Our final day in Charleston was still busy. We made reservations to tour the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine used in combat to sink an enemy ship. If y’all go to Charleston, definitely check this out. It’s still being researched and actively repaired. Again, my artillery husband proved knowledgeable. The guide stated that they weren’t really sure why the Hunley’s torpedo had a copper casing. Mac pointed out that copper is a fantastic conductor (even in water) and would provide enough spark to ignite the torpedo’s powder.
And this coin has a haunting story. The submarine’s lieutenant, George Dixon, was shot at the Battle of Shiloh. The gold coin, purportedly given to him by his sweetheart, absorbed the bullet’s impact and saved his life. He had one side smoothed and engraved with the words, “My Life Preserver.” It was found on his remains when the Hunley was opened. You can still read the inscription (though my camera was more interested in focusing on the case).
After the Hunley tour, we ate lunch at Cracker Barrel before we headed out Ashley River Road to the plantations. We first stopped at Middleton Place, an impressive rice plantation along the Ashley River. It’s quite large, and the gardens are very beautiful. We also saw lots of gators (whom Mac taunted by telling them how delicious their cousin was).
We also checked out Magnolia Plantation and did a house tour.
The plantations are impressive and beautiful but are quite expensive. Like $20-$30 per person just to walk around. So if you’re interested in those, be prepared to pay.
Mac decided he wanted Italian for our last dinner, and we found a delightfully authentic Italian restaurant in La Fontana. We enjoyed bruschetta and bread with dipping oil before Mac’s chicken parmigiana and my Quattro formaggio pizza arrived. Carb fest = yummy.
This looks so interesting! That story about the coin is crazy!