The history of naval warfare would never be the same had it not been for the strategic importance played by the leviathans of the deep known as submarines. Stealthy and dangerous, these underwater metal beasts played critical roles in the history of naval warfare and marine technology. Staking a claim to this illustrious reputation is the H.L. Hunley, one of the earliest submarines developed during the American Civil War.

H.L. Hunley was a 40-foot long submarine that participated in small parts in the American Civil War during the 19th century, but when it comes to its importance in naval warfare, only a few could come near the Hunley?s. Th Hunley, named after its inventor Horace Lawson Hunley, displayed the battle advantages, as well as the perils of undersea warfare. It was the first combat submarine to ever sink an enemy ship. After appearing in small roles during the war, it mysteriously sunk in 1864.

Today, visitors can relive history by visiting the historic submarine, which was salvaged from its submarine grave. The submarine-turned-naval-museum can be visited at Charleston, South Carolina.