Hunley Captain’s Golden Artifacts Tell a Story of Wealth and Mystery

George E. Dixon is perhaps most recognized as the man who the led H. L. Hunley and her crew into the history books. He served as Captain the night the small underwater vessel became the world’s first successful combat submarine with the sinking of the USS Housatonic, one of the newest and most powerful ships in the Union fleet. This accomplishment sometimes overshadows the mystery surrounding his background as well as his place in society during the Civil War and the years leading up to the conflict. Perhaps less well-known is the man liked gold. A lot. And, unlike most in the war-torn South, he could afford it. The question is how?

Historical details of Dixon’s life are scant until around 1860 when he was a steamboat engineer traveling the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Cincinnati. When the Civil War began, Dixon was in Mobile, Alabama, where he became a part of the Mobile community and even joined the local Masonic lodge. It is unclear why Dixon, who was not born in the South and is most likely from the Midwest according to genealogical research, settled in Mobile. Dixon joined the Mobile Grays, a local police force, and in October of 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and was assigned to the 21st Alabama Infantry.

Dixon Saved by Gold Coin

During his service with the Infantry, Dixon’s affection for gold would serve him well, even save his life. In 1862, Dixon was participating in the notoriously bloody Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee. While fighting, an event occurred that would turn into one of the greatest oral legends in the history of the war. Dixon was shot in his left leg, striking his upper thigh. A $20 gold coin that he carried in his pocket absorbed the impact of the bullet, making a potential lethal injury one that he survived. The coin, which some speculate was given to him by his sweetheart, was found among his remains during the excavation of the Hunley crew compartment. The coin was indented and engraved, commemorating its chance role in saving his life. That was not the only gold Dixon, who certainly had an eye to appearances, carried with him.

GOLD AND DIAMOND JEWELRY

During excavation, archaeologists uncovered a diamond ring and brooch. The brooch was nestled inside the ring. They were found tucked between two layers of textile near the remains of Dixon’s torso, meaning he carried it in either a coat or vest pocket. Analysis by jewelry expert Dawn Corley, known as “The Charleston Silver Lady,” indicates these pieces were hand-made for someone who had wealth and means. The value of the diamonds and gold would have been tremendous for the time, particularly at this late stage in the Civil War where luxuries were scarce. “Luxuries such as gold and diamonds were silent symbols of supposed wealth and position. Much like today, they conveyed the success and social standing of the wearer,” said Corley.

DIXON: MYSTERY MAN

Dixon’s penchant for gold and ability to have the ear of top officials in the Confederate Army show he was a man of influence. This has proved both puzzling and frustrating for researchers looking to learn more about Dixon. We know just as much, if not more, about some of the Hunley crewmembers who were poor immigrants from Europe. Dixon was the driving force behind the Hunley’s historic mission, making investigating his past an important aspect of the research project.

“This jewelry and other personal items found with Dixon’s remains certainly help us understand his personality, but we still want to know more about his background. We hope to learn more so we can more fully tell his story and, by association, the Hunley’s,” said Clemson University Archaeologist Michael Scafuri.

 

DIXON’S JEWELRY

By the Numbers…

• The ring has 9 diamonds weighing together approximately 1 carat
• The brooch has 37 small diamonds amounting to about 2 carats and is made of 15-carat gold
• Appraisal of just the gold and diamonds in today’s value is approximately $6,500

EXPERT ANALYSIS

by Dawn Corley, “The Charleston Silver Lady”

The Brooch:

The Ring: