, 

however, moving, handling, and storage of the recyclables threatens the historic 

earthwork. The recycling bins and other containers should be removed and any 

portion of the earthwork that was disturbed should be restored. 

The park is currently exploring shifting recycling activities to the north 

maintenance facility at Fort Hancock. Relocating recycling to the Fort Hancock 

facility or developing a new recycling area for the south half of the peninsula is a 

better long-term strategy for preserving the resources at NIKE launch. Utilizing a 

single facility for collecting recyclables improves operational efficiency by 

reducing time and energy spent transporting materials. More importantly, NIKE 

launch is a contributing site to the National Historic Landmark designation and 

locating recycling collection within the site creates a non-historic, incompatible 

use. The launch site currently supports a non-historic firearms range for park 

police and seasonal law enforcement staff. Additional non-historic uses should 

not be added. 

NL-6: Remove beach-cleaning equipment debris from historic earthwork in the 

Missile Maintenance Area 

Located next to the recycling program’s storage bins and containers is a debris 

pile from the state’s beach cleaning program. The pile sits at the toe of slope for 

the historic earthwork in the Missile Maintenance Area (Figure 5.120). The 

debris obscures the highly engineered shape of the earthwork feature. 

Furthermore, moving and pushing the pile around exposes the historic 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

480 

earthwork to damage from large equipment. The debris pile should be carefully 

removed from the historic earthwork with equipment no larger than a skid-steer 

tractor. As the removal process approaches the historic toe of slope, the last 

three feet should be removed by hand to minimize possible impacts. Any portion 

of the historic earthwork that was disturbed by the debris pile should be restored. 

NL-7: Relocate park trash and recycling functions to the north maintenance yard 

The park is currently exploring options for relocating trash and recycling services 

to the north maintenance facility at Fort Hancock. Moving trash and recycling 

out of the NIKE launch site would remove a non-historic, non-compatible use 

from a resource that contributes to the National Historic Landmark status of 

Sandy Hook. Additionally, relocating trash and recycling functions will enhance 

visitors’ experience and understanding of the launch site. In the near future, the 

park is planning to have self-guided and guided tours of the site as outlined in the 

Fort Hancock NIKE Launch Area Visitor Access Plan. 

Battery Structures Treatment Tasks 

NL-8: Stabilize Free-Standing Buildings 

The missile magazine, Missile Maintenance, and Ready Barracks areas all contain 

buildings that supported the operation, maintenance and security of the NIKE 

launch site. Presently, the free-standing buildings are in a generally fair condition 

with some building materials showing signs of deterioration due to inadequate 

protection from the elements (Figure 5.121). The launch site buildings should be 

thoroughly inventoried in order to assess specific conditions and develop 

recommendations for building treatments beyond the scope of this report. In the 

interim, temporary measures to close and secure exterior openings and routine 

maintenance such as painting can provide short-term protection against the 

elements and help stabilize free-standing buildings. 

NL-9: Repair and replace chain-link fencing site-wide 

The chain-link fencing found throughout the NIKE launch site is in serious 

disrepair, the material and fixtures having reached the end of their useful service 

life. Removing woody vegetation growing on either side and in many instances 

though the wire fabric will only make this advanced state of decay more apparent 

(Figure 5.122). Owing to the fact that fencing material and hardware of this kind 

remains available in commerce, the entire fencing system should be replaced inkind once the adjacent vegetation has been removed. 

When replacing sections of the fencing system, new line posts should match the 

existing H-beam posts. The wire gauge and mesh opening should match the 

existing chain-link and all material and hardware should be galvanized to match 

the specifications of the original material. 
TREATMENT

481 

NL-10: Repair, maintain, and replace missing historic light fixtures 

Floodlight and spotlight fixtures at the NIKE launch site are character-defining 

features of this Cold War defense installation. Each floodlight fixture is comprised 

of a twenty-four inch diameter light housing attached to a metal bracket and 

mounted to a pole (Figure 5.123). At the Missile Magazines, the lights are 

mounted on wood poles and at the Missile Maintenance Area they are mounted 

on metal poles. Within the Missile Magazine area, four spotlights were erected 

by the end of the historic period. From ground level, the first eight to ten feet of 

the poles were painted yellow and a red letter was added to the yellow field to 

denote the magazine section. Spotlights were mounted at the top of each pole. 

