The H.L. Hunley - A Surviving Civil War Submarine

This video is a segment from our full tour of Historic Charleston, SC. Check out the full tour, including a closer look at the Hunley and its artifacts, here!: • Historic Charleston, S...
The H.L. Hunley, also known as the CSS Hunley, was a Confederate submarine that was used to attack and successfully sink the USS Housatonic during the Union blockade of Charleston in 1864. The Hunley did not survive the mission, and all eight members of the crew were lost. The Sub was discovered in the 1970s and was raised from the sea in 2000.
You can visit the H.L. Hunley at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in Charleston.
The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

This video is a segment from our full tour of Historic Charleston, SC. Check out the full tour, including a closer look at the Hunley and its artifacts, here!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJPNYnade6iKp7s

[@craftpaint1644]

I've been there. Top tier museum. The crew was preserved by the cold and the silt inside and there are X-rays of the remains, I'd find it difficult to believe if I hadn't seen it.

[@sebsmith5100]

The crew were laid to rest in 2004.

[@jonm2438]

Must of been creepy the first time opening it

[@smoketheartist9501]

I find it hard to believe they were preserved by the cold. Yes, the waters off Charleston can be quite chilly during the winter, but during warmers months water temperatures off Charleston are Tropical Temps. Higher than 80 degrees during summer, and above 70 degrees most of the year.

[@russelljohnson6267]

I've been there as well. My boy scout troop went on a weekend trip to Patriots Point and various other historical sites around the city. Not on the itinerary was a trip to the Hunley museum. We only went because I was interested in that time period of history and the Hunley in particular. We actually had to argue about me getting up on the platform that is next to the tank and look at the sub with my own eyes as I am in a wheelchair. They didn't want me to go up there but we said that I was the reason that our group was even there seeing the museum so I was going up and a couple of the others grabbed my chair and carried me up there.

[@identifiesas65.wheresmyche95]

@@smoketheartist9501 If they were indeed preserved it was more likely the silt creating a mostly oxygen free environment, than any cold.

[@jamiedriscoll9781]

The story of the coin inscribed "my life preserver" when it had stopped a bullet at Shiloh was the best civil war story I've come across

[@jonnie106]

The irony that he should survive the death factory of Shiloh, to then board unluckiest naval vessel of the entire war.

[@michaelbruce6190]

@@jonnie106you beat me to it, the word "irony" is perfectly fitting....survive the living hell that Shiloh was, as were most Civil War battles, just to die in a metal coffin at the bottom of the ocean.....submariners are definitely a special kind of warriors.

[@Kellog888]

Learn about the slave who stole a ship and sailed a bunch of slaves to freedom its crazy cool how it worked and how smart that dude was

[@jonnie106]

@@Kellog888 Robert Smalls was a man, capable of most, if not ALL things being accomplished by the most prominent white men. In direct contrast with the narrative being shoved in his face daily, he learned to pilot the Planter through the depths and shallows of the river, particularly at night. It was during the night when Smalls commandeered the Planter to make their run for freedom. By piloting the sidewheeler at night, performing every action required of a night-steaming riverboat (whistle patterns, lantern displays and verbal callouts; he presented to rebel sentries and outposts a scenario that couldn't possibly be a slave escape attempt. Slaves lack the intellect for the complexity of navigating a river at night. So when the Planter steamed past Ft Sumter its rebel garrison KNEW it was anything BUT slaves attempting to escape.

[@youtube_Sucks_A]

​@@Kellog888that's a tale and has been disproven many times.

[@karlbrundage7472]

As a Submariner, the H.L. Hunley always carried a special meaning for me and I was able to view the boat soon after she was recovered and the preservation work was starting. They had not yet entered the interior but it was clear that the entire crew was likely entombed in the hull. Sailors, rest your oars!

[@covertops19Z]

Actually, it was crewed by Confederate soldiers turning that crank shaft.. Even 51 years later, I still always consider my a Submarineer. When I got my qual card briefing from my COB as a Gold crew member of the SSBN-620 boat, I was told that submariners were "substandard Submarine Sailors. 😒

[@marvindebot3264]

One more sub no longer on patrol.

