Randy Atkins hopes to have the memorial in place by the time of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay, August 5, 2014. He was in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, last week drumming up support from the town and county as well as local Indian Nation.
The fact that just a single buoy marks the spot bothers him greatly.
After the Tecumseh sank August 5, 1864, it was largely forgotten until the US government sold salvage rights to a local firm for $50 which planned on using explosives to break it apart. However, relatives of the dead crew organized and it did not come to pass.
In 1974, there was thought of raising it. About 90% of the ship is covered with mud and as such, it is in excellent condition. However, it was estimated the project would cost $10 million so it was dropped. Today it would cost $80 million to raise.
An estimated 500,000 artifacts are aboard along with two 15-inch Dahlgren guns. In 1967, the Smithsonian Institution dove on the wreck and recovered the ship's anchor and dishes from the wreck.
Hats Off to Mr. Atkins!! --B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