Three of the poles were removed following transfer to the National Park Service 

and presently, only the pole and lights at the Section B magazine (427) are extant. 

Each extant light fixture should be routinely inspected to make sure the pole is 

vertically plumb and the material is sound. Poles should be reset to a vertical 

position and if the pole is damaged, severely deteriorated, or missing, it should be 

replaced to match the historic material and finish. The mounting hardware and 

light fixtures should be treated for corrosion, primed, and painted to match the 

historic finish. The glass lens on the fixture should be replaced to match the 

existing if it is cracked or broken. The lights were historically either mounted 

horizontally or angled slightly downward. If the hardware has loosened and the 

fixtures aim straight down, these should be reset to a horizontal position and 

securely fastened (see Drawing 5.12 for locations). 

NL-11: Provide handicap accessible parking and improve visitor parking lot off of 

Hartshorne Drive 

One of the items in the Fort Hancock NIKE Launch Area Visitor Access Plan

indicates new handicap accessible parking inside the launch site near the Ready 

Barracks. Instead of creating separate locations for handicap and standard 

parking, both can be provided in the same location with a reconfiguration of the 

existing visitor lot off of Hartshorne Drive (Figure 5.124). 

The lot currently has two bays of parking stalls and a resulting central aisle that is 

too narrow for parked cars backing up. The proposed reconfiguration would 

place the stalls near the Hartshorne Drive side with a five-foot raised, curbed 

buffer between the two. Without expanding the existing lot, the aisle behind the 

new stalls would be wide enough for two-way traffic and cars backing up. Two 

center stalls would be designated handicap accessible and share a van accessible 

walkway between them. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

482 

NL-12: Install pedestrian crosswalk and signage from visitor parking lot to site 

via the multi-use path 

In addition to providing handicap accessible parking at the current NIKE launch 

area visitor parking lot, a modest reconfiguration of the existing parking lot 

would include adding a pedestrian crosswalk from the lot to the multi-use path 

on the other side of Hartshorne Drive. New Jersey Department of 

Transportation required signage would also be installed with the crosswalk (see 

Figure 5.124). 

The crosswalk would align with the van accessible walkway in the lot and all 

visitors would share the circulation system from the lot to the launch site. The 

crosswalk would be located away from intersections to minimize pedestrian and 

vehicular conflicts. Once across Hartshorne Drive, visitors would move along 

the existing multi-use path and follow the path to the gated access at the launch 

site. This would allow visitors to enter at the same point where servicemen once 

arrived when the site was on alert. 

NL-13: Reconstruct the sentry hut near missile magazines 

A component of the Fort Hancock NIKE Launch Area Visitor Access Plan calls for 

reconstructing the missing sentry hut near the missile magazine area. An 

existing sentry hut survives near the access gate off of Hartshorne Drive. Its 

missing companion historically guarded access at a second security point and 

should be reconstructed over a surviving foundation near the missile magazine 

area (Figure 5.125). 

NL-14: Construct access tunnel to southwest missile magazine 

One of the more ambitious goals of providing visitor access to the NIKE launch 

site is a proposal to offer guided tours of the southwest underground missile 

magazine and show the below ground area where NIKE missiles were stored and 

raised into a firing position. In order to provide underground access, a tunnel 

must be designed and constructed to connect the access road to the south with 

the magazine. Visitors would proceed east on the access road and then turn 

north into a tunnel entrance providing access the below-grade missile magazine. 

Large corrugated metal tubing has been used at the Minute Man National 

Historical Park to make possible a continuous pedestrian trail below a busy 

commuter route (Figure 5.126). 

In terms of visitor access, the Ready Barracks, immediately adjacent to 

Hartshorne Drive, could be readily opened to self-guided tours as indicated in 

the Fort Hancock NIKE Launch Area Visitor Access Plan. There is an existing 

fence and gate between the Ready Barracks and access road to the missile 
TREATMENT

483 

magazines that makes the barracks self-contained and allows for self-guided 

tours to just outside launch area enclosure. Limiting access to the tunnel and the 

underground magazine would require that doors be installed on the entrance to 

the tunnel. 

NL-15: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids 

The concrete pads for the former launchers and racks exhibit spalling areas and 

cracks resulting from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. In order to limit 

further damage to the concrete, spalling surfaces should be removed, 

mechanically cleaned, and patched to match the character of the historic material. 

