Mississippi
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Iron Clad Battleship (The Cairo) |
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Mississippi River near Vicksburg (Note) |
The Cairo, an iron clad battle ship was sunk during the battle for control of the Mississippi River near Vicksburg. This ship was one of 7 that were built to try and control the river; these boats were 50 ft wide and 175 ft long. The ship had 5 boilers that generated steam that drove the big paddle wheel. It was under the river for 102 years before it was discovered and raised. Some of the newer wood you see in the pictures was added to support the older wood, but still maintains the original shape. In the picture on the left side you can see the hole in the front/port side of the ship where the mine struck the battleship. This mine was the first electrically detonated mine ever successful in sinking a ship. More information (Return)
I stood in this same location when I visited the battleground, over 50 years ago. (Return)
