Technology of the Future

                Have you heard of the USS Hatteras? And no, not the modern ship with the same name. Many are not aware of the very first USS Hatteras, which was a 1,126 ton steamer purchased by the Union Navy at the beginning of the American Civil War. It was first created in 1861. The ship was outfitted as gunboat, assigned to the Union blockade against the Confederate states. Yet, the USS Hatteras engaged with the CSS Alabama, which was disguised and surprised the USS Hatteras. The Alabama sunk the Hatteras. The sunk ship was found mostly undisturbed with its re-discovery in 1977.

                Today, the wreck of the USS Hatteras is one of the few shipwrecks on the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered of great importance because it is an example of the transition between wooden and steam-powered ships. Because people still want to preserve what they can of the wreck, it has been discouraged to go in and disturb the area. So, this has prevented historians from analyzing it as much as they desire. Yet, this conflict has been resolved. On January 19^th, it was announced a new form of 3D Sonar was used to provide a new view on the Shipwreck. This has given historians new details about the ship that could prior not be seen due to the fragility of the vessel and the murky water.

                Due to this progress, new insights have been shed on the ship. The place of the shell hole that sunk the ship was finally identified, and new details (such as what the paddle wheel and ship’s stern looked like) emerged. These findings are perfect timing for the Civil War’s 150^th anniversary celebration.

                This current event also has connections to our class. We are currently reviewing the book Race and Reunion, which essentially discusses the varied viewpoints that people take from the Civil War, and how these perspectives change over time. As new information emerges and events have to be re-analyzed, this narrative continues to change. With these details regarding the wreck of the USS Hatteras that have come to light, perhaps our understanding of this shipwreck will have to be revised in time as well.

Article on the Shipwreck and the 3D Sonar: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/sonar-view-civil-war-shipwreck-18258268