Small cracks should be dried and prepared to receive a sealant that is compatible 

with the character of the historic concrete. The treatment of large, structural 

cracks should be determined by a structural engineer. Additional information 

addressing the repair of spalling areas and cracks can be found in the treatment 

tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic Fortification Preservation 

Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003). 

NL-16: Repair and seal horizontal concrete surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

In order to reduce water infiltration and to protect the concrete pads at the 

missile magazines, a surface coating should be applied to the horizontal surfaces. 

Application of a surface coating must occur after spalling and cracked concrete 

surfaces are repaired and defected surfaces that collect and pool rainwater are 

corrected. Additional information penetrating sealers and surface sealers can be 

found in the treatment tasks common to all battery sites. At the NIKE launch 

site, approximately 31,000 square feet of concrete should be sealed. 

NL-17: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures and surfaces 

A variety of ferrous metal fixtures were incorporated into the construction of the 

NIKE launch site. Metal fixtures in fair condition with visible rust should be 

chemically treated, primed, and painted to match the historic finish. Damaged or 

severely deteriorated fixtures should be removed and replaced with new 

components that match the original as close as possible. Additional 

information on ferrous metal treatments can be found in the Safety Railings 

section of the treatment tasks common to all battery sites and in the Historic 

Fortification Preservation Handbook (Washington State Parks and Recreation 

Commission, 2003). 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

484 

TABLE 5.11: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, NIKE RADAR SITE

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

NR-1: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of buildings 

and structures 

 1 – high priority for action 

NR-2: Remove all woody vegetation six-feet 

off either side of circulation features 1 – high priority for action 

NR-3: Remove all woody vegetation fourfeet off either side of the perimeter fence 1 – high priority for action 

NR-4: Install compatible stairway for safe 

access to radar platform 

Coordinate with plans to 

enhance tours at the radar site 1 – high priority for action 

NR-5: Repair, retrofit, and replace safety 

railings 

Coordinate with installing access 

to radar platform 1 – high priority for action 

NR-6: Relocate brick masonry stockpiles to 

Fort Hancock maintenance yard 1 – high priority for action 

NR-7: Stabilize Free-Standing Buildings 1 – high priority for action 

NR-8: Repair and replace chain-link fencing 

site-wide 

Implement after vegetation 

removals from both sides of 

existing fence 

2 – plan for future action 

NR-9: Preserve historic light fixtures 2 – plan for future action 
TREATMENT

485 

TABLE 5.12: SUMMARY OF TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, NIKE LAUNCH SITE

Rehabilitation Task Notes 

Priority for Action 

1 - high priority 

2 - medium priority 

3 - low priority, but requires 

ongoing monitoring 

4 - no action

NL-1: Remove woody vegetation greater 

than four-inches diameter growing on 

engineered slopes 

 1 – high priority for action 

NL-2: Remove all woody vegetation 

growing on or within four-feet of buildings 

and structures 

 1 – high priority for action 

NL-3: Remove all woody vegetation fourfeet off either side of the inner and outer 

perimeter fences 

 1 – high priority for action 

NL-4: Relocate staging area for beach 

cleaning equipment 1 – high priority for action 

NL-5: Remove recycling storage bins from 

historic earthwork in the Missile 

Maintenance Area 

 1 – high priority for action 

NL-6: Remove beach-cleaning equipment 

debris from historic earthwork in the Missile 

Maintenance Area 

 1 – high priority for action 

NL-7: Relocate park trash and recycling 

functions to the north maintenance yard 1 – high priority for action 

NL-8: Stabilize Free-Standing Buildings 1 – high priority for action 

NL-9: Repair and replace chain-link fencing 

site-wide 

Implement after vegetation 

removals from both sides of 

existing fence 

2 – plan for future action 

NL-10: Repair, maintain, and replace 

missing historic light fixtures 2 – plan for future action 

NL-11: Provide handicap accessible parking 

and improve visitor parking lot off of 

Hartshorne Drive 

Coordinate with projects for the 

NIKE Launch Area Visitor Access 

Plan

1 – high priority for action 

NL-12: Install pedestrian crosswalk and 

signage from visitor parking lot to site via the 

multi-use path 

Coordinate with projects for the 

NIKE Launch Area Visitor Access 

Plan

1 – high priority for action 

NL-13: Reconstruct the sentry hut near 

Missile Magazines 2 – plan for future action 

NL-14: Construct underground access to 

the southwest Missile Magazines 

Coordinate with projects for the 

NIKE Launch Area Visitor Access 

Plan

3 – low priority 

NL-15: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces 

and repair cracks and voids 1 – high priority for action 

NL-16: Repair and seal horizontal concrete 

surfaces to reduce water infiltration 

Implement after concrete surface 

defects have been repaired 1 – high priority for action 

NL-17: Repair and repaint ferrous metal 

fixtures and surfaces 2 – plan for future action 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

