At first, North Charleston agreed to become the future site of the Hunley Museum in 2004 by pledging $13 million toward creating a showplace for the Confederate submarine. But the city later withdrew the promise of funding.
The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant was once eyed as a final home for the submarine, but no major movement has happened.
“The public has lost interest, and you have to strike when the iron is hot,” Ralph Wilbanks, leader of the Clive Cussler dive team that found the Hunley, told The Post and Courier in 2020. “The Hunley is a unique thing to Charleston, but it has national and worldwide significance. It really needs to be in a place like the Smithsonian.”
Meanwhile, at its current home at 1250 Supply St., the center is part conservation lab, part museum, Butler told The Post and Courier in 2021. Scientists work on the submarine during the week while guests can visit on the weekends.
The submarine itself is housed in the back of the lab, submerged in a chemical bath to help preserve it. A raised platform allows visitors to view the vessel from above.
A new view of the Civil War submarine the H.L. Hunley after the truss that used to house the sub has been removed Thursday January 12, 2012. The truss was fabricated to lift the Hunley from the Charleston Harbor in 2000 and has provided the housing for the Civil War submarine since.
Let’s look back at what preceded the Hunley’s great recovery:
Feb. 1862
Initial tests of the Pioneer — a predecessor to the Hunley, which is the first submarine, designed by Horace L. Hunley, James R. McClintock and Baxter Watson.
Jan. 1863
Another Hunley predecessor, American Diver, has harbor trials.
April
Work on the Hunley begins at Park and Lyons Machine Shop in Mobile, Ala.
July
The Hunley launches for the first time.
August
The Hunley makes its way by train to Charleston to help break up the Union naval blockade of the city.
Aug. 29
Moored at Fort Johnson on James Island, the Hunley is preparing to depart for its first attack on the blockade when it suddenly sinks at the dock. Stories of what happened vary, yet five of the eight crewmembers die as a result.
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