WHERE WERE YOU?

August 8, 2000 – All eyes were focused on this Southern port city to watch the Hunley – the world’s first successful combat submarine – finally return home from a voyage that began well over a century ago. The harbor was filled with on-lookers. Spectators and reporters from around the world lined the docks, watching history unfold.

Lift the Hunley – Just as the crew did in 1864 on the night they made world history, the recovery team waited for a calm sea for the actual lifting of the Hunley. The well-planned recovery procedure was completed flawlessly, with the historic artifact raised safely. After the Hunley broke the water’s surface, she was gently placed onto a transport barge. Support personnel stabilized the submarine with tension straps to keep her safe. She was brought to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center and placed in a 75,000 gallon steel tank filled with chilled, fresh water to help protect and stabilize the submarine. The lab facility was specifically designed to excavate and conserve the vessel.

Now that the Hunley was safe, the work of learning her secrets could begin. The groundbreaking excavation of the Hunley’s crew compartment unearthed rare 19th century artifacts, including a gold coin that saved the life of the submarine’s Captain at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. The coin is curved from the indention of a bullet and inscribed with his initials along with the words, “My life Preserver.” The remains of the entire eight-man crew were also found resting peacefully at their stations. They were removed from the submarine and plans were immediately put in place to give them a proper burial, an event that had been impossible for over a century.