The CSS Hunley: A Pioneering Submarine's Historic Journey

Chapter 1: The Evolution of Submarines

Submarines have become an essential element of contemporary military strategy. They fulfill various roles in combat and support operations that are vital for modern naval forces. These vessels are capable of pursuing enemy surface ships and other submarines, as well as launching lethal nuclear arms from virtually any location on the planet, making them an unpredictable factor in a nuclear strategy. In fact, no extensive military strategies exist that overlook the threat posed by opposing submarines.

Despite their current significance, submarines are relatively new compared to traditional weaponry like artillery and armored ships. The first successful engagement resulting in the sinking of an enemy ship by a submarine occurred on February 17, 1864, during the American Civil War.

The initial submarine to achieve this feat was designed by Confederate engineers, who aimed to create a vessel capable of executing offensive operations against surface targets.

A Treacherous Path

A vintage illustration of the CSS Hunley in action

Horace Lawson Hunley, the inventor of the submarine, understood the inherent dangers of operating such vessels. Failures can often lead to catastrophic outcomes, risking the lives of the entire crew. In the early days of submarine technology, these hazards were even more pronounced. The CSS Hunley, the vessel that marked the first successful attack in naval history, endured numerous accidents and tragedies.

On August 29, 1863, while preparing for a demonstration, the Hunley encountered an unexpected disaster. The crew, consisting of seven brave volunteers, faced a tragic accident when Captain John A. Payne inadvertently activated a lever that caused the submarine to dive prematurely. With a hatch still ajar, the vessel flooded, leading to the loss of five crew members. In a twist of fate, the captain was the sole survivor of this calamity.

Despite the setback, Confederate engineers recovered and modified the Hunley, believing it still had potential.

Just two months later, a second tragedy struck. This time, Hunley himself was aboard to supervise the tests. The submarine executed a simulated attack successfully; however, it failed to resurface afterward. The vessel sank, resulting in the loss of eight lives, including its creator. In total, these incidents claimed the lives of 13 individuals within a few months.

The Historic Strike

The CSS Hunley prepares for its historic attack

Undeterred by these tragedies, the Confederate engineers persisted in their efforts with the Hunley. Prior to its second sinking, the submarine had successfully performed a simulated attack on a Union ship, highlighting its potential to break the Union blockade that was choking the Confederate war effort. After extensive testing and repairs, the Hunley was finally deemed ready for a live mission.

On the night of February 17, 1864, the CSS Hunley stealthily approached its target in Charleston Harbor: the USS Housatonic, a sloop-of-war enforcing the blockade. Under the cover of darkness, the Hunley maneuvered partially submerged, catching the Housatonic's crew off guard.

The Hunley struck the sloop with a spar torpedo, causing significant damage and leading to its sinking. However, true to its tumultuous history, the Hunley also sank during this encounter, likely due to the blast's impact. Historians suggest that the spar's length may not have been sufficient to absorb the explosion's force, resulting in the Hunley's destruction alongside the Housatonic. In total, the attack resulted in the loss of five sailors from the Housatonic and eight crew members from the Hunley.

Legacy of the CSS Hunley

Ultimately, the CSS Hunley sank three times, claimed 21 lives, and achieved the distinction of the first successful sinking of an enemy warship by a submarine. Today, submarines have evolved significantly and continue to play a formidable role in naval warfare.

The wreck of the CSS Hunley was eventually discovered and recovered by modern historians. It is now displayed in North Charleston, where visitors can view the original vessel submerged in a tank of water, and a replica that allows for an inside look at this historic submarine.