The Atlas Obscura Podcast They Had Submarines During the Civil War?
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Oct 2, 2025 Caitlin Doughty, a mortician and death historian, dives into the eerie world of the H.L. Hunley, the first combat submarine from the Civil War. She shares the fascinating story of its design and tragic fate, including the chilling details of its maiden voyage that resulted in multiple fatalities. As they discuss eerie archaeological discoveries, Caitlin reveals how she uncovered the Hunley while researching the Titanic. Listeners will be captivated by the strange, claustrophobic experiences of the crew and the mysteries surrounding the submarine's disappearance.
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First Combat Submarine Success
- On a February night in 1864 the Confederate submarine attacked and sank the Union ship Housatonic.
- The Hunley achieved the first-ever successful combat sinking by a submarine, but it only worked once.
From Boilers To A Hand-Cranked Sub
- The H.L. Hunley was a hand-cranked, candle-lit submarine built from iterative failures.
- Its design evolved from makeshift boiler prototypes into the final cramped, claustrophobic fishboat.
What It Felt Like Inside
- Early Hunley prototypes were built from old boilers with hand cranks and candles inside.
- The craft felt like a tiny tin can with quarter-sized rivets and little ventilation or comfort.
