HL Hunley Submarine

NORTH CHARLESTON. In February 1864 this Confederate submarine, manually powered by nine men, approached the Union ship Housatonic and set off an explosive charge. As the submarine backed away, the ship sank within a matter of minutes. Unfortunately (and for unknown reasons), the submarine also failed, coming to rest on the floor of Charleston Harbor, where it remained until recovery in August, 2000. Now, the Hunley is undergoing conservation at the former Charleston Navy Yard, where visitors can see her from the deck above her holding tank. There are also plenty of other interesting exhibits, including the mock-up of the Hunley that was used in the television movie. Great gift shop, too.