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Monday, April 9, 2007

Learn How The Confederate Navy Changed The Future of Naval Warfare

Allow me to steer you to a port of special interest shipmate! The National Civil War Naval Museum is located in Columbus, Georgia. Open daily from 9:00 to 5:00 (closed Christmas Day). Adults $6.00, Students $5.00, Seniors $5.50, Active Duty Military $5.50. If you enjoy Civil War history or naval history, you will absolutely love this museum.

The Civil War naval battles were close, intense and bloody. President Lincoln ordered a naval blockade of all the southern ports to choke off international commerce. The South responded by innovation in the form of the iron-clad ships that were blockade busters. The CSS Virginia (Merrimac) was an “iron monster” that sunk numerous USS ships. Modern submarine warfare finds its beginnings in the innovations of Confederate marine engineers who sought new ways to prevent the naval blockade. The Confederate Navy was the first to sink a ship using a submarine.

As you walk into the museum wing that houses the CSS Jackson, you are first struck by the faint smell of molded timber. The ironclad CSS Jackson was rescued from the bottom of the Chattahoochee River and restored in its present resting place. A frame is suspended over the top of the remains to give you an idea of the size and dimensions of this ironclad. Steam driven Propellers provided the propulsion for this monster. The museum has a piece of the USS Monitor on display and a partial mock-up of this formidable and famous ironclad. This was the first turning turret ever built on a ship and the precursor to the modern battleship. Notice how thick the armor is. A unique experience awaits you as you enter the partial model, with full scale dimensions, of the ironclad CSS Albemarle. As you enter the ship, you immediately notice the thickness of the armor plate and the superstructure. Cannon balls would just bounce off this armor. This cannon inside the CSS Albemarle is enormous. The sound must have been deafening when this baby was fired. As you pass through the CSS Albemarle, you enter the “Battle Theatre” that gives you a glimpse into what it looked and sounded like to be in battle with this beast. There are many authentic Civil War relics here along with informative exhibits, drawings, art and models. The flag display or original Civil War flags is impressive. If the parking lot is not crowded, you can easily maneuver a large RV in and out of the parking area. You are safe to drive in and investigate because there is a large turnabout near the entrance of the museum. To look this up on Map-Quest the address is 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia, 31901.

You may contact the museum at (706) 327-9798 or visit them on the web at
Civil War Naval History

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