[tanknetter]

It will be interesting to compare the real Hunley submersible with the reconstructed replicas (IIRC, one is in Columbia, the other in Charleston).

I've been to see the Hunley twice. Once about a year after they recovered it, then again last year (right after they'd righted it - it had been set at about a 45 degree "roll" angle since recovery).

The differences between it and the Charleston replica are significant. As are the differences between it and the various models used in the making of "They Hunley" movie. They've found all sorts of fascinating innovations, such as much better hydrodynamics (particularly in the streamlined and concave bow area) and an flywheel running around the inner hull that was used as a "power assist" to the guys turning the crank.

Couple added notes. First, although it's nice to see the Hunley out of the truss, in the two visits I made I never really found it to be all that obstructive. Second, any visit to the Hunley should be accompanied by a visit to Magnolia Cemetery right down the road. That's where all three crews lost on the sub are buried. The Cemetery is fascinating in its own right - very old, very Southern. Not some place I'd want to be after dark (and I've walked places like Devil's Den and the Slaughter Pen at Gettysburg at night).

[dog breath]

Since one of my ancestors served with Sherman on his famous march I definitely should stay out of most old Southern cemeteries at night.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

That was some movie. Lt. Dixon who was never married was haunted by the ghost of his “wife.” His sweetheart, Queenie Bennett, died in 1883.

[stormer]

Why wouldn’t you want to be there after dark? Please don’t tell me you believe in ghosts...