Consider this a time capsule from the late 19th century. This is Battery Kirby. Imagine soldiers once bustling about this very spot.
Battery Kirby stands as a testament to San Francisco’s military history. Construction began in 1898 on this maritime artillery battery. It sits above a small beach near the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Originally called Gravelly Beach Battery, it got a new name. It was renamed to honor 1st Lieutenant Edmund Kirby. Kirby was a Civil War hero. He died in combat.
Battery Kirby had two 12-inch shell breech-loading rifles. They were Model 1895, numbers 12 and 16. The Watervliet Arsenal in New York made them. Each gun cost $45,000. The carriages cost even more at $46,000 each. These disappearing carriages were Model 1897. Morgan Engineering Company manufactured them.
Gun number 12 was mounted in 1900. It fired 32 shots. In 1933, it went to Fort Scott. Then it went to Manila and Subic Bay. It ended up in Battery Cheney on Corregidor. Gun number 16 was also mounted in 1900. It fired 31 shots. It became a spare for Battery Cheney. But it was never put in place.
Ammunition was a big deal. Battery Kirby had shell rooms and powder rooms. Trolleys moved ammunition quickly. Projectiles were stored with their points to the wall. Powder came in metal cases. Men carried it to the loading area.
Battery Kirby’s construction was unique. The sheltered position meant protection against direct hits. This allowed for a special design. The concrete magazine seawall was exceptionally thick. The roof sloped to deflect shots.
Cracks appeared in the concrete after removing the forms. Work stopped until the winter rains passed. The cracks were then filled with cement mortar. Asphalt protected the upper surface of the rooms.
Carriages arrived in San Francisco in 1899. Moving them to the site cost almost $3,000. The battery was completed in 1900. The total cost was over $70,000.
Battery Kirby saw service from 1898 to 1934. Then it was abandoned. The guns were removed. The carriages stayed until 1943. Then they were sold for junk.
Today, you can walk down to Kirby Cove. Explore Battery Kirby by the beach. Notice the forest around you. It wasn’t always here. Cypress, eucalyptus, and pine trees were planted as Battery Kirby grew.
Imagine the activity here. Soldiers preparing for a possible attack. The massive guns ready to defend the bay. While obsolete now, Battery Kirby played a vital role. It helped protect San Francisco. It stands as a reminder of a different time. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet. Battery Kirby is more than just concrete and steel. It is a piece of our past.