[@johnmagill7714]

I almost went Sub Duty. But I would have been an MS. I didn't want to be a cook. I wanted Sonar tech, Navigation, something other than an MS. Ended up OS in the Gator Navy. Anyway, The Hunly is widely respected worldwide for what it accomplished, under such extreme circumstances and at the time it took place. The Japanese and Brits, especially.

[@Ole_CornPop]

I'm a diver so I've encountered the same dangers you deal with. I love it.

[@marvindebot3264]

She was a rebel boat and obviously didn't have a radio but do you know if she was included on the Christmas radio call?

[@bronwentillman8385]

My cousin was part of the escort when they brought her up back in 2000. He passed away in 2020, but he was so proud of being out there on the water and bringing her to land!

[@booboodafoo3247]

Cool story liar

[@bronwentillman8385]

@@booboodafoo3247 troll

[@booboodafoo3247]

@@bronwentillman8385 liar

[@bronwentillman8385]

@booboodafoo3247 why would I lie about that? My family and I are from Charleston. If you feel the need to instigate, please leave.

[@booboodafoo3247]

@@bronwentillman8385 make me

[@bruceterrell9287]

As a former archaeologist for NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program, I was priviledged to observe the conservation of fabrics from the crew of the archaeological remains of the USS Monitor. I saw the remains of a greatcoat recovered from the turret much like the vest shown here.

[@maryellenshock]

I would have loved to be a fly on that wall!

[@babuzzard6470]

I’m from Australia 🇦🇺 but I know the story of the Hunley, fantastic you’ve found the sub and have preserved it, and the memories of all the brave men who died in your civil war.

[@Fitzgoodntight]

As a Texan, I think it’s really badass you are interested in early American history! Thank you for recognizing mine and many other Americans ancestors.🤝 We love you Aussies here down south😂🤙🏻

[@415s30]

@AUTISTICRAPTOR. Well they were traitors, pro slavery confederates. They don't deserve any monument but we should document it.

[@cameron4562]

My dad was the crane operator who set the Hunley in that exact tank back in 2000. And was also the one that righted it off of the trusses in 2011.

[@blchamblisscscp8476]

My wife and I visited the museum not long after the Hunley had been recovered. There was a catwalk above at that time, open to visitors. The human remains had not been all recovered then and there was still a lot of mud inside. Looks like the museum has really developed well.

[@wes326]

So much new technology was used in the civil war. Metallic cartridges, repeating rifles, rail roads, the telegraph, iron-clad ships, underwater mines, balloons, canned food, etc. Thanks for sharing.

[@luigivincenz3843]

I sort of remembered reading somewhere the number of patents produced from the Civil War was more than WW2 patents. Which also explains why foreign nations were observer guests of both the confederates and union armies.

[@glcartm]

even way before then they had machineguns in the founding fathers times look up chambers flintlock machinegun

[@luigivincenz3843]

Can I just come in and give leon instructions on which fabrics? . I didn't finish the inventory with the cotton..

[@jankovarik9714]

I am a long-time member of Friends of the Hunley, and I had the satisfying pleasure of visiting it in September (my fourth visit). I am still in awe of the "fish boat"...

[@DamnItDylan]

When I was 13 I joined the Friends of the Hunley. My grandparents got me a membership for Christmas. I have always been fascinated by this vessel.

[@silverstar4289]

I talked with a local guy who attended the delivery of the boat from the water to the museum. It was a perfect day, and very stirring, knowing the remains of the crew were inside.

[@princeofmoskova]

I've been in to see the Hunley twice and it is something to stand there and look down on it and think about all that history. Seeing the gold piece with my own eyes is amazing! WARNING: On another note, the museum is not that easy to get to. Uber drivers get lost easily trying to find it.

[@Brock_Corb]

Thank God you put the camera and tripod in the back of the room so that we could barely see what was beyond the sliding glass door and glare. Top Notch camera work m8... and it was quite literally at the most important part that everybody wants to see, and the reason why we clicked on the video in the first place. You know, to see the actual sub...😂

[@mrs6968]

I love this channel thank you to all the supporters and creators God bless you all

[@ashhawk2346]

This was "ABSOLUTELY!" Interesting.

