H.L. Hunley: A Civil War Submarine

The disappearance of the H. L. Hunley is one of the greatest mysteries in maritime history. Active during the civil war, it was the first combat submarine to sink an enemy ship and then it vanished without a trace, taking her 8 crewman with her. For more than a century, history buffs and adventurers speculated on the legendary submarine’s fate while divers searched for the wreck.  When the Hunley was found in 1995, many hoped the answer would finally be within grasp. Historian Worley Smith will talk about the origins, tragic history, her final voyage and the discovery of the remains of the H.L. Hunley.

Worley Smith was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. He has always had an interest in history but during a family vacation in 8th grade, they stopped at the Manassas Battlefield and the Civil War bug bit. Worley is a US Army Veteran and he retired after 35 years from General Motors Service Parts Operations. They have two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He joined the Abraham Lincoln Civil War Roundtable (ALCWRT) in 1968 and currently serves as the treasurer for the Holly Historical Society. Besides the Civil War, he is also passionate about Genealogy.