Why did they build such a massive structure here at Battery Harris East? We’re standing atop one of the most powerful coastal defense batteries ever constructed in the United States. Battery Harris East, completed in 1924, was designed to protect New York Harbor with its two monstrous 16-inch guns. These guns, similar to those on the Iowa-class battleships, could hurl one-ton projectiles over 25 miles. Imagine the destructive force. Originally, these guns sat in open-air pits, a testament to the pre-WWII mindset. But as the threat of air attack loomed, a massive concrete casemate was built around them. This structure, which we’re standing on now, provided protection from aerial bombardment. It also housed ammunition magazines and the fire control system, making Battery Harris East a self-contained fortress. Take a moment to appreciate the 360-degree view from here. You can see New York City, the harbor, and the vast Atlantic Ocean, the very waters this battery was designed to defend. Battery Harris East wasn’t alone in its mission. Other batteries, like Battery Kessler and Battery 220, also stood guard along the shores of Fort Tilden. Together, they formed a formidable line of defense. While the guns of Battery Harris East were never fired in anger, their imposing presence served as a powerful deterrent. Today, Battery Harris East offers a glimpse into a critical period in military history, a time when coastal defense was paramount.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to