CSS Hunley, World’s First Successful Combat Submarine, Charleston, SC

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Today in history, Feb 17, 1864, the CSS Hunley became the world’s first successful combat submarine, a full 50 years before submarines were widely adopted for use in WW1. After completing the mission, the submarine vanished and remained lost at sea for over +130 years until it was finally discovered and recovered in 2000. Today, the Hunley is Charleston South Carolina’s #1 historic tourist attraction. Overall, the Confederacy lost 21 southern American crewmen in three separate sinkings of the Hunley during her short career.

Here’s my visit to the final resting place of all three crews over a year ago in Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, South Carolina. It happens to be located directly across from my 2nd cousin's Heyward plot.

Another interesting historical tidbit: Although the Confederacy had a small navy, it is recognized for at least one other unusual maritime record. Raphael Semmes, a 30yr US Naval Officer who joined the Confederacy become the most successful raider in maritime history while Captain of the CSS Alabama. Additionally, he was also promoted to both rear admiral and acting brigadier general!

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ADDITIONAL READING:

CSS Hunley:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._L._Hunley_(submarine)

Hunley Tours:
https://www.hunley.org/weekend-tours/

Hunley:
https://www.hunley.org/

Raphael Semmes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Semmes






















Location: Charleston, SC, USA

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