From Dec. 21, 2010 CNN.
The CSS Peedee was unable to reach open water in the Atlantic because Union forces had occupied Georgetown, SC, on the coast.
The vessel was built at the Mars Bluff Confederate Navy Yard on the Pee Dee River. The Peedee did fire a couple shots at Union forces before it was torched and blown up March 15, 1865.
No contemporary photos are drawings exist, but the ship was believed to have been 150-170 feet long.
Before the ship was sunk, its cannons were thrown overboard into the Pee Dee River, about a mile from the wreckage. Mars Bluff Navy Yard has never been located itself, but is believed to be another mile above the wreckage.
The ship's propeller is at the Florence Museum in South Carolina. The Mars Bluff Navy Yard built two at least two other ships. One was a steam tender and the other a torpedo boat.
Where's the Yard? --Old B-R'er
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Showing posts with label Mars Bluff Navy Yard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mars Bluff Navy Yard. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Fort Fisher, Mars Bluff Navy Yard and the CSS Pee Dee
From the April 12, 2011 SC Now "Museum owner recalls discovering Civil War ship" by Mason Snyder. An interesting video accompanies the article.
This article combines three items that have been heavily covered on this blog, Fort Fisher, the Navy Yard and the CSS Pee Dee.
Ted Gragg grew up by Fort Fisher (lucky dog), only two houses away and pretty much had the fort to himself much of the time. He became interested in the Civil War and his boyhood hobby became his life-long interest and led to a job in archaeology. (Sounds a lot like me, only he got to live by Fort Fisher. I've always been way far away.)
He spent 17 years looking for the CSS Pee Dee, a Macon-class Confederate gunboat launched at Mars Bluff Navy Uard on the Great Pee Dee River in Marion County.
It was destroyed near the end of the war. In 1992, Gragg and a team found the remains and located many artifacts which led to his opening his museum to display them.
See them at the South Carolina Civil War Museum at 4857 US-17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach, SC, open 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat, admission for adults $4.
Looks like I'll have a place to go next time I'm doing my Beach Music Thing there.
Living the Good Life. --Old B-Runner
This article combines three items that have been heavily covered on this blog, Fort Fisher, the Navy Yard and the CSS Pee Dee.
Ted Gragg grew up by Fort Fisher (lucky dog), only two houses away and pretty much had the fort to himself much of the time. He became interested in the Civil War and his boyhood hobby became his life-long interest and led to a job in archaeology. (Sounds a lot like me, only he got to live by Fort Fisher. I've always been way far away.)
He spent 17 years looking for the CSS Pee Dee, a Macon-class Confederate gunboat launched at Mars Bluff Navy Uard on the Great Pee Dee River in Marion County.
It was destroyed near the end of the war. In 1992, Gragg and a team found the remains and located many artifacts which led to his opening his museum to display them.
See them at the South Carolina Civil War Museum at 4857 US-17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach, SC, open 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat, admission for adults $4.
Looks like I'll have a place to go next time I'm doing my Beach Music Thing there.
Living the Good Life. --Old B-Runner
Friday, March 18, 2011
CSS Peedee Found-- Part 6
In 1954 most of what remained was destroyed after a group of local businessmen spotted the wreckage, brought in a bulldozer to make a road to the riverside and attempted to drag it ashore to display it as a roadside attraction to be called Confederateland.
The attempt broke the wreck into pieces, but the men grabbed what they could. A thirty foot section of the stern, the boiler, two engines and the propeller shafts were put on display and a 25 cent ticket was charged to see it.
No efforts at preservation were made and the ship disintegrated rapidly.
The boiler ended up on display at the I-95 attraction South of the Border, but eventually disappeared (probably sold for scrap).
But, a 12-year-old boy, Michael Hartley, saw the Peedee being recovered from the river in 1954 and became an archaeologist himself. He drew a sketch of the place in the river where the ship was and that was used to locate the remains.
Archaeologists are still looking for the location of the Mars Bluff Naval Yard which had at least 12 structures, a forge, slipways and a dry dock. An expedition in the summer of 2009 by East Carolina University students failed to locate it, but more efforts will be made.
The Story of a Lost Ship and Navy Yard. --Old B-R'er
The attempt broke the wreck into pieces, but the men grabbed what they could. A thirty foot section of the stern, the boiler, two engines and the propeller shafts were put on display and a 25 cent ticket was charged to see it.
No efforts at preservation were made and the ship disintegrated rapidly.
The boiler ended up on display at the I-95 attraction South of the Border, but eventually disappeared (probably sold for scrap).