486 

ENDNOTES 

 

1

 Robert R. Page, Cathy A. Gilbert, and Susan A. Dolan, A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process and 

Techniques (Washington, D.C.: United States. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1998), 81. 

2

 Such tasks are addressed in a separate cultural landscape document known in the National Park Service as a 

“Preservation Maintenance Plan.” This plan is not included in the scope of this project. 

3

 Harry Butowsky, “National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form, Fort Hancock and the Sandy 

Hook Proving Ground Historic District,” revised November 9, 1982, sect. 7, 1 and sect. 8, 1. 

4

 Enabling legislation, as cited in General Management Plan, Gateway National Recreation Area, New York/New Jersey 

(United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, August 1979), 163-65. 

5 General Management Plan Amendment: Development Concept Plan and Interpretation Prospectus: Sandy Hook Unit, 

Gateway National Recreation Area, New York/New Jersey (United States. Department of the Interior, National Park 

Service, January 1990), 13. 

6

 Helen Mahan, telephone conversation with the author, August 5, 2010. 

7

 Savage to Pfoutz, 5 November 1996, correspondence in reference to “List of Classified Structures,” countersigned by 

Dorothy Guzzo, NJ SHPO, 2 January 1997, NPS, National Register Files, Northeast Regional Office. 

8

 James J. Lee III and Lauren Laham, Historic Structure Report: Battery Potter, Mortar Battery and Battery Gunnison. Fort 

Hancock, New Jersey, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area (United States. Department of the Interior, 

National Park Service, 2007), 6-7. 

9

 David M. Hansen, Kimberly Keagle, and Deborah Rehn, Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook (Olympia, WA: 

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 2003), 3.3. 

10 Ibid., 3.74. 

11 Ibid., 3.14. 

12 Ibid., 4.8. 

13 Ibid., 3.97. 

14 Ibid., 3.97-3.98. 

15 Joe C. Freeman et al., Seacoast Fortifications Preservation Manual, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, 

California (United States. Department of the Interior, National Park Service and KEA Environmental, July 1999), 160. 

16 Ibid., 169-172. 

17 Ibid., 169. 

18 Hansen, Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook, 3.78-3.79. 

19 Ibid., 3.51-3.52. 

20 Ibid., 3.48. 

21 Ibid., 3.48-3.49. 

22 See Johns Manville Corporation, “SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing Membranes,” 

http://www.specjm.com/commercial/roofing/sbsbituminous.asp. 

23 Kenneth Barry, “The Chemistry of Waterproofing,” Mason Contractors Association of America, 

http://www.masonrymagazine.com/11-03/waterproof.html. 

24 Freeman, Seacoast Fortifications Preservation Manual, 160, 162. 
TREATMENT

487 

 25 Guide to Sustainable Earthworks Management (United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Draft, 

1998), 128. 

26 Thomas Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text” (working paper, Sandy Hook Unit, 1999). 

27 For additional information on chemical applications making rust inert, please see Hansen, Historic Fortification 

Preservation Handbook, 3.97. 

28 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries”; Thomas Hoffman, telephone conversation with the author, February 23, 2009. 

29 Virginia Pitman Barnes, Identification and Control of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) in Virginia, 2003. 

30 Thomas Hoffman, Fort Hancock (Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007), 7. 

31 Ibid., 79. 

32 Hansen, Historic Fortification Preservation Handbook, 3.46. 

33 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 20. 

34 Ibid., 26. 

35 Hoffman, “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries”. 

36 Hoffman, Fort Hancock, 100. 

37 Guide to Sustainable Earthworks Management, 23. 

38 Ibid., 128. 

39 David Snyder and Sylvan R. Kaufman, An Overview of Nonindigenous Plant Species in New Jersey (Trenton, NJ: New 

Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, 2004), 87-89. 

