Big guns back
Hunley museum might get to keep cannon from CSS Alabama
Most people wouldn't worry much about damaging a couple of three-ton, cast-iron Civil War cannons.
The Post and Courier
H.L. Hunley Senior Conservator Paul Mardikian and his team restored this cast-iron cannon from the sunken Confederate raider CSS Alabama, one of the most feared vessels during the Civil War. Mardikian's careful work has brought two of the big guns back to pristine condition.
But then, most people don't spend years meticulously nursing the lost artifacts of the Lost Cause back to pristine condition.
When that is your job, you worry about corrosion, dust, the oil from someone's hand — and pretty much everything else.
"I want them gone now," said Paul Mardikian, senior Hunley conservator at the Warren Lasch Conservation
Center. "But I hope to see them again someday."
One day, everyone in Charleston may see them — in the Hunley museum.
These cannons come from one of the few Civil War ships that rival the Hunley's fame, the CSS Alabama. For several years, they have sat in tanks beside the Hunley, unbeknownst to most of the sub's weekend visitors.
There, Mardikian and his team have gently scraped away several inches of hard-shell concretion from the 32-inch, smooth bore cannons. Then they soaked the guns in a chemical bath to leach out the salt that permeated the iron during a century under water.
In the midst of their work, they found a human jawbone stuck to one of the cannons — the first human remains ever found on the Alabama's wreckage.
Provided by the Naval Historical Center
Capt. Raphael Semmes is seen on the deck of the Alabama in the summer of 1863.
"The guy must have gotten trapped under the cannon," Mardikian said.
The results of the conservation are amazing — you can read the manufacturer's name on both cannons. Even though they are different designs, both were cast in the same year, at the same Liverpool plant. The cannons even have their lock plates and sights on them, something you don't see on many big guns from the era.
The story of how the cannons made it from the English Channel to North Charleston is nearly as remarkable as Mardikian's restoration job.
The Confederate raider was one of the most notorious, and feared, vessels roaming the sea during the war. The Alabama was built in Liverpool in 1862 by British sympathizers and, when it was launched that summer, it quickly became the bane of the United States Navy.
Led by Capt. Raphael Semmes, the Alabama seized dozens of Union merchant ships, taking their cargo and burning them. It sank the USS Hatteras in the Gulf of Mexico in one of its many patrols around the world.
The Post and Courier
H.L. Hunley Senior Conservator Paul Mardikian talks about the two cast-iron cannons made in 1862 and salvaged from the sunken Confederate raider CSS Alabama and refurbished.
No one could touch the speedy Alabama, which could travel under sail or by steam, and no one ever fought back enough to kill any of its crew.
That changed in the summer of 1864, when the Alabama was in France for repairs. The USS Kearsarge caught the Alabama in the English Channel and sank it.
It was lost for 120 years.
After the historic ship was found off the coast of his native France in 1984, Mardikian spent months conserving the ship's wheel, its massive Blakely gun, even its ornate toilets.
So when two of the ship's cannons were raised eight years ago, the Navy decided Mardikian should restore them, too. And that's what he has done.
In appreciation for Mardikian's work, the Hunley project might be allowed to keep one of the cannons. The conservator said that will require them to build a climate-controlled tank, but Hunley officials say it would be worth it.
Randy Burbage, a member of the state Hunley Commission, said the cannon is a natural artifact for the yet-to-be-built Hunley museum.
"I think it's a perfect fit," Burbage said. "It will go well with the Southern Maritime collection, which includes Semmes' Naval Academy sword. It will be a great addition to the Hunley museum because we want it to be a full Southern Maritime museum."
Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly version
Comments
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Of course it has to be kept in a climate controlled glass display case. Those cast iron cannons from the same time period over on Sullivans Island are just melting from the summer sun. Maybe we should build climate controlled cases for those too. After all, cast iron is extremely delicate. Besides, we have money to burn on air conditioners for cast iron cannons.
January 2, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
willbillbedamned (anonymous) says...
Point well made, major. Thank God that money won't be wasted on on education or health care.
January 2, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
obama will just take these guns away, too!
lol
January 2, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
combahee (anonymous) says...
MJ, a little short sighted once again I see.
Artifacts like these should be preserved for future generations. They are part of our shared heritage and past. I suppose you have never been to a museum nor do you think museums are educational?
It is museums and the preservation of history that makes Charleston one of the premiere destinations in this country, all the while tourists pour tens of millions of dollars into the local economy, and lowering our taxes. All this without noisy, smelly factories that may or may not survive depending on the whims of the economy.