[@starraustin9363]

I went right before it was put away for preservation. It was remarkable. Kinda once in a lifetime thing. Blessed to live in sc😊

[@bassmangotdbluz]

It would great for The Trust to visit The U.S. Civil War Naval Museum, on the banks of the Chattahoochee in Columbus, GA. They have the remaining hull of an Ironclad sunken in the mud of that river. They also boast the largest and most comprehensive collection of Naval Ensigns and Confederate National Flags. I spent the better part of a day seeing it all.

[@williamfrederick3849]

Big fan of Clive and it's so wonderful to see him get the credit he and his team deserves!!!

[@Godflesh88v2]

Gotta love Clive Cussler

[@thiccanimegirl76]

My ancestor George E. Dixon was on the hunley and actually the commanding officer on the hunley and advocated for its further use after the other sinkings.

[@Engie_Boi]

wow, cool

[@matthewadkins7973]

And now here u are @thiccanimegirl176

[@esketitindustries3120]

Visited her as a teenager on an NJROTC trip. Was fascinated as one of our instructors was a master chief on the USS Parche. Years later, I am now a proud submariner myself. I can’t wait to visit again, it takes a special kind of crazy to be a submariner, and the crew of the Hunley had to be insane, props to those gentleman for taking that step towards the technology we have today.

[@Queenskid19]

That's amazing they were still all in there and they found that gold coin. What a story.

[@willettecorley2508]

As a native of SC, I was privileged to be in Charleston, SC, on April 27, 2004, the day the remains of the men on the Hunley were laid to rest. There was a parade & a huge procession, humble & reverent. Finally laying these men to rest after more than 150 years. I have toured the exhibit, but that was early on. I really want to go back now, 19 years later because I know much more has been recovered.

[@maryellenshock]

I miss Clive cussler. Not only his books, but him as a person. My daughter met him twice at car shows ( I'm still jealous) . I've been fascinated with the Huntley since I first heard about it - throw in Clive cussler, you've got a winner! I watch every video about the Huntley, whether I've seen it or not - from the beginning to the present.

[@taproom113]

HUNLEY.

[@brwpe7733]

My family and I attended the funeral as well as thousands of others. Such fascinating history. Many of us share dna with the crew/s and have no idea.

[@bills6963]

Excellent! Chris, you ask terrific questions and have a great interview style. 👍

[@kwisatzhaderach1458]

This is so incredibly profound and important.

[@drbichat5229]

The story about how the different crewmen were identified is a fascinating one

[@larrydemaar409]

Wonderful video. The gold coin is neat, but I would like to see Dixon’s pocket watch, also.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Thanks! You can get a closer look at the artifacts in our full trip to Charleston. The Hunley segment starts at 57:40 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJPNYnade6iKp7s

[@bradrriddle]

Great video! Just curious: how long will the sub be in the baths? Will the general public eventually be able to get up close to the Hunley?

[@dmr6640]

We didn't learn about this in school. So great you are able to bring lost history back to the present.

[@bigsarge2085]

Been there, it's incredible.

[@toddsikes7292]

i am one of the few regular people that have ever seen the Hunley not submerged in that water. me my dad and three navy guys were in that museum back around 05-07. all those attractions you see were not set up it was like a model of the Hunley and some fake heads. the security guard came up to us and asked if we were all in the navy we said yes and he let us in to look at the sub. the plastic barrier was not there at the time and the sub was out of the water which is a HUGE deal. he said no pictures cause the flash would hurt the sub. a lady was working inside of it. we looked for a bit the guard talked to us about it then we left. still have a model of the sub on my bookcase. very cool experience. oh and at that time to even get to the warehouse you had to drive through an industrial zone that was not marked or advertised.

[@fancyultrafresh3264]

Thank you for reminding me of this museum/project, I must visit and support someday!

[@rohanpreis6883]

I’ve been to the museum, it’s in the middle of nowhere and it’s small, but it’s really cool and very well made! If you’re in the area definitely check it out!

[@rosspittman2317]

I remember the raising, and transport. My dad took myself, and a friend of mine when we were kids to watch this historic event.

