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The Hunley back in Benicia
“First submarine to sink an enemy ship in war” Eight men sat cramped inside the Hunley, a confederate Civil War submarine which looked much like a modern cigarette boat and cranked themselves underwater into the Atlantic Ocean. They were propelling a torpedo attached by a spar, which they would plant into a warship and then explode the torpedo. The Hunley would dive, escape the explosion, and return to its base. The Hunley had sunk twice before, the second time killing it inventor, H.L Hunley. However, its proponents convinced the Confederate Generals that it could work. On February 17, 1864, The H. L. Hunley did cause the sinking of the USS Housatonic, a union ship blockading Charleston Harbor, but the Hunley itself did not escape. It was lost and not until 130 years later was it was found in the harbor and raised. Now it is the subject of extensive research, and a replica tours throughout the country. The H. L. HUNLEY is returning to Benicia Historical Museum. This exhibit will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit: For school groups on Sep. 8, Sep 9 or Sep 10 please call 707 745 5435 ($1.00 per student) |
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