The History and Archaeological Investigations of Nineteenth Century Gunboat USS Castine

Summary

The USS Castine was emblematic of the New Navy’s transformation from wood to steel vessels in the late nineteenth century, and of the evolving use of a vessel over time.  During a 29-year service career spanning the Spanish American War and World War I, the unheralded gunboat proved to be an indispensable workhorse as a blockader, coastal combat vessel, training ship, submarine tender, U-boat chaser, and globetrotting reminder of the long reach of American naval power.  Following the end of its military service Castine had a brief second career in the Gulf of Mexico commercial fishing industry, before sinking off the coast of Louisiana. Though Castine’s notable military career was international in nature, it stands as an example of the widely varied archaeological site types contained within the Gulf of Mexico’s waters. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• To "Hazard a Turbulent Sea:" Marine Archaeology in the Gulf of Mexico--Examining 500 Years of Exploration and Exploitation   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 862