40 Jonathan Soll, Controlling Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum, P. sachalinense, P. polystachyum and hybrids) in the Pacific 

Northwest (Portland, OR: The Nature Conservancy, 2004), 10-11. 

41 For additional information on chemical applications making rust inert, please see Hansen, Historic Fortification 

Preservation Handbook, 3.97. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

488 

 
489 

Treatment

Figure 5.96. View looking northwest at the missile magazines, NIKE launch site, circa 1958. The inner 

fence surrounding the magazines completely lacked any trace of vegetation when the NIKE facility was 

operational (GATE 8067).

Figure 5.97. Oblique aerial view, NIKE radar site, circa 1962. In this photograph Control Area #2 is in the foreground with Control Area 

#1 in the background and the Ready Barracks to the right. In addition to the thirty-foot fire break inside the perimeter fence, most of the 

vegetation on the site was strictly managed except for a wedge-shaped area in the center (GATE 20818).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

490

Figure 5.99. View looking northwest at pedestrian walkway, Control Area #1, NIKE radar site. Following 

the site’s closure woody species, especially eastern red cedars, have emerged and are encroaching on 

pedestrian circulation features as well as buildings and the perimeter fence (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.98. View looking southeast at the Generator Building (414), Control Area #1, NIKE radar site. The 

buildings and structures in the radar site show signs of deterioration in specific building materials that 

include metal, concrete block, and corrugated siding and roofing. Due to damaged windows and doors, 

the Generator Building lacks a closed building envelope exposing the interior to water and seasonal 

temperature fluctuations that advance deterioration (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
491 

Treatment

Figure 5.100. View looking southeast at engineered earthwork, NIKE 

launch site. Eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) cover the majority 

of the engineered earthworks in the Missile Maintenance Area (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.101. View looking north at the firearms range, NIKE launch site. Park law enforcement has set up 

a range in a low lying area north of the access road that leads to the Warhead Building (Olmsted Center, 

January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

492

Figure 5.103. View looking west at target tracking radars (417 and 473), Control 

Area #1, NIKE radar site, circa 1962. The vegetation in the foreground of this 

image was located in front of the perimeter fence and was outside the site. 

Beyond the fence and around the radar platforms was bare sand, beachgrass,

and no woody vegetation (GATE 22043).

Figure 5.102. View looking northeast at CODAR antenna, NIKE launch site. The launch site has become 

home to a variety of uses for other institutions. An antenna and monitoring equipment have been 

set up for collecting weather and tide information. A pile of shells and palettes on the right are for a 

shellfish seeding program (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
493 

Treatment

Figure 5.105. Existing perimeter fence, NIKE launch site. The existing perimeter fence at the radar and 

launch sites should be clearly delineated and maintained by removing all woody vegetation a minimum 

of four-feet off either side of the fence. The vegetation removals will also aid in inspection and repairs of 

the existing fence (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.104. View looking north of sidewalk from Control Area #2 to the Ready Barracks, NIKE radar site. 

Asphalt, concrete, and gravel-surfaced circulation features should be cleared of woody vegetation six-feet 

off of all sides. Once woody vegetation, like the eastern red cedars seen in this photograph, has been 

removed, the six foot width can be easily maintained with a small tractor and brush hog mowing deck 

(Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

494

Figure 5.107. Existing expanded metal mesh on guardrails at radar tower, NIKE radar site. New expanded 

metal mesh should match the existing in this photograph and be applied to the lower and upper openings 

of the existing guardrails for added safety (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.106. Plan of proposed access stairs to acquisition radar tower (Building 421), NIKE radar site. The proposed stairs should be 

located on the north side of the platform where they will be less conspicuous for visitors viewing the site from the parking lot and multiuse path to the west (Olmsted Center, 2009).

Continuous guardrail

around radar tower

Proposed stairs with

continuous handrails

From Multi-Use Path and Parking Lot L

Proposed walk

to stairs 

To Generator

Building (410)

ACQUISITION RADAR TOWER

(421)

0’ 7.5’ 15’
495 

Treatment

Figure 5.108. Plan of the Ready Barracks, NIKE radar site, 1962. The plan shows a parking lot layout west of the barracks that currently 

holds a stockpile of yellow brick for Fort Hancock buildings. The brick should be stacked on to palettes and moved to the maintenance 

yard at Fort Hancock (GATE 11057).

