Battery Grattan
History (from "Fort Flagler-a short history")
Battery Grattan was named in honor of Brevet Second Lieutenant John Lawrence Grattan, who graduated from West Point in 1853. He was an officer in the 6th U.S. Infantry. Following graduation he was assigned to duty on the western frontier at Fort Laramie. In August of 1854 he was sent with 30 men of his company, armed with a howitzer to recapture stolen property which had been seized by a band of Sioux Indians. On August 2, having reached his destination, Grattan made his demands of the Indians are prepared to fire the howitzer. According to the Indians, as the lanyard was pulled to fire the gun they fell to the ground, avoiding the consequences of the shot. They then rushed the troops, killing every one. The event became known as the Grattan Massacre.