Scientists: Hunley Had Skylights

wltx ^ | 6/15/2005

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - Scientists excavating the Confederate submarine Hunley say they've found another unique feature of the boat.

They say the Hunley had a series of skylights on top of the hull. Each had a cover which could be closed from inside.

Charleston Senator Glenn McConnell chairs the Hunley Commission. He says the covers could have prevented light from escaping from the inside of the Hunley, revealing its position. McConnell says it appears the covers were designed to help seal the sub if one of the skylights broke. He says it's another indication the Hunley was a well-thought-out design.

The Hunley was the first submarine to sink an enemy warship. It sank a Union blockade ship in 1864 and was raised off the coast of Charleston in 2000.

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[Steely Tom]

Hunley Had Skylights.

Ahh... We may have found the problem.

Did they have window screens in Civil War America?

(steely)

[AzaleaCity5691]

And in what city was the Hunley constructed again?

[Chani]

Didn't know if this fit in the gods or glyphs categories, but it WAS a grave. :)

I saw the documentary and made for tv movie, t'was very interesting I thought.

[SmithL]

One active ping

[LexBaird]

What does the H.L. designate?

[Former Fetus]

I was in Charleston when the Hunley was raised. I still get goosebumps when I see a blue light! After that I've been lucky enough to see it at the lab, have seen the famous god coin...

Oh boy! there are no words to describe the feelings caused by the Hunley. I just want to sing:"Our flag is proudly flying on the land and on the main. Shout, shout the battle cry of feeedom. Beneath it oft we've conquered and we'll conquer once again. Shout, shout the battle cry of freedom. Our Dixie forever, she's never at a loss, down with the eagle, and up with the cross. We will rally 'round the battle flag, we'll rally once again. Shout, shout the battle cry of freedom"

[SmithL]

It is my understanding that a Union sharpsooter on the sinking Houstatonic spotted candle-light through the window that Dixon was using to navigate. He shot at it, killing Dixon, and allowing the Hunley to flood and sink.

[NovemberCharlie]

What does the H.L. designate?

It wasn't a prefix, like USS or CSS. The primary financial backer of the project was named Horace L. Hunley.

[Billthedrill]

I shall refrain from submarine jokes.

I shall refrain from submarine jokes.

I shall refrain from submarine jokes...

[nvcdl]

The fatal design flaw was the screen door.

[Doohickey]

What does the H.L. designate?

Horace Lawson

[mikrofon]

Lots of old sailing ships had headlights...

[TheOtherOne]

Why does the French Navy use glass bottom boats?























So they can see the old French Navy.

[TASMANIANRED]

First submarine prototype was during the revolutionary war.

Entirely muscle powered.

Weapon was a hand opperated drill.

Was tried once. Would have worked if the British War ship hadn't been iron shod.

[ET(end tyranny)]

I saw the documentary and made for tv movie, t'was very interesting I thought.

I thought it was really interesting, too.

[Former Fetus]

It was built in Mobile, Ala. then transported by train to Charleston SC.

[Non-Sequitur]

They say the Hunley had a series of skylights on top of the hull. Each had a cover which could be closed from inside.

And a screen door which could be used in hot weather.

[CurlyBill]

Nah... the screen door was a yankee fixture.

[AzaleaCity5691]

Exactly, the first submarine to launch a successful strike was constructed in Mobile.

So, not only did we invent Mardi Gras, we invented submarine warfare.