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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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H.L. Hunley

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SC Picture Project / Civil War / H.L. Hunley

The Charleston Harbor, with a natural depth of 12 feet, is where the Confederate submarine, the H.L. Hunley, successfully attacked the USS Housatonic on the night of February 17, 1864. The Hunley was the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in world history. The crew of the Hunley sank after the attack, killing all eight crewmen. The submarine became a legend after its mysterious disappearance causing adventurers around the world to seek out what became of it and its crew. The National Underwater and Marine Agency, led by Clive Cussler, a New York-Times Best Selling Author, officially located the submarine in 1995. On August 8th, 2000, a non-profit group, Friends of the Hunley, along with The Hunley Commission, responsible for raising funds to support the vessel, organized efforts with the United States Navy to raise the Hunley from the ocean’s floor.

CSS Hunley Recovery

Courtesy of of Friends of the Hunley, 2000 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

 

The vessel was delivered and placed into the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, a lab located on the former naval base in North Charleston, which was specifically designed to preserve the submarine and to study the mystery surrounding its disappearance. Archaeologists discovered countless artifacts within the vessel which have provided crucial ties to life during the Civil War. Research and preservation efforts continue daily while historical clues are being pieced together, hopefully to discover the crew’s final moments.

CSS Hunley After Deconstruction

Courtesy of of Friends of the Hunley, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

 

Inside the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, the Hunley rests in a special 75,000 gallon tank filled with chilled, fresh water, which has completely stabilized the submarine. The mission of this vessel is mixed with both courage and tragedy and has captivated millions around the world who want to know more of its story and the crew involved. Scientists work tirelessly on preservation and discovery in the lab during the week, but weekend tours are available every Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sundays from Noon to 5 PM.

CSS Hunley in Pool

Courtesy of of Friends of the Hunley, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

 

A special section of Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston, reserved for Confederate soldiers killed during the Civil War, also holds the remains of the third and final crew of the H.L. Hunley. The remains were laid to rest on April 17, 2004, following a service at the Battery and a procession to the grave sites. The crew was comprised of Lieutenant George E. Dixon (Commander), Frank Collins, Joseph F. Ridgaway, James A. Wicks, Arnold Becker, Corporal C. F. Carlsen, C. Lumpkin, and Augustus Miller.

hunley-graves

E. Karl Braun of North Charleston, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

 

Plan Your Trip: H.L. Hunley

Where is H.L. Hunley located?
Address: 1250 Supply Street, Charleston, SC 29405
GPS Coordinates: 32.856689,-79.959054
Website: https://www.hunley.org/
What else should I see?
Navy Yard Power House 1.1 miles
Quarters H-I 1.5 miles
Quarters K Panama House 1.5 miles
Quarters F 1.5 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Charleston Historic Sites
  • Charleston Navy Base Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Civil War
  • See other South Carolina Military
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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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