News Summary
In eastern North Carolina, parts of the USS Picket, a Union gunboat, have been revealed after lying buried in the Tar River for 163 years. Erosion has exposed two-thirds of the ship’s hull, allowing researchers to study its unique construction and Civil War naval engineering. The vessel, which played a significant role in disrupting Confederate supply lines, offers valuable insights into maritime innovation during the war. With experts concerned about potential deterioration, plans to use technology for further study and 3D mapping are underway.
Greenville, North Carolina – A remarkable discovery has been made in eastern North Carolina as nature has unearthed parts of the USS Picket, a Union gunboat, which lay buried in the mud of the Tar River for 163 years. The recent erosion of up to seven feet of riverbed has revealed portions of the ship that have remained hidden since it sank in 1862. This significant event occurred approximately 110 miles southeast of Raleigh, drawing attention from historians and maritime experts alike.
The USS Picket measures 130 feet in length and remains largely intact below the deck level. Currently, two-thirds of its hull is free from sediment, allowing researchers to study its unique construction, which combines both iron and wood. As divers began to explore the site, they noted unusual details that reflect the ship’s eclectic design, offering valuable insights into Civil War-era naval engineering.
Leading the discovery effort was Nathan Richards, the director of the Maritime Studies program at East Carolina University. The field school under his guidance has uncovered important characteristics of the vessel, which was once a key player in the efforts to disrupt Confederate supply lines. In its operational capacity, the Picket served as the flagship for Major General Ambrose E. Burnside and was part of a fleet tasked with blockading the coast of North Carolina.
The Picket’s final battle occurred on September 6, 1862, when it suffered an explosion engulfed by a surprise attack from Confederate forces. This incident resulted in the tragic loss of 19 crew members, including the captain. The precise cause of the explosion remains uncertain, raising questions about whether it was connected to the ship’s magazine or its boiler system.
Prior to its sinking, the Picket was among the smallest vessels in Burnside’s fleet and was constructed hastily to enhance the Union’s naval capabilities. It represented a pivotal moment in maritime innovation, showcasing the adaptation of civilian crafts for military use during the Civil War. While at least three other vessels of similar design were built, none have survived for further study, making the Picket‘s condition particularly valuable for historical research.
The condition of the wreck, preserved under layers of protective mud for over a century, has contributed to the quality of its wooden hull and other features. However, with its recent exposure, experts are concerned about the ship’s potential deterioration and have initiated plans to utilize emerging technology to study it further. This research aims to generate an updated 3D interpretation of the wreck, facilitating a broader narrative about technical advancement during a transformative period in U.S. history.
Despite the newfound physical evidence, there is limited written documentation regarding the Picket‘s construction, making ongoing academic inquiries critical. Researcher Kelley is working to fill in the gaps in understanding the ship’s historical significance, focusing on its innovative construction practices.
As the USS Picket comes to the surface after over a century of obscurity, it presents an invaluable opportunity for researchers and historians to explore the evolution of naval engineering and the military strategies employed during one of the nation’s most challenging times.
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Additional Resources
- News & Observer: Discovery of the USS Picket
- Wikipedia: USS Picket (1861)
- News & Observer: USS Picket’s Historical Significance
- Google Search: USS Picket
- News & Observer: Maritime Studies Program
- Google Scholar: USS Picket Civil War
- News & Observer: Civil War Naval Engineering
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Naval Warfare
- News & Observer: Historical Discoveries
- Google News: USS Picket
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
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