But, a 12-year-old boy, Michael Hartley, saw the Peedee being recovered from the river in 1954 and became an archaeologist himself. He drew a sketch of the place in the river where the ship was and that was used to locate the remains.
Archaeologists are still looking for the location of the Mars Bluff Naval Yard which had at least 12 structures, a forge, slipways and a dry dock. An expedition in the summer of 2009 by East Carolina University students failed to locate it, but more efforts will be made.
The Story of a Lost Ship and Navy Yard. --Old B-R'er
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
CSS Peedee Found-- Part 4
Meanwhile, Amer's colleague, Dr. Jon Leader, a South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA) research associate professor is searching for the Mars Bluff Navy Yard where the Peedee was built. The SCIAA is part of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina.
The land portion of the yard remains elusive.
Leader's initial research back in 2009 used ground-penetrating radar and remote-sensing technologies and students from the University of South Carolina and East Carolina University.
The site they searched turned up evidence of early Indians, but nothing that would indicate a navy yard was located there.
The entire SCIAA project is funded in part by a $200,000 grant from the Doctor Bruce and Lee Foundation in Florence, South Carolina.
Once the cannons are raised, they will be taken to the conservatory laboratory at Francis Marion University under Leader's supervision.
Always Good When We Find Someting That Was Lost. --B-R'er
The land portion of the yard remains elusive.
Leader's initial research back in 2009 used ground-penetrating radar and remote-sensing technologies and students from the University of South Carolina and East Carolina University.
The site they searched turned up evidence of early Indians, but nothing that would indicate a navy yard was located there.
The entire SCIAA project is funded in part by a $200,000 grant from the Doctor Bruce and Lee Foundation in Florence, South Carolina.
Once the cannons are raised, they will be taken to the conservatory laboratory at Francis Marion University under Leader's supervision.
Always Good When We Find Someting That Was Lost. --B-R'er
Monday, January 3, 2011
CSS Peedee Found-- Part 3
The Peedee was further damaged early in the 1900s when the US Army Corps of Engineers were clearing the Peedee River channel.
In 1925, the propellers were salvaged, and, in 1954, the two engines, a boiler, propeller shafts and a 30-foot section of the stern were reclaimed from the river.
Amer will ask local loggers this spring to move the logs holding down the brooks gun in preparation for raising it and the other one. He hopes that perhaps the logs are also hiding the third cannon they are looking for.
The logs are a remnant of the Mars Bluff Shipyard, one of seven inland Confederate navy yards, where the Peedee was built.
Here's Hoping for the Third Gun. --Old B-Runner
In 1925, the propellers were salvaged, and, in 1954, the two engines, a boiler, propeller shafts and a 30-foot section of the stern were reclaimed from the river.
Amer will ask local loggers this spring to move the logs holding down the brooks gun in preparation for raising it and the other one. He hopes that perhaps the logs are also hiding the third cannon they are looking for.
The logs are a remnant of the Mars Bluff Shipyard, one of seven inland Confederate navy yards, where the Peedee was built.
Here's Hoping for the Third Gun. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, December 23, 2010
CSS Peedee Found-- Part 1
From the December 21st WIS-TV Channel 10.
The CSS Peedee was destroyed by its crew March 15, 1865, to prevent its capture by Union forces. Until now, the exact location has not been known, but 18 months after underwater archaeologist Chris Ameri confirmed the presence of two of the three Peedee cannons (a Confederate Brooke Rifle and a Union Dahlgren smoothbore), near the Confederate Mars Bluff Navy Yard, he believes he has located it.
He notes that the Peedee is not resting as a complete wreck, but in many pieces across the namesake Peedee River.
Back in July 2009, he conducted an unsuccessful search for the missing third cannon.
The Peedee was built at the Confederate Mars Bluff Navy Yard, one of seven such warship construction sites built inland so as to be protected from US Naval incursions.
Always Good to Find Something You Lost. --Old B-Runner
The CSS Peedee was destroyed by its crew March 15, 1865, to prevent its capture by Union forces. Until now, the exact location has not been known, but 18 months after underwater archaeologist Chris Ameri confirmed the presence of two of the three Peedee cannons (a Confederate Brooke Rifle and a Union Dahlgren smoothbore), near the Confederate Mars Bluff Navy Yard, he believes he has located it.
He notes that the Peedee is not resting as a complete wreck, but in many pieces across the namesake Peedee River.
Back in July 2009, he conducted an unsuccessful search for the missing third cannon.
The Peedee was built at the Confederate Mars Bluff Navy Yard, one of seven such warship construction sites built inland so as to be protected from US Naval incursions.
