⚔️📍 Charleston Harbor, South Carolina1864
CSS David Attacks USS New Ironsides — Early Submarine Warfare
Confederate torpedo boat CSS David attacked the ironclad USS New Ironsides with a spar torpedo, damaging but not sinking the Union warship. The David was a semi-submersible — not a true submarine — but demonstrated the potential of underwater attack.
The CSS David and CSS Hunley's operations pioneered the concept of submarine warfare that would become decisive in both World Wars.
Outcome
New Ironsides damaged; David retreats; submarine era advances