underwater obstructions (Other Keyword)

DOCUMENT Citation Only James D. Spirek.

In late 1861 and early 1862 Union naval blockading forces sank a total of twenty-nine whaling and merchant vessels laden with stones at the entrances to the two main channels at Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.  The navy intended for these underwater obstructions to prevent the passage of Confederate blockade runners from entering and exiting the port city.  The two stone fleets did not result in the desired effect wished for by Union strategists, but the historical and archaeological record...