Sinking of USS Housatonic
Off Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, USA
What happened
The Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley, commanded by Lieutenant George E. Dixon, attacked the Union warship USS Housatonic under Captain Charles W. Pickering. During the American Civil War, Union ships blockaded Charleston. On the evening of 17 February 1864, the small, hand-powered submarine Hunley crept up just below the surface and fixed an explosive charge on a long pole to Housatonic's hull. The warship sank within about five minutes, and Hunley was also lost that night with her crew of eight.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first time a submarine sank an enemy warship in battle. It was a forerunner of the submarine warfare of later wars.
What came next
Hunley's wreck was found in 1995 and raised on 8 August 2000. Her crew was buried in Charleston in 2004.
Did you know?
Seven of Hunley's eight crew turned a hand crank to drive the propeller, while one steered.
Timeline
- July 1863Hunley is launched at Mobile, Alabama.
- 17 February 1864Hunley sinks USS Housatonic.
- 1995The wreck of Hunley is found.
- 8 August 2000Hunley is raised from the seabed.
- 17 April 2004Hunley's crew is buried at Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston.