Gen. Hugh Judson Kilpatrick (1836-1881)
Early Canal defense included Battery KILPATRICK, which contained two 6-inch rifles mounted on disappearing carriages which covered the Toro Point Breakwater. Located on the northern tip of Shelter Point, Battery KILPATRICK was completed in 1916 and was named in Honor of Maj. Gen. Hugh Judson Kilpatrick (1836-1881) US Volunteers, who distinguished himself during the Civil War as commander of Sherman's cavalery during the "March to the Sea." The guns were last fired on 22 October 1943, and after being deemed obsolete were removed from manning status and scrapped in 1946. Battery KILPATRICK was converted to serve as a zoo, which operated in connection with the jungle warfare training first conducted by the US Army School of the Americas. The Number 1 Gun pit was converted into a pool for Caymans and aligators, and a snake house was built over the Number 2 Gun pit, with cages for other animals scattered throughout the area.