[@rendezvous5784]

Great video! But... I wish you had shown us that infamous gold coin.

[@CodyWertz-fb3br]

It's in a different video.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Thanks! You can get a closer look at the artifacts in our full trip to Charleston. The Hunley segment starts at 57:40 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJPNYnade6iKp7s

[@brianholcomb940]

This was very fascinating and informative! I have always liked hearing about the Hunley and watch whatever videos are available! Thanks for sharing!

[@brucesteele3052]

I have been following the Hunley story since she was raised to the surface and subsequent archeological / restoration efforts. I look forward to a visit to her museum.

[@Blend-24]

Oh that would be awesome to see!! So incredible.

[@lo0nyt0onz]

I remember being really interested in the hunley after the movie came out and researching more about it. Terrifing..absolutely Terrifing is what i finally concluded

[@taproom113]

Ted Turner's movie is full of Hollywood Hype and inaccuracies. It depicts Dixon as almost suicidal due to the drowning death of his sweetheart, Queenie Bennet ... who actually survived the war. It also paints Hunley as a reckless opportunist who had no business in command of the submarine when historians mostly agree he was instrumental in the design and development of all three subs and in fact commanded the Hunley several times (according to William Alexander, the Mechanical Engineer who served as co-builder and First Officer aboard when Horace Hunley was Captain. He documents in his writings that Horace had become "Expert" in her handling. Look it up ... Turner's movie is entertainment at its historical worst.

[@terryeustice5399]

Pretty sure I have seen this video before. Thanks for resharing again ! 💯👍👊

[@davidd6171]

So well done! Thanks for all these amazing videos showing us this history. For the record, I would not volunteer to be in that submarine!

[@nicknorris100]

So some scientists like 6 or 7 years pretty much gave the best explanation for why it sank. When they delieverd the payload. The shockwave likely reptured the crews brains and lungs. Killing them instantly and the sub just drifted off and sank

[@lisac.346]

Wow! This was a great video. Thank u👍

[@carlclink9993]

Very interesting. Went there about 15 years ago , now really want to go again.

[@MrDdaland]

Think this may be the first time surviving and Hunley was used in the same sentence

[@maryellenshock]

Lol!

[@whicker59]

Great work folks. Uv done an excellent job with our history.

[@fredjasper7378]

Honestly wonderful piece and explanation

[@mariemorgan7759]

I love history, great video. Thanks💕

[@idolhanz9842]

I was in Charleston last month for Thanksgiving ..Charleston has the best t shirts too! I took my family and kids there many times too as I'm from Charleston originally..

[@chrisdavern9482]

In the waves by Rachael Lance is a brilliant read telling the story of her quest to find out what sunk the Huntley highly recommended

[@mojavegold-]

Thank you for a very interesting video! I have some interest in science history - and partly because my son is a biologist, several years ago I aquired a set of microscope slides of pollens that were separated from silt taken from inside the hull of the Hunley. The slides are just resting in storage, but I'm thinking that at some point in the future it's possible they might prove useful to another researcher.

[@FirebirdDude]

Great video! I love the host's enthusiasm!

[@user-fz3vh4kw5s]

Thanks for the info... nice video, thanks for sharing...

[@the_peacetime_volunteer]

God bless the boys in grey. I had buddies at the Hunley funeral

[@rondavis3232]

I mean, they were enemies of the US during the war, but ok. Arguably worse, as they were traitors. But they were people, like all of our war enemies, Osama bin laden, Hitler, Sadam Hussein, etc. So I guess bless them all, right?

[@jeffhunley7008]

My aunt has done my families genaology and she has found that we are related to Hl Hunley.One day i hope to go there

[@nps-ddpsavinglives]

Amazing efforts to discover the story!

[@tomy.1846]

Awesome video, thanks!!

[@chrismaurer2075]

I was hoping to see some of the artifacts especially the gold coin .

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

You can get a closer look at the artifacts in our full trip to Charleston. The Hunley segment starts at 57:40 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJPNYnade6iKp7s

[@MikeYork-bn1mt]

I am proud to be an American. 🇺🇸

[@carlhicksjr8401]

I know one of the reenactors that dressed out as a CSN sailor for her raising. Being asked to take part in such a ceremony is an incredible honor and a great privilege. But that's the whole point of reenacting: preserve the memory and remember the sacrifice.

