| Although the Nashville remains
on the bottom of the Ogeechee River today, some of her has been recovered
through underwater archaeology. That such a task is a worthy one is
obvious to the historian and the archaeologist. To the general public,
it may not be so readily apparent. The evidence of the vessel's life
and destruction becomes tangible through the recovery and display
of artifacts. They are defined as the physical evidence of earlier
human activity. They possess spiritual and physical links to the past
that are readily available to those whose who see or touch them. They
are evidence, primary evidence, providing a concrete connection in
time and space between then and now. As part of the people's
history, such objects are required by state law to be held for preservation,
conservation and curation by the State of Georgia. To that end,
the Nashville's artifacts have been stored at the State Preservation
Laboratory at Panola Mountain. There, they have been inventoried,
i.e. photographed and identified. The proper storage has been determined
for preservation and those objects in need of restoration are being
worked on as possible.
Today, some of these items will be on public exhibit for the first
time since their recovery at Fort McAllister's new Nashville
exhibit to open in February of 2002. See these artifacts at the
site or in the Museum Tour on this website.
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The Future of The Nashville
Many of the artifacts recovered so far are too large or damaged for appropriate
display. As these photos reveal, their recovery and preservation can be
a very complex task. We at Fort McAllister have designed a protected outdoor
exhibit to better utilize these heavy iron pieces.
For the amateur archaeologist or recreation diver, it is wise to remind
one that underwater archaeology is both difficult and sometimes, dangerous.
Further, it is at present covered under Georgia law. Because the Nashville
lies in the mud of a Georgia river, it is state property and cannot be
explored currently. All artifacts are considered the property of the state
under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources. Although
currently undergoing revision, a pamphlet is available at all state parks
and historic sites advising citizens of these legal restrictions.
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Websites and Books
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-us-cs/csa-name.htm
FIRE AND THUNDER EXPLOITS OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES' NAVY,
by R. Thomas Campbell ISBN 1-57249-067-5
Burd Street Press
UNDAUNTED THE HISTORY OF FORT McALLISTER GEORGIA,
by William E. Christman Library of Congress 96-77666
Darien
Printing and Graphics.
TANGLED MACHINERY AND CHARRED RELICS, by Chance, Chance and
Topper Library of Congress 85-061386 Sun
Printing
REMINISCENCES OF CONFEDERATE SERVICE 1861-1865, by Francis
W. Dawson ISBN 0-8071-1885-0 Louisiana
State Univ. Press.
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