How could a structure be both imposing and hidden? That’s the riddle of Battery Selfridge. Constructed between 1907 and 1913, Battery Selfridge was a key part of Honolulu’s coastal defense. Let’s dive into its story.
Battery Selfridge stands as a testament to early 20th-century military engineering. It formed part of Fort Kamehameha. Fort Kamehameha played a vital role in the defense of the United States. Battery Selfridge along with other batteries created Oahu’s “ring of steel”.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Battery Selfridge. It was one of four batteries at Fort Kamehameha. These batteries included Hasbrouck, Hawkins, and Jackson. Battery Closson was added in 1920.
Battery Selfridge was the largest of these batteries. It measured 500 feet by 90 feet. An earth berm concealed its makai side. This massive two-story concrete structure supported eight 12-inch mortars. These were arranged four to a pit. The 12-inch guns could hurl a 1,046-pound projectile approximately 17,000 yards.
Other batteries at Fort Kamehameha had different capabilities. Battery Hasbrouck also supported eight 12-inch mortars. However, its projectiles had a slightly shorter range. Battery Hawkins had two 3-inch rapid-fire rifled cannon. These covered the entrance to Pearl Harbor. Battery Jackson was the smallest. It had two 6-inch rifles on disappearing carriages. Battery Closson had two 12-inch rifles with a 360-degree field of fire. Its guns could cover almost all of Oahu’s beaches.
Before its military purpose, the land where Battery Selfridge stands was part of Queen Emma’s home. It featured fishponds, trees, and a marsh. In 1907, the Army acquired the land to build the first gun battery.
Today, Battery Selfridge is part of Hickam Air Force Base. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The internal spaces are used by the Hawaii Air National Guard.
Fort Kamehameha includes more than just armaments. There is a flagpole, a chapel, and 33 homes built in 1916. These bungalow-style homes add to the historic area. The homes were built before the Honolulu International Airport.
The area faces challenges due to its location near the airport. There have been proposals to dispose of Fort Kamehameha. Some suggest relocation and preservation of the homes. The Historic Hawai’i Foundation has listed Fort Kamehameha as one of the most endangered historic sites in Hawai’i.
Battery Selfridge and the surrounding Fort Kamehameha complex tell an important story. It is a story of military defense and Hawaiian history. It represents a piece of the past that should be remembered. As you stand here, imagine the guns, the soldiers, and the history that surrounds you.