CSS Georgiana
Also known as: SS Georgiana
steamer · Confederate States of America · Lost 1863
Status: located · Curator Verified
Research & Discovery: Dr. E. Lee Spence — Marine Archaeologist
Significance
The Georgiana was one of the most powerful Confederate warships ever built — an iron-hulled screw steamer fitted as both a cruiser and blockade runner. She was described as having the most valuable cargo of any blockade runner lost during the Civil War: her hold contained a million dollars' worth of war supplies, medicines, and armaments intended to supply Confederate forces. She was attacked by Union gunboats on her maiden voyage attempting to enter Charleston Harbor and was run aground and destroyed to prevent capture. Dr. E. Lee Spence discovered the wreck in 1965 and has conducted extensive archaeological work at the site. The Georgiana is considered one of the most historically significant Civil War maritime sites in American waters.
Technical Details
| Vessel Type | steamer |
|---|---|
| Flag / Nation | Confederate States of America |
| Built | 1862 |
| Length | 76 m |
| Tonnage | 522 tons |
| Cargo | Cargo of war: guns, medicines, and liquor valued at over $1 million (1863 dollars) |
| Date Lost | March 19, 1863 |
| Cause of Loss | combat |
| Conflict | American Civil War |
| Body of Water | Atlantic Ocean |
| Region | South Carolina, USA |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 32.7765°, -79.9311° |
| Discovery Year | 1965 |
| Discovered By | Dr. E. Lee Spence |
Sources & Citations
- [1] Spence, E. Lee. Shipwrecks of South Carolina and Georgia. 1984.
- [2] Confederate Navy records, National Archives.
- [3] Wise, Stephen R. Lifeline of the Confederacy: Blockade Running During the Civil War. 1988.
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- Norseman (1864) — South Carolina, USA
- USS Housatonic (1864) — South Carolina, USA