Fort Michie

Fort Michie was a United States Army coastal defense site on Great Gull Island, New York.

Fort Michie was built as part of the large-scale Endicott Program, which recommended a comprehensive replacement of existing coast defenses.

By 1908 the following batteries were completed:[1][3] Following the American entry into World War I in April 1917, changes were made at the stateside forts with a view to putting some coast artillery weapons into the fight on the Western Front.

The first of these was deployed at Fort Michie on a unique version of the Buffington-Crozier disappearing carriage, with the elevation increased to 30 degrees and a rare all-around-fire emplacement.

In 1940, when the United States reviewed its coast defense needs in earnest, Fort Michie was relegated to a secondary role.

The fort lacked protection against air attack, and even its 16-inch gun had a relatively short range due to the obsolescent disappearing carriage.

Abandoned gun pit for the unique 16-inch disappearing gun at Fort Michie.