The property was once owned by Chinese millionaire merchant Chun Afong, who built a villa on the three acres of landscaped grounds.

This one was named for General René Edward De Russy (1789–1865), who supervised military fort construction and was also Superintendent of West Point during his career.

Fort DeRussy was one of a number of shore batteries on the island of Oahu originally designed to provide coastal defense.

Battery Randolph was constructed in 1911 to defend Honolulu Harbor on Oahu from attack, and was equipped with two 14-inch guns on disappearing carriages, with a range of about 40,000 yards (37 km).

[7] The museum's collection contains some World War II armor pieces, an AH-1 Cobra helicopter, and small arms indoors, as well as the battery itself.