Always Good to Find Something You Lost. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Some More on the Mars Bluff, SC, Confederate Naval Yard
From the September 28th Archaeology Blog by Peter Campbell.
I have had several entries on this subject, but always good to brush up on it.
Confederate shipbuilding from 1861 to 1862 was focused on building traditional ships in traditional shipyards. However, after that, Union incursions and occupied areas forced much of the building to be moved inland.
The CSS PeeDee, which got its name from the river flowing by the site, was built at Mars Bluff as well as several steam-powered torpedo boats. I had not heard of the torpedo boats before. I wonder what ever became of them? Were they sunk by the site?
The East Carolina University's summer field school has done a preliminary archaeological dig at the site and found that it was previously used by Indians and also in the Colonial era, Civil War and even logging at the end of the 19th century.
A Brook Rifle cannon and a Dahlgren smoothbore cannon thrown overboard from the PeeDee have also been found in the river.
Never Heard of It Before I Blogged About It. --Old B-Runner
I have had several entries on this subject, but always good to brush up on it.
Confederate shipbuilding from 1861 to 1862 was focused on building traditional ships in traditional shipyards. However, after that, Union incursions and occupied areas forced much of the building to be moved inland.
The CSS PeeDee, which got its name from the river flowing by the site, was built at Mars Bluff as well as several steam-powered torpedo boats. I had not heard of the torpedo boats before. I wonder what ever became of them? Were they sunk by the site?
The East Carolina University's summer field school has done a preliminary archaeological dig at the site and found that it was previously used by Indians and also in the Colonial era, Civil War and even logging at the end of the 19th century.
A Brook Rifle cannon and a Dahlgren smoothbore cannon thrown overboard from the PeeDee have also been found in the river.
Never Heard of It Before I Blogged About It. --Old B-Runner
Friday, August 21, 2009
CSS Pee Dee and Mars Bluff Navy Yard, SC
In an article in SC Now by Diane Owens dated June 11th. "Underwater archeology work to solve mysteries."
Despite losing days to the flooding of the Great Pee Dee River, quite a few artifacts were found on the river bottom, including cannon shells and cannons.
The CSS Pee Dee Research and Recovery Team had done work at the site earlier.
In 1925 and 1954, the river level was so low, the remains of the CSS Pee Dee could be seen. In 1925, the propellers were torn off and now can be seen in the Florence (SC) County Museum.
The remains of 14 building at the Navy Yard were also found.
Keep on Diving and Digging. --B-R'er
Despite losing days to the flooding of the Great Pee Dee River, quite a few artifacts were found on the river bottom, including cannon shells and cannons.
The CSS Pee Dee Research and Recovery Team had done work at the site earlier.
In 1925 and 1954, the river level was so low, the remains of the CSS Pee Dee could be seen. In 1925, the propellers were torn off and now can be seen in the Florence (SC) County Museum.
The remains of 14 building at the Navy Yard were also found.
Keep on Diving and Digging. --B-R'er
Thursday, July 2, 2009
More on the CSS Pee Dee
The May 22nd WJBF TV had a video and report on the work at the Mars Bluff Confederate Naval Yard in South Carolina as well as the CSS Pee Dee.
In an area the size of a football field, archaeologists and students from three colleges are looking for footprints of up to 14 buildings from the naval yard. A $200,000 grant from the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation is funding the project.
The CSS Pee Dee was a 170-foot gunboat built at the yard in 1865 on the east side of the Pee Dee River. It went to Cherew, SC, later that year to cover Lt. Gen. William Hardee's crossing of the river. When it returned, it was scuttled to prevent capture and the three cannons thrown overboard.
Sure Looking Forward to Seeing Those Cannons. --B-Runner
In an area the size of a football field, archaeologists and students from three colleges are looking for footprints of up to 14 buildings from the naval yard. A $200,000 grant from the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation is funding the project.
The CSS Pee Dee was a 170-foot gunboat built at the yard in 1865 on the east side of the Pee Dee River. It went to Cherew, SC, later that year to cover Lt. Gen. William Hardee's crossing of the river. When it returned, it was scuttled to prevent capture and the three cannons thrown overboard.
Sure Looking Forward to Seeing Those Cannons. --B-Runner
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Update on the Mars Bluff Confederate Naval Yard
The June 23rd SC-Now had an update on the recent Mars Bluff Confederate Naval Yard in Marion County, South Carolina.
An extensive archaeological search was made of the area, including the Pee Dee River a few months ago. Two of the Brooke rifled cannons thrown overboard from the CSS Pee Dee were found in the river and they plan to return in October to look for the third one.
Presently, plans call for raising all three in early spring 2010.
