Monday, January 23, 2012

The USS Cairo

This was an ironclad gunboat built in a real hurry by Andrew Eads and designed by naval architect Pook.  There were about seven of the ships named after cities along the rivers, including two smaller ones where the vessels were built, the Carondolet and Mound City.

This is the only one left and wouldn't have been with us except that it was sunk by a Confederate torpedo (mine) in 1863.

Mr. Civil War, Edward Bearrs, was in on finding the ship.  This is one man I'd really love to see some time, especially since he is getting old.

The ship was raised and floated to Vicksburg Nationa Military Park where it resides today, under a tent-like structure to slow deterioration.  There will come the day when they need to completely enclose the ship.

More to Come.  --Old B-Runner

No comments:

Post a Comment