Fire Control/Base-End Stations

[J. Malcolm]

In WWII in order to help aim the 16-inch and 6-inch rifles of coastal gun batteries, Fire Control Stations or Base-End Stations were built as fart away as the guns maximum range. Triangulation would be used from two different stations to determine the location of an enemy vessel. These were not used for submarine observation which is a common misconception. Over 300 were built in the US. I have included some photos of the stations in New England. There were generally just concrete towers but some were built to resemble seaside houses or churches. A lot have been demolished in the 70 years they have been abandoned or converted to residences.

[B.A.R.gunner]

Is there a list of locations for these in New England?

[J. Malcolm]

I made a list. Still working on perfecting it but I’ll add it. There are only for the ones in New England.

https://nedefenses.com/index.php/Fire_Control_Tower_List

[CPT Tuttle]

They have some in Delaware as well. Cape Henlopen https://destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen

[J. Malcolm]

They do have quite a few in Delaware and around that area. They are very unique in design with originally a steel ladder system with wooden floors up to the observation levels. The ones in New England have individual concrete floors with concrete steps connecting each floor. The Fort Miles association have altered the interior of all the tower open to the public with steel spiral staircases that cut through every floor to the roof.