[@RetiredSailor60]

I saw the HL Hunley being brought into Hampton Roads on the barge while I was stationed in Norfolk on USS Wasp LHD 1.

[@Cully4x4]

Very interesting. My takeaway is that the word “absolutely “ is absolutely overused.

[@quattroxx99]

Absolutely

[@karlbrundage7472]

Glad I didn't start a drinking game......

[@heroinmom153]

I absolutely agree.

[@deanfranklin6870]

Kudos to the Museum Representative for giving Clyde Cussler credit for finding the Hunley. None of the other videos about it that I've watched did so.

[@taproom113]

The reason no other 'video' gives Cussler credit, is because everyone knows Lee Spence found it and documented its location long before Cussler did.

[@deanfranklin6870]

@@taproom113 I did not know that. I had gone strictly by Clive's statement. Especially since he had discovered many other wrecks.

[@taproom113]

Perfectly understandable, Dean. Clive’s publicity machine was much bigger than Lee’s. Money is power …

[@deanfranklin6870]

@@taproom113 it absolutely is. But truthfully, I think that Clive did a lot of exploring for wrecks. At his own expense. I hope that you'll understand when I say I'll give him a pass. Especially since he's deceased and can't explain about or defend himself. My sincere thanks for the information. I hope you have a better day. BSafe. BBlessed

[@taproom113]

@@deanfranklin6870 I understand completely. All the Best to you and yours as well ...

[@davidkimmel4216]

Very Very interesting. Thank You

[@HiddenHistoryYT]

Very cool!

[@safetymikeengland]

Thank you.

[@JayYoung-ro3vu]

My then partner and I vacationed in South Carolina in the early '90s (1993-4?)with the talk of locating the submarine. The submarine was located by the time we returned in 1997.

[@anonymousperson9869]

Absolutely interesting!

[@garryhatchett775]

It would be nice to see the actual sub. Cool that they were able to recover it.

[@PekeyBlinders]

Was there last spring break! Still have the shirts I got there! ❤

[@ashhawk2346]

Thanks for showing the personal items 😮‍💨 Would have been nice to see those items on display! Especially that gold coin! This was interesting but at the same time, felt empty without showing the display items..

[@GeistView]

Would have been nice to see the sub in the video. When talking about the gold coin it would have been nice to have seen it in the video so people watching could have seen what you are talking about. The artifacts in the beginning should have been shown with commentary over.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

You can get a closer look at the Hunley and the artifacts in our full trip to Charleston. The Hunley segment starts at 57:40 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJPNYnade6iKp7s

[@unbreakable7633]

Writer Clive Cussler doesn't get enough credit for finding the Hunley but he did.

[@deanfranklin6870]

Absolutely true. I was glad to see someone give him the credit

[@mutilatedpopsicles]

I had no clue Clive Cussler even had a dive team, something I now know

[@unbreakable7633]

@@mutilatedpopsicles Cussler is an interesting fellow, very knowledgeable of the sea and the history of the sailors who sailed it.

[@deanfranklin6870]

@@unbreakable7633 yeah, he was. Unfortunately he has passed away and his son has taken up the challenge.

[@ausernameidk]

Still cant believe CLIVE CUSSLER is the one who found and raised it. A writer, historian, Maritime archeologist and car collector. RIP mate.

[@NAFOARMY]

I served on that sub. I sank 100 enemy vessels. I use to get in it by myself and go destroy the enemy. I was a beast! Sincerely Yours, George Santos

[@Sparecards]

Are you mentally stable

[@cornhoolio6456]

i’m sorry what the disgusting liberals did to you george

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

The story of the gold coin is fascinating because I remembered reading about it as a kid in the 80's to learn it was true when discovered it blew my mind.

