Norseman
blockade runner · Confederate States of America · Lost 1864
Status: located · Curator Verified
Research & Discovery: Dr. E. Lee Spence — Marine Archaeologist
Significance
The Norseman was a British-built blockade runner operating under Confederate contract when she was caught by Union naval forces attempting to enter Charleston in early 1864. She was destroyed to prevent capture. The wreck is part of the dense collection of Civil War maritime sites in the waters around Charleston Harbor, which saw more blockade running activity than any other Confederate port.
Technical Details
| Vessel Type | blockade runner |
|---|---|
| Flag / Nation | Confederate States of America |
| Built | 1863 |
| Length | 55 m |
| Tonnage | 350 tons |
| Cargo | Confederate military supplies |
| Date Lost | January 1864 |
| Cause of Loss | combat |
| Conflict | American Civil War |
| Body of Water | Atlantic Ocean |
| Region | South Carolina, USA |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 32.7°, -79.88° |
| Discovery Year | 1969 |
| Discovered By | Dr. E. Lee Spence |
Sources & Citations
- [1] Spence, E. Lee. Treasures of the Confederate Coast. 1995.
- [2] Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies.
Related Wrecks
- H.L. Hunley (1864) — South Carolina, USA
- Mary Bowers (1864) — South Carolina, USA
- USS Housatonic (1864) — South Carolina, USA
- CSS Georgiana (1863) — South Carolina, USA
- Stonewall Jackson (1863) — South Carolina, USA
- Minho (1862) — South Carolina, USA