Construction of Battery 234 began as an answer to the increased naval threat of German and Japanese forces during the Second World War. This emplacement utilized a 6" turret-like shield-gun, featuring a steel shell that protected its crew from machine-gun and cannon fire.

These guns could fire five 105 pound armor-piercing shells over 15 miles in the course of a minute. Radar assisted targeting helped make this weapon even more formidable. Completed in 1943, Battery 234 was never armed because the war had begun to move in favor of the Allies, greatly diminishing the naval threat.

The National Park Service acquired the guns currently at the battery from the Smithsonian Institution in 1976.

Information provided by the National Park Service. Photo provided by Chad K. Mills.