The Hunley - Civil War Submarine

The Hunley was the first successful combat submarine in the world and February 17, 2014 was the 150th anniversary of this feat.We were visiting in Charleston, South Carolina back in the 70's when I first saw a replica of The Hunley. After that, I found it hard to get the image out of head, as well as the thoughts of those brave men in that small cramped space. It is hard to believe that they actually volunteered for this mission and most were very young.After The Hunley successfully attacked an enemy warship, it sank to the bottom of the Atlantic where it stayed for 136 years until it was discovered and recovered. The amazing story of The Hunley can be found on Hunley Website, in many books, movie, documentary, and videos. I have tried to pull it all together on this page and hope you will visit the Hunley Website. The best way to read a Squidoo article is to read all the way through by scrolling down and then come back and click out to other pages that might interest you.Photo Credit: Conserving The Hunley -This image is copyrighted to Friends of the Hunley and used here with permission from Friends of the Hunley. The information for this page was gathered from reading The Hunley Website, a few of the books listed below, watching the educational videos, and reading the Friends of the Hunley Newsletter and visiting with my friend Joe Holleman. I hope you will visit the The Hunley Website and read about this fascinating submarine and the progress that is being made to unravel it's mysteries.

When H.L. Hunley invented this submarine in Mobile, Alabama, it was the hope of the South that it would help win the Civil War by saving Charleston from the Union Blockade. The Hunley arrived in Charleston, South Carolina followed by its inventor, Horace Hunley, and was later seized by the Confederate Army to use against the Yankees who were attacking the port city of Charleston. It was also referred to as a "Torpedo Boat".

The first time out to sea, the mission failed with the sinking of The Hunley and some of the crew did not survive. It was raised and another mission attempted. The Hunley sank a second time with the whole crew drowning. Each time they studied and made improvements. A third eight man crew was assembled under the leadership of Lt. George E. Dixon and after making the needed adjustments and practice runs, it was ready for battle on February 17, 1864. On this day, The Hunley successfully rammed a torpedo into the side of the Union War Ship, the Housatonic and sank it. The Hunley surfaced long enough to send a lantern signal to Charleston and then submerged and was lost until 1995 when Clive Cussler found it on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean.NOTE: A recent discovery changes history as we learn that the Hunley was only 20 feet away from the blast of the torpedo that was rammed into the side of the Housatonic. This was discovered when they found a piece of the torpedo on the spar of the Hunley. Researchers are now saying that this may end up being the most important discovery of all their findings.

A Recovery Team was formed and after much research and studying, The Hunley was raised on August 8, 2000.- 136 years after it was lost at sea. For the past 12 years Scientist have been making many new discoveries concerning The Hunley as they continue to work to try to unravel the mystery of why it sunk. I remember watching The Hunley being raised on television and like so many other South Carolinians, I was so thrilled when it finally came to the surface.

A Civil War Era Funeral was held in Charleston, South Carolina for the crew of The Hunley. I think Friends of the Hunley did a wonderful job of organizing this funeral for the Crew of the Hunley. It was an important day and such a good feeling to know that those brave men were being recognized and laid to rest after all those years of being on the bottom of the ocean.

I am proud to be a member of Friends of the Hunley

According to The Friends of the Hunley Website:Friends of the Hunley was created by The Hunley Commission to help with conservation of The Hunley so that the mystery of it's first attack can be solved. Friends of the Hunley Volunteers work at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center with the tours, exhibits, and services. As a member of Friends of the Hunley, you will receive a newsletter filled with important discoveries, pictures of artifacts, and an up to date report of what is being done to conserve this important piece of American History. I really enjoy receiving my newsletter and keep each one of them to refer back to. The newsletter is now available online which very nice for members. You also receive a 10% discount at The Hunley Store.The Friends of the Hunley Oyster Roast & Silent Auction is scheduled for October 26, 2012 from 7 pm to 10 pm at the Visitor Bus Shed in Downtown Charleston. Contact Information:http://www.hunley.orgTo make a donation, become a member, either do it online or mail to:Warren Lasch Conservation Center1250 Supply Street, Building 255Former Charleston Navy BaseNorth Charleston, South Carolina 29405

"It's amazing to see how the Hunley and her historic story have reached around the globe. Whether its the media attention here in the States and international to over a half of million visitors to our facility and our thousands of members across the world. The story of this sub has really resonated with people from all generations and I'm glad her place in history is being recognized."Kellen Correia, Executive Director of Friends of the Hunley

Civil War Submarine - Hunley

Tours of The Hunley:You may call Friends of the Hunley directly at 843.743.4865 ext. 10 to ask about group tours.Regular Hourly Tours are on Saturdays from 10 to 5 and Sundays from 12 to 5.More detailed information about The Hunley Tours can be found on their website at:Friends of The Hunley

Photo Credit: Used with permission by Friends of the HunleyCopyright (c) 2012 Friends of the Hunley.All Rights Reserved.

If there is not an option that fits you, please answer in the Guestbook and let us know how much you know about this Civil War Submarine - Hunley.

Joe's daughter is a neighbor of mine

I was so excited when my neighbor, Laurie Sherrod, told me that her dad had worked as a tour guide of the Hunley and asked her if she thought he would be willing to give me a quote for my page. I later had this comment from him in the guestbook. Thank you, Joe! It was so good to finally meet you and I am thrilled to have your box of Hunley Memorabilia and can't wait to go through it all. I am hoping to get a new computer and scanner soon and am patiently waiting until I get my office set up like I want it. Thank you so much! I hope to get everything in archival sleeves and will be sure to share with you when I do.

My daughter, Laurie Sherrod referred me to your web site and I find it quite good, up to date and thorough. I started as a tour guide the first day the Hunley was opened for visitors and thoroughly enjoyed all my time at Lasch Labs. I have a dresser drawer full of videotapes, movies dvds and papers relating to the Hunley, including original postal history items (I'm a stamp collector) My postal history includes envelopes which contained letters from the sailing master on the Housatonic just before it was sunk and from him after he was picked up by the Canandaigua. I also have a cover addressed to McClintock, the co-inventor, addressed to him in New Orleans before he moved to Mobile; I also have a notebook full of other related papers on the Hunley and on the Davidx, which were semi- submersible predecessors of the Hunley--Best wishes--Joe Holleman