The remains of the USS Cumberland, which was sunk by the CSS Virginia March 8, 1862, are still in the James River right near the Nameless Grave marker. Close by are also the remains of Union batteries that were protecting Camp Butler.
Salvage of the Cumberland started almost immediately and continued into the 1900s.
The USS Cumberland was laid down in 1824 and wasn't launched until 1842. From 1855-1857 it was completely rebuilt. When Confederate forces took over the Gosport naval yard at the beginning of the war, it was towed out and later participated in the attacks on the Confederate forts at Cape Hatteras.
On March 8th, the Virginia rammed the Cumberland, causing it to sink, however, the Confederate ship lost its ram, two guns, and suffered internal damage. Congress later recognized that the Cumberland did more damage to the Virginia than the Monitor.
The Cumberland was rumored to have been carrying $40,000 in gold, which enticed many salvors. Over the years, a lot of salvage has been done illegally on the wreck.
In 1909, part of the anchor was recovered and sent to the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia. Many other artifacts are at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Norfolk, Va..
In 1981 NUMA held discussions with local oystermen whose dredges had picked up artifacts over the years from the wreck. It is now known that there are two wrecks, the other being that of the CSS Florida.
No Fair, Iron Vs. Wood. --B-R
