From the Tecumseh Countywide News, July 9th, Tecumseh, Oklahoma. "Drive Begins to Recognize Lost Crew of USS Tecumseh."
The USS Tecumseh, a Civil War Monitor ironclad sits at the bottom of Mobile Bay near where it sank off Fort Morgan as Admiral Farragut was running past the fort. His order to proceed full-speed ahead, regardless of torpedoes (mines) was followed, and the Tecumseh hit one and rapidly sank, taking 93 of her crew down. Only 20 escaped.
With few exceptions, it has mostly been forgotten, until now.
Randy Atkins visited Fort Morgan in 1986 and was surprised that only a single buoy marks the final resting place of the gallant crew. He has been back several times and now has permission to build a memorial. What he needs is money, which is estimated to be at between $5,000 and $250,000 depending upon how elaborate it will be.
He has a website at www.usstecumsehmemorialproject.com
Best of Luck to You Mr. Atkins. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
