Battery John Barlow and Saxton
Also known as: Battery Barlow Saxton
Why it's listed
Battery Barlow Saxton is a reinforced concrete mortar battery on the former Upper Reservation of Fort MacArthur in San Pedro. It was built between 1915 and 1919 for $290,300 to hold eight 12-inch long-tube mortars, which were mounted by December 1916. Underground magazines, gallery entrances, a communications tunnel and a serpentine entry passage form the main structure, while two plotting and survey rooms behind the gun positions converted observation data into aiming information. The battery was one of the main coast artillery positions meant to defend Los Angeles Harbor. Its significance lies in its link to the coast defense program shaped by the Endicott and Taft Boards. Because of limited funds, the only Taft Board positions built in the continental United States were at Fort MacArthur, and this is the only surviving one designed for mortars. Its mortars never fired at an enemy vessel. After World War II the guns were scrapped and only minor changes followed, so the position could be restored with ease.
Significance in brief: The nomination presents it as a representative harbor defense emplacement of the 1915-1945 coast defense system built to protect Los Angeles Harbor. It is described as the only surviving example in the continental United States of Taft Board fortifications designed to support seacoast mortars. The reviewer recommended acceptance under criteria A and C.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82002200, listed May 4, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Fort MacArthur, San Pedro |
|---|---|
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Listed | May 4, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82002200 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1915-1945 |
| Architect / builder | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Military, Engineering |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Used for storage and described as occupied; the guns were scrapped after World War II and classrooms were added in the former shell storage areas. Latrines, lighting and the original electrical panel remain. |
| Acreage | 9 |
| Coordinates | 33.71623, -118.29565 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82002200.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q108874024
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.