The H. L. Hunley in the process of being preserved
[Courtesy of Dustin Waters]
Even though the H. L. Hunley was at the bottom of the ocean, it continued to inspire the U. S. Navy and set an example for other nations and militaries. The Hunley showed the world that a whole new type of warfare was possible. To this day, the Navy continues to look back at the Hunley and the barriers it broke. Additionally, the vessel's design inspired future submarines, such as candles to check oxygen levels. This vessel also allowed submarine engineers to learn from their mistakes, such as how the crew members looked outside of the ship without letting water in.
“While this linkage is admittedly less certain than those of the Hunley’s first and second sinking, it is compelling to take her entire history and align it with the programs we rely on now to protect our submarines and their crews.”
~Micheal Jabley
CONCLUSION:
The H. L. Hunley was a revolutionary submarine that broke barriers in naval warfare. It attempted to dissolve a Union blockade to have a chance to win the Civil War. By sinking the U. S. S. Housatonic, the Hunley became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship, indicating the barrier break. Even though the Hunley sank, it was found over a century later to be investigated and admired.
[Courtesy of Duke University]
TIMELINE OF THE H. L. HUNLEY
Courtesy of Signey Schell
FEBRUARY 1862
First test for the first submarine (The Pioneer) is designed by Hunley, McClintock, and Watson.
Courtesy of James McClintock
JANUARY 1863
The second submarine (Pioneer II) goes through harbor trials.
Courtesy of The Naval Historian Foundation
APRIL 1863
Work on The H. L. Hunley begins in Mobile, Alabama.
Courtesy of John Parker
JULY 1863
The Hunley is launched for the first time and demonstrates a large amount of strength.
Courtesy of R.K. Skerrett
AUGUST 1863
The Hunley is transported to Charleston, South Carolina to break the Union blockade.
Courtesy of Dan Dowdey
AUGUST 29, 1863
The Hunley sinks for the first time during a test mission.
Courtesy of The Friends of Hunley
OCTOBER 15, 1863
The Hunley sinks for the second time in a test mission.
Courtesy of Sam Willis
FEBRUARY 17, 1864
The Hunley sets out and sank the U. S. S. Housatonic but also ends up sinking.
Courtesy of The Friends of Hunley
MAY 3, 1995
The Hunley is rediscovered at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Charleston.
Courtesy of Barbara Voulgaris
AUGUST 8, 2000
The Hunley is raised.