![]() The Hunley was a technological marvel at the time she was made. The entire sub can be viewed during the tour. In August 2000, the sub was carefully raised and delivered to the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, which since then has been working on the restoration and preservation of the Hunley.Īs the conservation effort continues, the sub is kept in a 75,000 gallon tank filled with cold water. ![]() Over a century later the wreck of the Hunley was found. The Hunley was the world’s first combat submarine and actually sank a Union warship, The Housatonic, after which she disappeared beneath the waves with all hands lost on February 17, 1864. The Hunley was built by the Confederacy during the Civil War as at attempt to break the blockade of southern ports by the Northern States. To see the actual submarine and knowing how important it was is powerful and makes it a must see.Ī visit to the Hunley is a fantastic historical lookback experience for all ages. Overall, this is an important part of local, military, and Civil War history. ![]() It can feel like a lot of talking at this point so this will be tough for younger guests. You'll be talked to outside the lab, at the foot of the stairs to see it, at the top of the platform where you can see it, and at the bottom. You can only see the Hunley itself with a guide. This is your one stop shop for everything Hunley. If you like the peace of mind of having the tickets ahead of time, that works too but the Museum is definitely worth your time. So if you don't buy your ticket ahead of time, its not the worst thing in the world. There is a gift shop and a very well done Museum to see before and after you are taken into the lab. Times are in reference to seeing the Hunley in the actual lab. Since it is only open on weekends, its not a bad idea. They recommend you get your tickets ahead of time which will save you a dollar and guarantee you a time. While you can get the whole place done pretty solidly in a couple hours, make sure you eat before you get there as you won't be able to eat while you are there. There isn't much else to do in the immediate area which includes food. Parking is pretty limited but should be ample (and is free). It is only open on weekends so make sure you arrange your other events around this one if you truly want to experience it. Its not a flashy building but it is within a shipyard and certainly looks the part of being in a Naval area. The vessel was raised in 2000, and is now on exhibit in Charleston.Seeing the Hunley was on my short list of things to do while in Charleston. However, its first successful mission was also its last-the Hunley sank before it returned to Charleston, taking yet another crew down with it. The Housatonic sank in shallow water, and the Hunley became the first submarine to sink a ship in battle. The Hunley struck a torpedo into the Yankee ship and then backed away before the explosion. On February 17, 1864, the ship headed out of Charleston Harbor and approached the U.S.S. Horace Hunley and his entire crew perished.Īnother willing crew was assembled and the Hunley went back into the water. In front of a crowd of spectators, the Hunley slipped below the surface and did not reappear. On October 15, he took the submarine into Charleston Harbor for another test. Its inventor and namesake stepped forward to restore confidence in his creation. The ship was raised and repaired, but it was difficult to find another crew that was willing to assume the risk of operating the submarine. During a test run, a crew member became tangled in part of the craft’s machinery and the craft dove with its hatch open only two men survived the accident. The submarine experienced problems upon its arrival. The Hunley was placed on a railcar and shipped to South Carolina. Beauregard recognized that the vessel might be useful to ram Union ships and break the blockade of Charleston Harbor. It was tested successfully in Alabama’s Mobile Bay in the summer of 1863, and Confederate commander General Pierre G.T. The Hunley could dive, but it required calm seas for safe operations. It was operated by a crew of eight-one person steered while the other seven turned a crank that drove the ship’s propeller. Horace Lawson Hunley developed the 40-foot submarine from a cylinder boiler. Hunley, the world’s first successful combat submarine, sinks during a test run, killing its inventor and seven crew members.
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