It's just too bad the NPS has such a limited budget to help preserve the resources they have. They do a fantastic job with the money they are allotted, but alas it isn't nearly enough. Yes the cannons on Sullivans could use a lot of help too. Maybe you would like to contribute?
January 2, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
republicansuck (anonymous) says...
C.S.S. Alabama while under Raphael Semmes was another South Carolina terrorist during the civil war. Admiral John A. Winslow was an honorable man and protected our United States Constitution. The only thing that these guns represent is the lack of education and industry. Who would ever want to spend more money on the war or symbols of that war is unintelligent. The United States Army was attacked by naÃive people or (terrorist) the best thing, is scrape the metal and give the money to The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It simple astonishes me that this State is so overstuffed with this war when it prides itself on hospitality. And please don't waste the modest amount of your hard earned tax money on education it has worked so well for you.
January 2, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
I have no problem with museums. There are delicate objects, like the U.S. Constitution, which do have to be kept in a very controlled environment to preserve them. There is no reason at all cast iron cannons need to be in a climate controlled environment. These cannons lasted over 150 years in salt water and cleaned up fine. They could last far longer than any display case just fine with occasional upkeep. There are weapons from the revolutionary war in lots of museums with no extensive need for preservation other than occasional cleaning. The cannons and mortars on Sullivans island are sitting in the sun on the freaking beach and are preserved just fine, so why would these particular cannons have to go into a special expensive climate controlled display case?
January 2, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
So again Senator McConnell will abuse tax payers as he blows smoke and pulls strings in the clique.
People have had enough of these corrupt politicians. They have turned into the enemy of the rightful owners of their government. I predict citizens are going to gather up pitchforks and swords and uprise against these tyrants. You can only screw tax payers and steal from them so much before they rise up in massive numbers.
Watch McConnell blow smoke when he feels the timing is right. People have figured him out. He is a BS artist.
January 2, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SC_Native_ElCid07 (anonymous) says...
To republicansuck:
The Civil War was very regretable and I'm glad, for our nation's sake, things turned out the way they did. That is not to be disputed or the point of this comment.
I do however believe you make yourself out to be less than intelligent in your brash comments and, of course, your in bad taste handle.
These cannons are a piece of history and steps should be taken to preserve them that are within fiscal reason. I have always been fascinated with Civil War history and have multiple family members from both sides of my family that served in the Confederate army. As a Citadel grad, I take pride, in a way, of knowing that our very own Corps of Cadets fired the first shots of the war at the Union steamer Star of the West on its way to resupply Fort Sumter from Morris Island.
Now as far as calling Confederates terrorists, I also would disagree with you, I think that term is a bit harsh and unbecoming. In their eyes I'm sure they considered themselves patriots, no different from many of their grandfathers that fought for their freedom against the British. And it was, afterall, a time of war.
If anything good at all came out of the Civil War (which may be quite a stretch I know), I think it may be the fact that the United States of America now knows that States will stand up to their State's rights and will fight a big government if they deem it oppressive. These are really the founding principles our country as a whole are based on.
I think that is something that our politicans in Washington should not soon forget. We the people should be in control of our States and this country. The politicans we elect are on Capital Hill to voice our opinions, not their own. If ever our voices can't be heard then it is within our right to remove them from power by any means necessary. This is where the 2nd Amendment comes in and why it is so important that it not be limited.
January 2, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rebcsc (anonymous) says...
For "majorjohnson":
Re-read the article. Cannon submersed in salt water for long periods of time are metallurgically different from those cannon and mortars around the Charleston area that have never been immersed. Just some basic chemistry ...
And for "republicansuck":
You're a historically illiterate numbskull who's probably been watching too much of the History Channel.
Abraham Lincoln was a close adherent to the Constitution ... right. Want to buy some swamp land in Florida?
Southerners were "terrorists". Sounds like something right off the History Channel.
Executing civilian officials to suppress the local population, using war prisoners to shield military supply transport trains, shipping women and children that work in local factories to prison camps ... or ... using prisoners for target practice ... or ... continuously bombarding a civilian population ...
All of this sounds like something the Nazis or Japanese would do , or did, during WWII ... or more recently, some of the things that Saddam Hussein did.
The first group of actions were well documented in an article published in noted national law review journal and written about Wiliam Sherman by an internationally recognized expert on war crimes. The second reported to have occurred at Point Lookout in Maryland and the third was the Siege of Charleston.
Study your history and check your facts. I have a copy of the article written in the Emory Law Review ... got it before it was pulled from the web for be politically incorrect. And, I have a original copy of "Service Afloat", written by Raphael Semmes ... an interesting and good read.
