Not because of what it accomplished, but because it was the center of a major diplomatic dispute between the U.S. and Britain. The ship was financed by James Dunwoody Bulloch , who was from a wealthy family of Savanna, Georgia. Bulloch was acting as a high profile spy for the Confederacy when he hired a Liverpool ship building company. He was one of the most famous spies of the Civil War and was, by all accounts, a very brave man. After the war ended, Bulloch was informed he could never return to the U.S. which explain why he died in England.
James Bulloch's sister, "Mittie" Bulloch, married young Theodore Roosevelt's father Theodore Roosevelt, Sr of New York. As everybody knows, Teddie Roosevelt became one of the greatest Presidents of the United States. I learned about this history by reading Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris. A delightful book that focuses on young Teddie's life.
James Bulloch was a major influence on young Theodore. The Roosevelt family spent many months touring Europe and the lad was entranced with the stories of his Uncles secret exploits. Which may explain one reason why "TR" grew up to be a larger than life hero himself.
Very interesting reading:
Oh, that's funny, then -- Teddy and I are cousins by marriage. Some of my cousins married into the Bullochs of Savannah.
Savannah
Looks fascinating! I will check it out this evening.