H.L. Hunley

This collection features content on the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley.

This collection features content on the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley. Named after its creator Horace Lawson Hunley, the Hunley made history during the American Civil War as the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. Although the Hunley was successful in sinking the Union sloop-of-war U.S.S. Housatonic, the Hunley never returned to its home port on Sullivan's Island, SC. The fate of the Hunley remained a mystery until it was located by author Clive Cussler's National Underwater Marine Agency in 1995, and was raised in the year 2000. The Hunley is currently undergoing conservation at Clemson University's Warren-Lasch Conservation Center in Charleston. 

Absolum Williams

Video

Did you know that a Black sailor once served on the ill-fated Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley? Shortly after the Hunley's arrival in Charleston, South Carolina, Lieutenant John Payne of the...
H.L. Hunley Museum | Let's Go!

Video

The H.L. Hunley submarine made history during the American Civil War when she became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. In February 1864, the Hunley, under command of Lieutenant...
3D VR - H. L. Hunley Museum | Let's Go!
3D VR - H. L. Hunley Museum | Let's Go!

Interactive

The H.L. Hunley submarine made history during the American Civil War when she became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. In February 1864, the Hunley, under command of Lieutenant...
Hunley | Sandlapper Online
Hunley | Sandlapper Online

Document

Hunley: After Five Generations, The Atlantic Surrenders a National Treasure Margaret N. O'Shea Winter 2002-2003
The Hunley's Design | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 4

Audio

In this segment, Sen. Glenn McConnell talks about the design of the Hunley. Previous replicas and diagrams of the Hunley were found to be inaccurate upon discovery of the real submarine.
Dixon's Gold Coin | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 7

Audio

Before the Hunley was found, Lieutenant George Dixon’s gold coin was just considered a legend. Dr. Maria Jacobsen tells the story and significance behind Lt. Dixon’s coin, and shares her excitement...
Identifying The Crew | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 8

Audio

Another challenge faced during the Hunley investigation was identifying the members of the crew. Determining who was who among the crew proved difficult due to lack of Confederate records. Dr. Maria...