Civil War Ship

[sailaway78]

Went over yesterday to look at this old civil war ship, that was uncovered by hurricane Gustav close to Fr.Morgan, Alabama. There doesn't seem to be much interest in preserving or identifying it, and it is already being covered back up by sand. Thought some of you might be interested. Hopefully pics attached.

 

[stick]

that would be so nice to see in person

 

[Wayne M]

Great pictures

I am surprised that they are doing nothing to preserve or find out what ship it was. I would love to see it in person also.

 

[Ross]

Do you have any thoughts as to the nature of the mechanical devise in the top line center pix?

 

[Bob Poff]

To me

It almost looks like a governor for a steam engine.

 

[Ross]

It almost looks like a governor for a steam engine.

I thought so but didn't want to add any bias to the thinking. I would love to strip the rust away.

 

[sailaway78]

This boat

It's a shame they are doing nothing to preserve or identify this ship. It is pretty close to Ft. Morgan, so it could very well be a Union ship that was sunk before the fort was captured. It was obviously burned to the waterline, but the sand has preserved what is left pretty well. What is amazing is the condition of the bottom planks. They are approx. 4" thick, and some look like they were new a couple of months ago. The beams are huge, probably at least with origional dimensions of 12 x 12 or more. The stern post that the pintle is mounted to is even larger. It is 150' long, but the beam is hard to get a handle on as it is laying at a list of about 25 degrees or so, and the port side is buried. And no way to even get an idea of what was there that has burned. Also one of the rudder pintles, looks new. Both probably because of the protective and polishing actions of the sand. I did some internet searching last night, but didn't find anything useful. As you can see, it is not far above the high tide line, and is quickly becoming covered up again. There are a couple of pieces on there, that most seem to think are the remains of a walking beam steam engine. The piece Ross asked about appears to be some kind of govenor or clutch. It does bear a striking resemblance to the clutch on a big sheet metal brake from years ago.

 

[Swandriver]

The Ship

Hi Nice N' Easy,

Read about this earlier. Here are a few links of interest

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/19/ike.mystery.ship.ap/index.html

and

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-89111/

Randy

 

[Manny]

That's really amazing Nice & Easy!
I too wish I could see it in person.

Manny

 

[sailaway78]

Civil War or early 1900's

Seems to be a question as to what ship this is, and when it was built. As to the early 1900's, I didn't know they were using square nails into the 1900's, and I most definately saw some square nails in the hull. Anyone know for sure about when the use of square nails was stopped. Ross, this is a good question for you.

 

[frank balcer]

Could be.......

I have read that one possibility is that this is the remains of the schooner "Racheal". The marina were i recently was keeping my boat is built atop the old yard were the Racheal was built. During the winter when we get a strong North wind with a low tide you can see the old wooden launchways. and lots of old spikes and square nails in the mud.

 

[Steve L22188]

Great pics. Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[Ross]

Seems to be a question as to what ship this is, and when it was built. As to the early 1900's, I didn't know they were using square nails into the 1900's, and I most definately saw some square nails in the hull. Anyone know for sure about when the use of square nails was stopped. Ross, this is a good question for you.

Jamestown Distributors sold them up until a few years ago and this company still makes and sell them retail.

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[sailaway78]

Thanks Ross

More info. than I actually needed, but certainly answers the question. I am still amazed that they don't even know what ship this was, and apparently don't even know for sure within over 50 years of how old it is. I did read about the Rachel, so now I just don't know. I am going to assume that if there was a bell that was visible, someone has it at home. Just an observation, but they all seem to think this thing ran aground, and that is certainly possible, but there is no doubt that it burned to the waterline. So, did it burn because it ran aground, was it burned after it ran aground to keep others from salvaging it or finding out what was aboard, or was it shelled from Ft.Morgan to start the fire? Lots of unanswered questions that apparently will never be answered. Another interesting observation is that the powers that be don't want anyone carting any pieces off, but are willing to just cover it up and let it rot away. The beach is it sitting on is above the tide line so on private property, but the property has a for sale sign in front of it. And they have now put no parking signs all up and down the road, so you are forced to walk in, about 1/2 mile. I was tempted to try to find some small piece I could take with me, but didn't.