Exploring Battery Drew: A Hidden Gem for Urban Explorers in California
Urban explorers, prepare to uncover the abandoned Battery Drew in Tiburon, California—a haunting relic of coastal defense that whispers tales of its past. Once an active fortification, this deserted stronghold still stands as a silent sentinel, calling to those who crave a glimpse of forgotten history and hidden corridors.
For a virtual excursion, explore the below 360-degree panoramic photographs on Google Maps Street View. Each immersive image offers a unique vantage point, revealing a labyrinth of aging walls and mysterious passageways. Let your curiosity guide you through these captivating snapshots of Battery Drew, where every crumbling surface hints at the site’s storied legacy.
Image by: Google Maps Street View Team
Perched on Angel Island near Tiburon, California, Battery Drew stands as a silent sentinel of a bygone era. For urban explorers with a passion for uncovering abandoned sites in California, this historical landmark offers a captivating journey into the past, blending rich history with the thrill of exploration.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Construction of Battery Drew
In the late 19th century, the United States recognized the strategic importance of modernizing its coastal defenses. This initiative, known as the Endicott Period, led to the construction of numerous fortifications along the nation’s coastlines. Battery Drew was among these, with construction commencing in 1898 and reaching completion in 1900. The project culminated at a cost of $34,836.82, reflecting the significant investment in national security during that era.
Operational Tenure: From Activation to Decommissioning
Upon its completion, Battery Drew was officially transferred to the Coast Artillery on May 1, 1900. Its primary role was to serve as a coastal defense installation, safeguarding the San Francisco Bay from potential naval threats. However, the rapid advancements in military technology and shifting defense strategies soon rendered many such installations obsolete. By 1915, the Army declared batteries Ledyard, Drew, and Wallace obsolete, leading to the removal of their armaments.
Design and Armament: The Backbone of Battery Drew
Battery Drew was equipped with a single 8-inch M1888MII breech-loading rifle mounted on an M1892 barbette carriage. Unlike disappearing carriages that concealed the gun after firing, the barbette carriage kept the gun in a fixed, elevated position, allowing for quicker reloading but offering less protection for the crew. The battery lacked shell and powder hoists, as munitions were stored on the same level as the gun loading platform. An electric plant powered by a 10 hp Hornsby-Akroyd oil engine provided lighting for the facility.
The Naming of Battery Drew: Honoring a Fallen Hero
The battery was named in honor of First Lieutenant Alfred W. Drew of the 12th U.S. Infantry, who was killed in action at Angeles, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on August 19, 1899. This naming served as a tribute to his service and sacrifice during a tumultuous period in American military history.
Abandonment and Legacy: The Fate of Battery Drew
The decommissioning of Battery Drew was primarily due to the rapid evolution of military technology and changing defense strategies. By the time of World War I, fixed coastal artillery positions like Battery Drew were becoming less effective against modern naval vessels and more mobile forms of warfare. As a result, the U.S. military shifted focus away from such installations, leading to their abandonment. The gun at Battery Drew was ordered dismounted on August 24, 1917, and removed on December 31, 1917. The gun tube was shipped to Watervliet Arsenal and was eventually listed as “Being Salvaged” on July 28, 1942. The carriage was scrapped at Fort McDowell on October 21, 1918.
Exploring Battery Drew Today: A Treasure for Urban Explorers
Today, Battery Drew stands as a testament to the coastal defense systems of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For urban explorers and history enthusiasts, Battery Drew presents a fascinating destination. Situated on Angel Island, the battery’s concrete structures, gun emplacements, and surrounding earthworks are still visible, providing a tangible connection to the past. The site is accessible via hiking trails within Angel Island State Park, offering both historical intrigue and scenic views of the bay.
Preservation and Respect: Guidelines for Urban Explorers
While the allure of exploring abandoned sites is undeniable, it’s imperative to approach such endeavors with respect and caution. Battery Drew, like many historical sites, is a protected landmark. Visitors should adhere to park regulations, avoid causing damage, and prioritize safety during their explorations. By doing so, we ensure that such sites remain preserved for future generations to appreciate and study.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Time
Battery Drew offers urban explorers a unique opportunity to delve into a significant chapter of California’s military history. Its remnants stand as silent narrators of a time when coastal defenses were paramount to national security. As you traverse the trails leading to this abandoned site, take a moment to reflect on the historical significance embedded within its concrete walls and the stories of those who once stood guard over the bay.
If you liked this blog post, you should check out the following, the abandoned Bancroft’s Castle in Massachusetts, one of Pablo Escobar’s abandoned houses, the La Manuela Hacienda in Colombia, or the Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center in Central Florida.
A 360-degree panoramic photograph of the Battery Drew in Tiburon, California. Photograph by: Google Maps Street View Team
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Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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