KURE BEACH, N.C. — North Carolina officials say they have identified a Civil War shipwreck that burned at sea more than 145 years ago.
The state Underwater Archaeology Branch said Monday that a silver-plated spoon inscribed with the name of a crew member from the CSS Appomattox confirmed the ship's identity.
A four-member diving team discovered the shipwreck in August 2007 in the Pasquotank (PAS'-kwah-tank) River. They had been searching for the Appomattox for more than 10 years.
The Appomattox was part of a set of armed steamers that defended northeastern North Carolina waters. Its Confederate crew set the ship on fire in 1862 while fleeing Union forces.
The state Underwater Archaeology Branch said Monday that a silver-plated spoon inscribed with the name of a crew member from the CSS Appomattox confirmed the ship's identity.
A four-member diving team discovered the shipwreck in August 2007 in the Pasquotank (PAS'-kwah-tank) River. They had been searching for the Appomattox for more than 10 years.
The Appomattox was part of a set of armed steamers that defended northeastern North Carolina waters. Its Confederate crew set the ship on fire in 1862 while fleeing Union forces.