Charleston, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Charleston commemorated the 25th anniversary of recovering the H.L. Hunley, the first U.S. submarine that sank an enemy ship. The Hunley was raised from the ocean after being lost for 136 years, aided by innovative technology and funding from Clive Cussler. This event marks a significant milestone in both local and national maritime history, enhancing our understanding of submarine warfare and the lives of its crew members.
Charleston Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Recovery of the H.L. Hunley
Charleston commemorated the 25th anniversary of the recovery of the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine in U.S. warfare history, which successfully sank the USS Housatonic during the Civil War. The submarine was raised from the Atlantic Ocean off Sullivan’s Island on August 8, 2000, after being lost for 136 years.
The recovery of the Hunley was a monumental achievement, made possible with the assistance of a metal detector and funded by best-selling author Clive Cussler. The submarine was located approximately four miles off the coast of Sullivan’s Island using a magnetometer, which detected metallic objects beneath the ocean floor.
Years of planning and coordination among a team of international experts and engineers culminated in the successful lifting of the vessel. A specially designed truss system and crane were used for the recovery, with the actual lifting process performed in front of a large audience of onlookers, which included both locals and tourists celebrating the moment as an important milestone in Charleston’s and American history.
Upon its recovery, the Hunley underwent a conservation process in a desalinization tank to eliminate sea salts and barnacles accumulated during its extended duration underwater. The submarine’s crew, originally consisting of eight men, were subsequently located and buried at Magnolia Cemetery after their vessel was raised.
Through the recovery operations, over 4,000 individual artifacts were discovered within the Hunley. These included personal items such as pipes, coins, clothing, tools, and even a toothpick, providing valuable insight into the lives of the crew and the operational history of the submarine.
The Hunley is currently undergoing conservation at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, which also serves as a museum open to visitors. The submarine has been central to various debates concerning its final resting place, having been initially intended for display at a museum in North Charleston.
The historical significance of the Hunley extends beyond Charleston, holding both national and international relevance. The design of the submarine featured two boiler tubes, a hand-cranked propeller, and a conning tower. Although its initial sinking was attributed to various incidents, the Hunley famously vanished after successfully completing its mission and sinking the USS Housatonic.
The legacy of the Hunley has inspired numerous cultural works, including books and discussions surrounding maritime history and technology. On this milestone anniversary, the commemoration served as a reminder of the remarkable history and advances made in submarine warfare.
FAQ
What was the H.L. Hunley?
The H.L. Hunley was the first submarine in U.S. warfare history, successfully sinking the USS Housatonic during the Civil War.
When was the H.L. Hunley raised?
The Hunley was raised from the Atlantic Ocean off Sullivan’s Island on August 8, 2000, after being lost for 136 years.
Who funded the recovery expedition of the Hunley?
The recovery of the submarine was funded by best-selling author Clive Cussler.
How many artifacts were recovered from the Hunley?
Over 4,000 individual artifacts were discovered within the Hunley.
Where is the Hunley currently being conserved?
The Hunley is being conserved at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, which also doubles as a museum for visitors.
Key Features of the H.L. Hunley
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Significant Event | First submarine to sink an enemy ship in U.S. warfare history. |
| Recovery Date | August 8, 2000 |
| Lost Duration | 136 years |
| Funding | Clive Cussler |
| Artifacts Retrieved | Over 4,000 personal items |
| Conservation | Warren Lasch Conservation Center, North Charleston |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: 25th Anniversary of Raising of the H.L. Hunley
- Post and Courier: Hunley 25th Anniversary
- Post and Courier: Hunley Anniversary Memories
- Google Search: H.L. Hunley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: H.L. Hunley
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
