Fort Levett

Fort Levett is a former Coastal Defense site established in 1894 on Cushings Island in Casco Bay. The fort was used through WWII and abandoned shortly after. Location 161.

Endicott Era

In 1894 the government exercised its right to eminent domain and took control of the land from Francis Cushing. The initial parcel of land was 33.75 acres which was deemed too small for military use. In 1904 the reservation was increased by 91.68 acres bringing the total to 127 acres. The fort was officially named on April 4th, 1900, after Christopher Levett who explored Casco Bay in the 1620s. No construction on any part of the fort would begin until 1897. Four batteries were planned for the site in 1898. Railroad beds, drains, concrete mixing wells and other necessary infrastructure were prepared for construction and completed by 1899. The concrete work was started in 1900 on Battery Bowdin and Kendrick. A narrow-gauge railway was completed in 1899 that connected each of the batteries. In 1904 most all of the main post buildings were built. The first electric power plant was built in 1905 (searchlight powerhouse). In 1909 Battery Commanders stations were built at the batteries and at Whitehead the primary Fire Control stations were built in stucco buildings in a line. Secondary Fire Control positions were located in another stucco building at Fort Williams. In 1911 a brand-new central power plant was constructed along the parade ground.

Battery Bowdin

Construction on this three-gun 12-inch disappearing battery started in 1899. Originally planned for four guns, only three emplacements were built. Emplacements #4 and #3 were completed in 1901 and emplacement #2 was completed in 1902. In 1902 it was decided to eliminate the fourth emplacement. Each emplacement was armed with M1897 disappearing carriages and M1895 12-inch rifles which were all installed by 1903 and transferred for use. This battery was named in 1900 after James Bowdin who was the governor of Massachusetts in the late 1700s. In 1918 generators were installed to serve the battery and all of whitehead as reserve.

Battery Kendrick

Construction on this two-gun 10-inch disappearing gun battery started in 1899 along with Battery Bowdin. Construction was mostly completed by 1901 and the battery was armed in 1902 and transferred into service in 1903 with two M1895 10-inch rifles on M1896 disappearing carriages. This battery was named in honor of Henry Lane Kendrick who was a science professor. When Battery Ferguson was planned, it was to be adjacent to this battery which resulted in the widening of Battery Kendrick's loading platforms where emplacement #1 met Battery Ferguson. In 1918 generators were installed to serve Battery Ferguson and Daniels along with the Fire Command group as reserve.

(Powder hoists installed in 1912-Type C)

Battery Ferguson

Plans for this battery were created in 1901. Originally this battery was to hold four 6-inch guns mounted on pedestal mounts but during initial construction in 1902 this plan was altered to only have two guns per emplacement. The battery was named in 1903 after William Ferguson who served in the American Revolution. The battery was completed in 1904. In 1906 M1900 rifles and barbette mounts were installed on the battery, and it was transferred for use.

Battery Daniels

Construction on this three-gun 3-inch rapid fire battery started in 1899. It was designed to protect and sweep the minefield. The battery was completed in 1900 and armed in 1901 with M1898 mounts and M1898 rifles. The battery was transferred after being named for Napoleon Daniels who served in the Civil War.

Present

Privately owned since 1957

SOURCES and REFERENCES

Battery Foote=Battery #4

Battery Ferguson=Battery #3

Battery Foote used for storing banks records.

Whiteheads FCS razed 1960s

Officers Duplex burned after 1970

Barracks burned 1970

Project Science Island

Cushings Island

North American Forts

Fort Wiki