This image shows an old-style mortar pit of the Abbot Quad period. Three mortars are shown, and a fourth is likely located just out of frame to the left. Although it appears that only two of the mortars (likely the ones at center and lower left) are involved in firing practice, 30 crew members are visible in the pit, along with three shells ready to be loaded, sitting on their shell carts. If all four mortars in this pit were to be served at once, perhaps twice as many personnel would have to navigate through the crowded pit.
The pit is identified as one at Btty Siminole, Ft. Taylor, Key West, FL, and the photo was likely taken in the period 1905-1915.
This image shows an old-style mortar pit of the Abbot Quad period. Three mortars are shown, and a fourth is likely located just out of frame to the left. Although it appears that only two of the mortars (likely the ones at center and lower left) are invol