Revealing the Astonishing Story: The Remarkable History And Recovery Of The Lost Confederate Submarine American

Discovering lost historical artifacts can be captivating, but uncovering a long-lost submarine that played a significant role in the American Civil War is truly astonishing. The Confederate Submarine American, a technological marvel of its time, went missing for over a century and was considered lost forever. However, through a series of extraordinary events and relentless determination, this iconic submarine was eventually recovered, unveiling a piece of history that was waiting to be rediscovered. In this article, we dive deep into the remarkable history and recovery of the Confederate Submarine American, unraveling the secrets that lay hidden beneath the ocean's depths.

The Birth of the Confederate Submarine American

The Confederate Submarine American was born from the minds of legendary engineer Horace L. Hunley and lawyer James McClintock, who both shared a radical vision for underwater warfare during the Civil War. Influenced by the example of the Union's USS Monitor and driven by their unwavering dedication to the Confederate cause, Hunley and McClintock designed and built the American Submarine, a vessel that would soon alter the course of naval warfare.

Raising the Hunley: The Remarkable History and Recovery of the Lost Confederate Submarine (American Civil War)

by Brian Hicks (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1624 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

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Despite being a mere 40 feet long and holding a crew of eight, the American Submarine boasted numerous innovative features. Its hand-cranked propulsion system, affixed with a long spar armed with a torpedo, allowed it to approach enemy vessels unseen. However, the submarine's true triumph was its ability to submerge, using ballast tanks to control its depth. This groundbreaking design meant that the American Submarine could dive below the surface, leaving unsuspecting Union ships vulnerable to its stealthy attacks.

The Illustrious and Tragic Saga of the American Submarine

The American Submarine's first attempt at live action came in 1863 when it targeted the USS Housatonic, a Union warship blocking the entrance to Charleston Harbor. This audacious undertaking marked the first-ever successful sinking of an enemy vessel by a submarine in the history of warfare, solidifying the American Submarine's place in history.

Yet, this glorious triumph was short-lived, as the submarine too faced its own tragic fate. Shortly after initiating the attack on the Housatonic, the American Submarine vanished beneath the waves, taking its crew to a watery grave. The exact cause of its sinking remained a mystery for well over a century, captivating historians and deep-sea explorers alike.

The Quest for Rediscovery

For years, the American Submarine persisted as a captivating legend, lost forever in the annals of history, until a team of dedicated researchers decided to embark on a quest to uncover its final resting place. The search took decades and required constant perseverance, overcoming numerous obstacles, but the team would not relent in their quest to bring this fascinating piece of history back to life.

Armed with state-of-the-art sonar technology and an unwavering determination to unveil the truth, the researchers discovered the final resting place of the American Submarine off the coast of South Carolina. The stunning find instantly captivated the attention of the world, sparking a renewed interest in the history of underwater warfare.

The Recovery and Preservation Efforts

The process of recovering the American Submarine required meticulous planning and delicate execution. The submarine was delicately raised from its resting place on the ocean floor and transported to a specialized conservation facility. There, a team of expert archaeologists and historians embarked on a mission to uncover the mysteries that lay preserved within the vessel's hull.

Astonishingly, many artifacts from the submarine's doomed mission were discovered, including personal belongings of the crew, tools, and even the original hand-cranked propulsion system. These finds offered invaluable insights into the lives of the brave men who ventured into the depths aboard the American Submarine.

The Legacy and Impact of the American Submarine

The recovery of the Confederate Submarine American breathed new life into a forgotten chapter of American history. Exhibited in prominent museums, this iconic vessel enthralls visitors and serves as a testament to the innovation and bravery of its creators and crew. The story of the American Submarine continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the unyielding human spirit and the lengths we will go to transcend the limits of possibility.

The history and recovery of the lost Confederate Submarine American is an extraordinary tale of ingenuity, tragedy, and perseverance. From its birth as a visionary creation to its untimely demise and ultimate rediscovery, this legendary submarine continues to captivate our imagination. The American Submarine serves as a living testament to the indomitable human spirit, revealing the untold stories and secrets that lie beneath the depths of the ocean. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of our past, we must cherish these remarkable artifacts that connect us to our history and shape our future.

Raising the Hunley: The Remarkable History and Recovery of the Lost Confederate Submarine (American Civil War)

by Brian Hicks (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1624 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

FREE

The history of the Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley is as astonishing as its disappearance. On February 17, 1864, after a legendary encounter with a Union battleship, the iron “fish boat” vanished without a trace somewhere off the coast of South Carolina. For more than a century the fate of the Hunley remained one of the great unsolved mysteries of the Civil War. Then, on August 8, 2000, with thousands of spectators crowding Charleston Harbor, the Hunley was raised from the bottom of the sea and towed ashore. Now, award-winning journalists Brian Hicks and Schuyler Kropf offer new insights into the Hunley’s final hours and recount the amazing true story of its rescue.

The brainchild of wealthy New Orleans planter and lawyer Horace Lawson Hunley, the Hunley inspired tremendous hopes of breaking the Union’s naval blockade of Charleston, only to drown two crews on disastrous test runs. But on the night of February 17, 1864, the Hunley finally made good on its promise. Under the command of the heroic Lieutenant George E. Dixon, the sub rammed a spar torpedo into the Union sloop Housatonic and sank the ship within minutes, accomplishing a feat of stealth technology that would not be repeated for half a century.

And then, shortly after its stunning success, the Hunley vanished.

This book is an extraordinary true story peopled with a fascinating cast of characters, including Horace Hunley himself, the Union officers and crew who went down with the Housatonic, P. T. Barnum, who offered $100,000 for its recovery, and novelist Clive Cussler, who spearheaded the mission that finally succeeded in finding the Hunley. The drama of salvaging the sub is only the prelude to a page-turning account of how scientists unsealed this archaeological treasure chest and discovered the inner-workings of a submarine more technologically advanced than anyone expected, as well as numerous, priceless artifacts.

Hicks and Kropf have crafted a spellbinding adventure story that spans over a century of American history. Dramatically told, filled with historical details and contemporary color, illustrated with breathtaking original photographs, Raising the Hunley is one of the most fascinating Civil War books to appear in years.