Figure 5.109. Section of the perimeter fence, NIKE radar site, 1954. The perimeter fence was called out as type FE-6—a designation for 

chain-link with barbed wire on a single extension arm. The contractor was to excavate either side of the fence at a 2:1 slope in order to 

maintain the specified height (GATE 11052).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

496

Figure 5.111. Existing light fixture between building 404 and 405, NIKE radar site. The fallen fixture should 

be reset and will most likely require a new concrete footing and tubular pole. The new pole should match 

the existing in material, dimensions, and finishing. The fixture’s other components should be inspected at 

this time and repaired or replaced based on their condition (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.110. Existing light fixture, NIKE radar site. The historic light fixtures should be periodically 

inspected, have components repaired or replaced as needed, and receive corrosion treatment, priming, and 

painting to match the historic finish. The eastern red cedar in the foreground should be removed as part of 

vegetation management along the circulation systems (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
497 

Treatment

Figure 5.112. View looking northeast at the 

missile magazines, NIKE launch site, circa 1968. 

The vehicular connection between the Ready 

Barracks and the Missile Magazines and Missile 

Maintenance Area to the east was maintained on 

either side with a turf mixture (GATE 22041).

Figure 5.113. View looking northwest toward Ready Barracks, NIKE launch site. This photograph shows the 

vehicular route has become overgrown and feels like a tight corridor in contrast to the open, low-growing 

vegetation in the historic image. The overgrown vegetation limits vehicular sight-distances and may put 

pedestrians at risk if park visitors use this route as a walkway during the hours of active maintenance 

operations (Olmsted Center, April 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

498

Figure 5.115. View looking northwest at the kennel buildings, NIKE launch site. Vegetation removals 

around existing buildings should focus on the generator building (429) and kennel buildings (457 and 458) 

as these structures are becoming enveloped by overgrown vegetation (Olmsted Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.114. Oblique aerial view of the Ready Barracks, NIKE launch site, circa 1958. This 

photograph shows trees growing in the barrack’s lawn panels in contrast to bare earth 

maintained on either side of the fence lines. The existing trees at the barrack’s lawn 

panels should remain (GATE 5781).
499 

Treatment

Figure 5.117. View looking east at the missile magazines, NIKE launch site. In contrast to the historic image, 

extensive vegetation has grown up between the inner fence and perimeter road around the magazines. The 

dense vegetation will impede repairs to the historic fence (Olmsted Center, April 2008).

Figure 5.116. View looking southeast at Missile Maintenance Area historic earthwork, NIKE launch site. For 

the NIKE earthworks, all woody vegetation greater than four-inches diameter at breast height should be 

selectively removed and the stumps treated with a triclopyr herbicide (Olmsted Center, January 2009).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

500

Figure 5.118. Site plan for Missile Maintenance Area, 

1958. The gray tone has been added to show vehicular 

circulation. The current location for beach cleaning 

equipment (red outline) should be relocated to restore 

an area that was never intended for vehicular use 

(GATE 7620-2983 and Olmsted Center).

Figure 5.119. View looking east at Missile Maintenance Area historic earthwork, NIKE launch site. The 

railroad tie retaining structure and recycling containers should be removed from the eastern end of the 

earthwork (Olmsted Center, April 2008).
501 

Treatment

Figure 5.120. View looking southeast at Missile Maintenance Area historic earthwork, NIKE launch site. In addition to the recycling 

containers visible on the left, a debris pile from the state’s beach cleaning program sits at the toe of the earthwork. The debris 

obscures the highly engineered shape of the earthwork and should be carefully removed to avoid damaging this feature (Olmsted 

Center, January 2009).

Figure 5.121. View looking northwest at Warhead Building (450), NIKE launch site. Routine maintenance 

procedures will help stabilize free-standing buildings in the launch site. The water damage seen in this 

image originates from a metal gutter mounted at the top of the wall that needs to be cleaned and reset so 

water is carried away from the building (Olmsted Center, April 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

502

Figure 5.122. View looking northeast across missile magazines, NIKE launch site. After vegetation removals 

the inner, outer, and kennel fences should be inspected, repaired where needed, and replaced where 

damaged or severely deteriorated (Olmsted Center, April 2008).

