⚔️📍 Charleston Harbor, South Carolina1864
H.L. Hunley — First Submarine to Sink a Warship
The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley used a spar torpedo to sink the USS Housatonic, becoming the first submarine in history to sink an enemy warship in combat. The Hunley then mysteriously disappeared with all hands.
Despite its loss, the Hunley demonstrated that submarine warfare was feasible and foreshadowed the devastating U-boat campaigns of both World Wars.
Outcome
USS Housatonic sunk; Hunley lost with all hands