I Would Have Liked to Have Found Out More About the Naval Yard. --Old B-Runner
An extensive archaeological search was made of the area, including the Pee Dee River a few months ago. Two of the Brooke rifled cannons thrown overboard from the CSS Pee Dee were found in the river and they plan to return in October to look for the third one.
Presently, plans call for raising all three in early spring 2010.
I Would Have Liked to Have Found Out More About the Naval Yard. --Old B-Runner
Friday, May 22, 2009
Search Begins at Confederate Navy Yard
The May 22nd SC Now reports that University of South Carolina archaeologists and students have begun exploring the site of the former Confederate Mars Bluff Navy Yard on the Marion County bank of the Great Pee Dee River.
Somewhere, in the deep water off the site, there are three cannons thrown overboard from the CSS PeeDee before it was scuttled to prevent capture.
At one time, there were 14 buildings and they are interested in finding out what life was like at the yard during the war. The land is privately owned by Rufus Perdue and Glenn Dutton. Highly sensitive scanning devices are being used to create a picture without digging. Information gathered will be used when actual digging starts.
A gate has been installed to prevent looting and the Sons of Confederate Veterans have been given guard duty.
Looking, No Digging Into History. --Blockade-Runner
Somewhere, in the deep water off the site, there are three cannons thrown overboard from the CSS PeeDee before it was scuttled to prevent capture.
At one time, there were 14 buildings and they are interested in finding out what life was like at the yard during the war. The land is privately owned by Rufus Perdue and Glenn Dutton. Highly sensitive scanning devices are being used to create a picture without digging. Information gathered will be used when actual digging starts.
A gate has been installed to prevent looting and the Sons of Confederate Veterans have been given guard duty.
Looking, No Digging Into History. --Blockade-Runner
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
CSS PeeDee Cannons to Be Raised-- Part 2
The Mars Bluff Navy Yard was established in 1862 and the CSS PeeDee, a gunboat was constructed there. The ship was launched in January 1865, but its career was cut short by Sherman's advance when it was scuttled March 15, 1865 to prevent capture.
The cannons, two Confederate Rifled Brooks and one captured Union Dahlgren were thrown into the river, where they have remained.
The USC people will be working with those from East Carolina University and Francis Marion University. The cannons will be preserved at FMU and then exhibited at the Florence County Museum.
The cannons were first located by the CSS PeeDee Research and Recovery Team in 1996 according to an article comment. Not only did they find the cannons, but also recovered numerous objects such as artillery shells, shot, cannister, and medicine bottles. These are now on display at the Myrtle Beach Indoor Shooting Range.
Looking Forward to Seeing Those Cannons. --B-R
The cannons, two Confederate Rifled Brooks and one captured Union Dahlgren were thrown into the river, where they have remained.
The USC people will be working with those from East Carolina University and Francis Marion University. The cannons will be preserved at FMU and then exhibited at the Florence County Museum.
The cannons were first located by the CSS PeeDee Research and Recovery Team in 1996 according to an article comment. Not only did they find the cannons, but also recovered numerous objects such as artillery shells, shot, cannister, and medicine bottles. These are now on display at the Myrtle Beach Indoor Shooting Range.
Looking Forward to Seeing Those Cannons. --B-R
Monday, March 16, 2009
CSS Peedee Cannons to be Raised
SCNow reports that University of South Carolina archaeologists are planning to raise three cannons that have been located at the old Confederate Mars Bluff Navy Yard on the east side of the Pee Dee River in Marion County.
A survey using remote sensing technology and a magnetometer will be conducted April 30th and the 4 and a half, 7, and 7 ton cannons will be raised between late May and mid June.
Money for the operation is from a $200,000 grant from the Drs Bruce and Lee Foundation in Florence, South Carolina.
The Mars Bluff Navy Yard was one of seven yards built inland by the Confederate government to build gunboats and support vessels. The major reason for this was for protection from Union vessels.
The Mars Bluff site also had close proximity to railroads and abundant lumber.
Always Great to Get Something Back That was Lost. --Old B-Runner
A survey using remote sensing technology and a magnetometer will be conducted April 30th and the 4 and a half, 7, and 7 ton cannons will be raised between late May and mid June.
Money for the operation is from a $200,000 grant from the Drs Bruce and Lee Foundation in Florence, South Carolina.
The Mars Bluff Navy Yard was one of seven yards built inland by the Confederate government to build gunboats and support vessels. The major reason for this was for protection from Union vessels.
The Mars Bluff site also had close proximity to railroads and abundant lumber.
Always Great to Get Something Back That was Lost. --Old B-Runner
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