Figure 5.123. Elevation of floodlight, NIKE launch 

site, 1958. The poles, mounting hardware, light 

fixtures, and glass lenses should be routinely 

inspected. Any deficiencies should be corrected 

and damage components should be replaced to 

match the existing (GATE 11056).
503 

Treatment

Figure 5.124. Plan for reconfigured visitor parking lot, NIKE launch site. The existing parking lot should be reconfigured to provide 

handicap accessible parking, a pedestrian crosswalk across Hartshorne Drive, and access to the site via the existing multi-use path 

(Olmsted Center, 2009).

0’ 15’ 30’ 7.5’

Figure 5.125. View looking northwest toward the Ready Barracks, NIKE launch site. The sentry hut near the missile 

magazines should be reconstructed as part of plans to prepare the site for visitor access and interpretation. The 

concrete foundation for the hut is visible in the right foreground (Olmsted Center, April 2008).
Cultural Landscape Report for the Sandy Hook Coastal Defense Batteries

504

Figure 5.126. Example of a cut and cover tunnel routing the park “Battle Road Trail” below Hanscom Drive, Minute Man National 

Historical Park. This type of tunnel, installed from prefabricated segments, is under consideration to provide visitor access to one of 

Sandy Hook’s subsurface NIKE missile magazine rooms (January 2009, Minute Man NHP, Massachusetts).
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 25’ 50’ 100’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. New York Defense Area “NIKE” Project Control Area

 Site Plan, Drawing # 60-80-02

6. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

1944 Rail Line

Utility Pole

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Radar Tower

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Evergreen Tree

Fence

Multi-Use Path

Light Fixture

READY

BARRACKS

CONTROL

AREA #2

PARKING

LOT L

Basketball

Court

CONTROL

AREA #1

422

423

421

420

419

454

414

473

417

418

411

453

413

410

Electric

Transformer

Pad

Generator

409

472

467

469

468

402 403

407 406

404 405

BUILDING DESIGNATIONS

Control Area #1

 411 Connecting Corridors

 413 Sentry Box

 414 Generator House

 417 Target Tracking Radar Tower

 418 Acquisition Radar Tower

 419 Missile Tracking Radar Tower

 453 ABAR Radar Tower Pedestal

 454 Equipment Building

 473 Target Tracking Radar Tower

Control Area #2

 409 Connecting Corridors

 410 Generator Building

 420 Abandoned Target Tracking

 Radar Tower

 421 Acquisition Radar Tower

 422 Missile Tracking Radar Tower

 423 Sentry Box

 467 Target Ranging Radar Tower

 468 HIPAR Building

 469 HIPAR Radar Base

 472 New Target Tracking Radar Tower

Ready Barracks

 402 Enlisted Men’s Barracks w/ Mess

 403 Enlisted Men’s Barracks w/ Mess

 404 Enlisted Men’s Barracks w/ Mess

 (foundation only)

 405 Enlisted Men’s Barracks w/ Mess

 (foundation only)

 406 Latrine

 407 Boiler Room

NIKE Radar Site

Treatment Plan

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

NR-1: Remove all woody vegetation growing on or within four-feet of buildings and structures

NR-2: Remove all woody vegetation six-feet off either side of circulation features

NR-7: Stabilize free-standing buildings

NR-8: Repair and replace chain-link fencing site-wide

Historically Unmanaged Area

Beyond Scope of Treatment

NR-6: Relocate brick

stockpiles to Fort Hancock

maintenance yard

NR-5: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

NR-5: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

NR-5: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

NR-5: Repair, retrofit, and

replace safety railings

NR-5: Repair,

retrofit, and

replace safety

railings

NR-4: Install

compatible

stairway

NR-9: Preserve historic

light fixtures, typ.

NR-9: Preserve

historic light

fixtures, typ.

NR-9: Preserve historic

light fixtures, typ.

