Fort Dufferin (Saint John)

 military, place with historical importance, fortification

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This battery was built in 1863/64 following the Trent Affair and in response to a threat of an American attack following their Civil War. It was named in 1873 for the Earl of Dufferin, the Governor General of Canada, and consisted of four stone magazines, 10 gun platforms, a guard house, an office and a store building. It was first manned in 1866 by militia gunners against the Fenian threat. The site was used regularly by the militia for gunnery practice; for example in 1902 six and twelve pounder quick firing guns fired from Fort Dufferin at two canvas targets towed by tug boats. It was not used in World War One and the area became a gravel pit. On the outbreak of World War Two it was brought back to active service. At first two 4.7 inch field guns were mounted there, but later they were replaced by two 12 pounders. Two concrete search light emplacements were built, along with accommodation and support facilities for the gunners of 15th Battery. Its role was close harbour defence against surface ships. In September 1944, the battery was closed and the property reverted back to a gravel pit. There currently exists two magazines and three gun emplacements from the 1860s and three World War Two concrete installations.