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A little bit more on that Civil War era submarine for those who may be interested
- Thread starter Magyar
- Start date
n/t
treasurefiend
New member
I like it!!!
Digdoug
Active member
...meet the diver who confirmed it was the sub during the search for it. When I was on business in Charleston a few years ago I was on my way home and noticed a sign advertising the Hunley. It's discovery and restoration is backed by The National Geographic magazine. When I managed to find the building where the Hunley was being restored ,to my dismay, it was closed for a private viewing for Friends of The Hunley, a group of people who help back the restoration financially. I met a nice fellow in the parking lot and he told me the gift shop was still open so I walked in with him to pick up some souvenirs for the kids. As we walked in he asked if I would be interested in seeing the actual sub, and of course I did!! It turned out that he was by himself and could bring one additional guest with him so I got to view it. The sub was in a large freshwater tank that slowly rinsed the sub free of saltwater. The water was clear enough to see the hull of the ship. A man explaining how the sub was discovered turned out to be the afore mentioned diver. He said he was the rookie diver on the ship and the rookie had to dive on the first object they checked each day. It turned out to be his lucky day!!
There was a legend that the captain of the sub was shot in the hip during, if I remember correctly, the battle of Gettysburg. It was said that he was saved by a gold coin in his pocket that was given to him by his fiancee for good luck. The bullet supposedly struck the coin with enough force to break his hip but it didn't penetrate his body, thus saving his life.
When they found the sub, the skeletons of all the crew were in their respective positions when the sub went down and their clothing and fallen to the floor of the sub. When they went through the clothing below the captain they found the gold coin and it was bent in the shape of a potato chip from the impact of the bullet. They had the gold coin under a glass display case under armed guard. I bought a reproduction of the bent gold coin for Brian and it is one of his most cherished souvenirs. I would have taken pictures but they confiscated all cameras and cell phones before you could enter the viewing area.
They said the sub didn't sink from the detonation of the torpedo though. After they attacked the ship the captain was to burn a blue lantern as a signal that they were OK. Troops on shore confirmed that they saw the blue light but the sub never returned. They think that the sub sank because the heavy seas rushed into the open hatch.
I'm sure I don't have all my facts correct but if you would like more detailed, and accurate, information Google "Friends of the Hunley".
There was a legend that the captain of the sub was shot in the hip during, if I remember correctly, the battle of Gettysburg. It was said that he was saved by a gold coin in his pocket that was given to him by his fiancee for good luck. The bullet supposedly struck the coin with enough force to break his hip but it didn't penetrate his body, thus saving his life.
When they found the sub, the skeletons of all the crew were in their respective positions when the sub went down and their clothing and fallen to the floor of the sub. When they went through the clothing below the captain they found the gold coin and it was bent in the shape of a potato chip from the impact of the bullet. They had the gold coin under a glass display case under armed guard. I bought a reproduction of the bent gold coin for Brian and it is one of his most cherished souvenirs. I would have taken pictures but they confiscated all cameras and cell phones before you could enter the viewing area.
They said the sub didn't sink from the detonation of the torpedo though. After they attacked the ship the captain was to burn a blue lantern as a signal that they were OK. Troops on shore confirmed that they saw the blue light but the sub never returned. They think that the sub sank because the heavy seas rushed into the open hatch.
I'm sure I don't have all my facts correct but if you would like more detailed, and accurate, information Google "Friends of the Hunley".
Hi Doug,
that was a stroke of luck that you were invited in to see the submarine...lucky you!
thank you for all that information; I find history so fascinating
I have checked out several sites about this submarine...learned how it was built, how the torpedo worked... just amazing!
that was a stroke of luck that you were invited in to see the submarine...lucky you!
thank you for all that information; I find history so fascinating
I have checked out several sites about this submarine...learned how it was built, how the torpedo worked... just amazing!
A
Anonymous
Guest
Lots of history and I enjoyed reading about your visit, Doug, but I couldn't read Lorraine's article....my eyes don't see that well, even with glasses! :sad:
God Bless!
Betty
God Bless!
Betty