January 2, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Grinder (anonymous) says...
to rebsc - you said everything I was going to say re metallurgy and labeling one another terrorists... Israel's Menacham Begin was considered such for his actions on the field, but the Democrats loved to support him. Winners get to write historey, and so on. But I would like to add one thing, especially for republicans--ck... if you don't like "this state," leave it. I have a feeling you're not from here, and it, in any event, would likely be better upon your departure.
January 2, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
My chemical engineering degree says you're full of bunk. Those cannon weren't changed to silk by saltwater submersion. Some of the cannon around Charleston were indeed submerged and retrieved from the ocean after many years, and others were buried and subsequently dug up. Tell me exactly what process takes place through saltwater immersion of cast iron that makes it become so delicate.
Right now there is a british cannon which was cast in the late 1700's and spent over 200 years beneath the sea off of Key Largo on display at their visitor center. Right out in the open with no expensive air conditioned glass case around it. It well last as long as these cannon will in their expensive constantly air conditioned cases. This is nothing but a subterfuge to request more funding.
January 2, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rebcsc (anonymous) says...
For "majorjohnson:
Gee ... my undergraduate degree is just in plain ole' chemistry, not chemical "engineering" ... but I actually took some courses that taught me to think outside the box ... not a simple technical degree.
Consider this. Why do bodies buried in certain soils mummify and others buried in other soils putrefy?
Are all cannon created equally? Are the salinity, sediments and other physical conditions the same in the English Channel, off the coast of Charleston and in the Florida Straits?
I hope you don't work in pharmaceuticals.
Maybe ... just maybe ... Mr. Mardikian knows what he's doing and that's why the United States Navy chose him to restore these cannon.
January 2, 2009 at 7:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ginj (anonymous) says...
I wonder why nothing was said about the fact that the CSS ALABAMA never made a port call in any southern port.
January 2, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
republicansuck; Brilliant post! Did you finish grade school?
January 2, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hwebster (anonymous) says...
Couldn't get past the blockade?
January 2, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
"...lost artifacts of the Lost Cause ..."
Lost Cause?
Brian must be speaking of the McCain run for the White House? Or Maybe print media as an future?
Like a drag queen wearing Prada shoes Mr. Hicks story is a lost cause.
January 2, 2009 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Gee, I didn't realize a chemical engineering degree was just a "technical" degree...I guess because it has engineering attached you think chemical engineers are just bottle washers or something. You're an idiot.
Want to explain the process that turned these cast iron cannons into delicate lace? I'm waiting Mr. undergrad chemistry degree..
Mr. Mardikian has an M.A. in archaeology and art history. He does have an impressive resume, but he is also the conservator so he has a vested interest in bringing in the extra money. There is absolutely no reason these cannons can't survive far far far into the future without being in glass cases with sensors, computers and air regulators.
If you seriously believe that these cannons will be destroyed if they aren't kept in a controlled atmosphere, I suggest you purchase the extremely expensive display cases, air conditioner computers and sensors, as well as the electricity to run it all. Otherwise shut the hell up, because I don't want to pay for this stupid crap for a freaking cast iron cannon, and I strongly suspect very few other people do either. They survived over 150 years in the ocean and you can still read the engravings on them, they will survive another 1000 years or more sitting in a freaking air conditioned museum.
January 2, 2009 at 10:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rebcsc (anonymous) says...
Just found "majorjohnson"s retort.
As I suspected, after researching several dozen sources regarding cast iron and its corrosion,I found that, in fact, all cast iron isn't created equal and there are a multitude of variables which have to be considered regarding its corrosion, considerations that my previously raised questions touched.
So, if I'm an idiot, what does that make "majorjohnson"? Sears must still be awarding degrees.
So ... let's just "slap" some paint on them and stick them on a concrete block somewhere.
I understand the Gibbes needs some conservators for their paintings. Anyone want to recommend "majorjohnson"?
I think I hit a nerve.
January 5, 2009 at 10:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rebcsc (anonymous) says...
"MJ" asked for an explanation of the corrosive process. I think he said he was waiting. The following is an article about preserving some 17th and 18th century cannon immersed in salt water in the Mediterranean:
http://www.ndt.net/article/art2008/pa...
Several processes mentioned were: 1)oxygen corrosion, 2) corrosion by sulfate-reducing bacteria and 3)graphitic corrosion.
It's an interesting article. I recommend it.
January 5, 2009 at 11:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rebcsc (anonymous) says...
And ...
This article explains the why and how of preserving and protecting cast iron ... which isn't solid but porous:
Denver Art Museum.
It explains how that"solid cast iron cannon can become "delicate as lace" and the need for a climate controlled environment.
January 5, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.