[@davidpippin3460]

Great video of two guys talking without actually really showing the sub itself. Still very informative and would love to visit one day.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

You can get a closer look at the Hunley and the artifacts in our full trip to Charleston. The Hunley segment starts at 57:40 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJPNYnade6iKp7s

[@IamJunius]

Lt Dixon was wearing cashmere most likely to stay warm. It was February and the sub had no insulation. Also direct contact with water and the conduction process meant the moisture exhaled by the guys working was condensing along the hull. It had to be a cold, damp nasty space.

[@ultranitro437]

Great lighting

[@shawnliu7]

When i heard Clive Cussler it brought back memories of his countless novels.

[@geraldbellows8831]

The turtle used in revolutionary war was also a early sub

[@josh05683]

Yes, but not the “first successful combat submarine”

[@rrmorris67]

That Hunley exhibit is absolutely fantastic. If you are in Charleston and you do Sumter and Moultrie because you are a Civil War fanatic and you do not take the time to go see this Hunley exhibit, man, you just do not realize what you are missing. It isn't just the Submarine. They have put tremendous effort into the displays and the artifacts and the story telling. I cannot say enough great things about it.

[@Nick-gi6ym]

Thank You

[@jasonmatthews7829]

Imagine a redesign on this machine. A modification based upon our modern-day version of a popsicle stick rubber-band airplane, which would have made the crews necessary input labor on cranking the turnshaft so much less intensive, this saving their lives. Neither the crew nor the engineer died in vain in my opinion, but those designs and principles are still in use today, this sub from a distance resembles the design of an Orlando, and but a 2-year interval of a proper steam engine, this would have been a true stealth vehicle of absolute game-changer (as it eventually became.) I neither endorse the Confederate Navy nor approve of whatever their mission statement probably was. I just respect these achievements.

[@JohnDaker_singer]

Absolutely!

[@90Degrees_]

Interesting story about the coin. I had a friend in elementary school, whose dad toured in the Middle East. He had a similar story, except it was a penny and in his left breast pocket. He also showed us this little pill jar with his shrapnel beads in it.

[@tootired76]

I'm sorry...I'm juvenile.... Didn't Civil War soldiers eat a lot of beans??? Fantastic work you people are doing on this, I mean preserving the sub, not the foul air 160 years ago!!

[@ayeuplink1428]

Went down a big submarine rabbit hole and the first one and i wish this video was there then

[@josh05683]

The only sub I know of that entered and exited service in the same day.

[@eddiekulp1241]

Never sat the sub except the picture in beginning . Is it in water tank ?

[@highfivechaser4119]

Fun challenge, count how many times Nick says ABSOLUTELY lol 😆

[@cal30m1]

Thanks for not giving any of the viewers a closeup view of any of these artifacts…

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

You can get a closer look at the artifacts in our full trip to Charleston. The Hunley segment starts at 57:40 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJPNYnade6iKp7s

[@Tater4200]

Whew. Brave men son...brave

[@senorboardhead]

So..Absolutely !

[@deelowe3]

Im half way through the vidoe and i still dont know how the sub worked or what the specifics of its mission were. Did it carry ordinance? How did hey steer it? Did it have ballast? So many questions left unanswered.

[@Cbourbon454]

Actually, those questions have all been answered. The ordinance was suspended at the tip of a spear, which was rammed into the Housatonic's hull. The idea was that the explosives were set off by then reversing away, simultaneously pulling a cord. The mission was to break the blockade of the Federals, which had been constricting Charleston and many other Southern ports of imports and exports. The Hunley was successful in sinking the Housatonic, but unfortunately then sank to the bottom soon after, taking all 9 souls. It was the first successful sub in action...1864. The Hunley did have a rutter, it also had ballasts front and rear. The shaft for the propeller was hand cranked by 7 men sitting in a row, one man controls the rutter in the rear and captain up front. Pretty simple design. I highly recommend watching the movie, H. L. Hunley. That it gives a really good perspective on the story. Also, to see this submarine in person is something words cannot describe, especially if you're a history nerd like myself. Hope all was helpful to you 🙂

[@robost8040]

Absolutely.

[@R3tr0humppa]

Regarding respecting graves, what's the difference between handling a soldier's war grave from within the last 200yrs opposite one from medieval or ancient times? I often feel scientists handle those quite differently. (You can find loads of skulls and bones in museums.)