CSS Phoenix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 Confederate States |
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| Name | Phoenix |
| Namesake | Phoenix |
| Builder | Confederate Naval Works at Selma |
| Laid down | 1863 |
| Launched | March 1864 |
| Fate | Scuttled August 7, 1864 |
| General characteristics | |
| Length | 250 or 152 ft (76.2 or 46.3 m) |
| Armament | 6 guns |
The CSS Phoenix was a special kind of warship used by the Confederate States during the American Civil War. It was an ironclad floating battery. This means it was a boat covered in strong metal armor, like a tank on water. It also carried big guns, like a floating fort. The Phoenix was built in Selma, Alabama, between 1863 and 1864.
Building and Its Short Life
The Phoenix was built at the Confederate Naval Works in Selma. Work began in 1863, and it was launched into the water in March 1864. However, the launch did not go well. The ship was badly damaged during this process. Because of the damage, the Phoenix could not be used as a proper warship.
After its damaged launch, the Phoenix was taken to Mobile, Alabama. On August 7, 1864, Confederate forces decided to sink it on purpose. This act is called "scuttling." They sank it near the Dog River Bar in Mobile Bay. They did this to prevent the ship from falling into the hands of the Union forces.
A few nights later, Union sailors from the ship USS Metacomet found the sunken Phoenix. They blew it up even more. Then, the Confederates burned what was left of the ship down to the waterline. This made sure it was completely destroyed.
Finding the Wreck
For many years, the remains of the Phoenix lay hidden underwater. In 1985, the wreck was finally discovered. Experts found that the ship's remains were still in good condition, even after all that time. This discovery helps us learn more about the ships and naval battles of the American Civil War.
