Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H. L. Hunley

Winner of the Sibert Medal, Secrets of a Civil War Submarine is a fascinating look at the world’s first combat sub.

On February 17, 1864, the H. L. Hunley made history as the first submarine to sink a ship in battle. Soldiers on the shore waited patiently after seeing the submarine’s return signal. But after several days, the ship had failed to return. What had gone wrong? In 1995, after more than 130 years of searching, the H.L. Hunley was finally found buried off the coast of South Carolina. Follow author Sally M. Walker on a fascinating journey through the workings of the famous submarine, its voyages, and the difficult obstacles that were overcome to recover, excavate and conserve the ship.

Praise for Secrets of a Civil War Submarine

She [Walker] really hits her stride, though, in explaining the complex techniques and loving care used in raising the craft, recovering its contents, and even reconstructing models of the crewmembers’ bodies. Thoroughly researched, nicely designed, and well illustrated with clear, color photos, the book will serve as an informative guide to anyone interested in the Hunley or intrigued by archaelogy.–Booklist, Starred review

The archaeological process is well documented in both words and pictures, and the conclusions are interesting and even surprising. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.–School Library Journal, Starred review