NR-3: Remove woody vegetation

4' off either side of fence

Future Multi-Use

Path Loop

Future Multi-Use

Path Loop

Future Multi-Use

Path Loop

Relocate truck ramps

from launch site

NR-3: Remove woody vegetation

4' off either side of fence

NR-3: Remove woody vegetation

4' off either side of fence

Drawing 5.11

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment
Sandy Hook, New Jersey

National Park Service

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

SOURCES

DRAWN BY

OLMSTED

for LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

CENTER

Tim Layton, AutoCAD 2002, Illustrator CS3, 2009

Gateway National

Recreation Area

www.nps.gov/oclp

0’ 37.5’ 75’ 150’

Cultural Landscape Report

for the Sandy Hook

Coastal Defense Batteries

1. Sandy Hook GIS Data

2. Sandy Hook Color Ortho Imagery, Captured 2006

3. Topographic Sheets, prepared by Denver Service

 Center, 1992

4. Topographic Maps, prepared by Carrera and 

 Associates, 1990

5. Field Inventory, Olmsted Center for Landscape

 Preservation, January 2009

LEGEND

Paved Road / Walk

Canopy Vegetation

Unpaved Road / Walk

Trail

Evergreen Tree

Fence

Multi-Use Path

Floodlight Fixture

Spotlight Fixture

Deciduous Tree

NIKE

LAUNCH

POND

MISSILE MAGAZINES

READY

BARRACKS

MISSILE

MAINTENANCE

AREA

CODAR

Antenna

Lightning

Pole Truck

Ramps

CODAR

Antenna

Trailer and

missile display

Missile

display

437

T-430

447

456

448

429

Gas Station

458 457

425

426

450

449

427

428

T-431

T-432

T-433

434

T-435

439

Firearms

Range

Access to beach

Trailer

Sheds

BUILDING DESIGNATIONS

Missile Magazines

 425 Missile Storage (Type B)

 426 Missile Storage (Type B)

 427 Missile Storage (Type B)

 428 Missile Storage (Type B)

 429 Generator Building

 447 Paint and Oil Storage

 448 Sentry Hut (foundation only) 

 457 Kennel Storage

 458 Canine Kennel

Missile Maintenance Area

 449 Missile Assembly and Test Building

 450 Warhead Building

Ready Barracks

 T-430 Barracks

 T-431 Barracks

 T-432 Barracks

 T-433 Barracks

 T-435 Boiler House

 434 Latrine

 437 Ready Building

 439 Sentry Hut

 456 Sentry Hut (foundation only)

NIKE Launch Site

Treatment Plan

Drawing 5.12

GENERAL NOTES FOR TREATMENT

NL-7: Relocate park trash and recycling functions to the north maintenance yard

NL-8: Stabilize free-standing buildings

NL-9: Repair and replace chain-link fencing site-wide

NL-15: Stabilize spalling concrete surfaces and repair cracks and voids

NL-17: Repair and repaint ferrous metal fixtures and surfaces

NL-1: Remove woody vegetation on

engineered slopes greater than 4” dbh

NL-4: Relocate

staging area

for beach

cleaning

equipment

NL-5: Remove recycling storage bins

NL-6: Remove beach-cleaning equipment debris

NL-10: Repair, maintain,

and replace missing light

fixtures, typ. 

NL-11: Provide handicap accessible

parking and improve visitor parking lot

NL-12: Install pedestrian

crosswalk

NL-2: Remove all woody vegetation growing

on or within 4’ of buildings and structures, typ.

NL-13: Reconstruct sentry hut

NL-14: Construct access tunnel

to underground magazine

NL-16: Repair and seal

concrete surfaces, typ.

NL-3: Remove woody vegetation

4’ off either side of fence, typ.

NL-3: Remove woody vegetation

4’ off either side of fence, typ.

Relocate to

radar site

NOTES

1. Contour Interval = 2’-0”

2. Plan represents landscape conditions inventoried in

 January 2009

3. All features shown in approximate scale and location 

Scope of Treatment
REFERENCES

507 

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Rosenbaum, Joel, and Tom Gallo. Iron Horses Across the Garden State. 

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———. “Fort Hancock Gun Batteries: Revised Draft Text.” Working paper, 

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511 

REPOSITORIES 

Center for Military History, Carlisle, PA. 

Coastal Defense Study Group, Bel Air, MD. 

Engineering and Maintenance Division, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National 

Recreation Area. 

Gateway National Recreation Area Museum Collection. 

National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, MD. 
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT FOR THE SANDY HOOK COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERIES

512 
National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation

Boston National Historical Park

Charlestown Navy Yard, Quarters C

Boston, Massachusetts 02129

Phone: 617-241-6954

Fax: 617-241-3952

web: www.nps.gov/oclp/