Archaeologists to speak on recovery of Civil War Confederate ironclad from Savannah River

Published July 27, 2017

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Two renown underwater archaeologists will present information on the latest efforts to recover the CSS Georgia, a Confederate ironclad scuttled in the Savannah River near the end of the Civil War. Mr. Stephen James and Dr. Gordon Watts will present up-to-date details on the recovery of the vessel, and will highlight the numerous and amazing artifacts discovered. Recovery efforts end in August, clearing another hurdle in the deepening of the Savannah harbor. 

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 6:30 p.m. with a light reception. The presentation along with a question and answer period, will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.. It will be held at the Coastal Georgia Center Auditorium, 305 Fahm St, Savannah, GA 31401. 

Those attending can enjoy a preview of portions of the soon-to-be released film documentary on the CSS Georgia project, by award-winning filmmaker Michael Jordan. The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. 

The CSS Georgia was underpowered and could not maneuver in the Savannah River’s strong currents. The Confederate navy then anchored the ship near Old Fort Jackson as a floating battery until Union troops began to enter Savannah. The crew scuttled the Georgia as Confederate troops retreated into South Carolina. The massive hulk rested alongside the shipping channel preventing harbor deepening until its recovery and movement recently.

 

Date: Aug. 2, 2017 

Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm 

Where: Coastal Georgia Center Auditorium, 305 Fahm St, Savannah, GA 31401 

Cost: Free

 

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Contact
Billy Birdwell
912-652-5014

Release no. 17-022