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April 17th and 18th , 2010 |
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Odyssey of an Ironclad...a Commemorative Voyage Down the Roanoke |
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The CSS Albemarle will make a remarkable return voyage down the Roanoke River on April 17th and 18th!
The CSS Albemarle was the most successful ironclad of the Civil War and twice defeated the Union Navy. Remarkably, it was built in a cornfield up the Roanoke River from Williamston at Edward’s Ferry. The story of the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle’s unprecedented success and her premature destruction in a desperate commando raid has been described in dozens of books and was the subject of 2005 History Channel documentary, “The Most Daring Mission of the Civil War”.
Now for the first time ever, a commemorative voyage called, The Odyssey of an Ironclad, will be made on April 17th & 18th. On Sunday afternoon April 18th the Albemarle will be stopping in Williamston at Moratoc Park where there will be a Living History Event with artillery, small arms, and a presentation made on the history of the CSS Albemarle. In addition to highlighting the success of the Albemarle, the Odyssey will strive to illuminate the nearly impossible achievements of ordinary people, who accomplished extraordinary feats under the most adverse conditions imaginable. In doing so, some of the most fascinating characters and stories will be given long-overdue recognition for their contributions to history.
Consider the reception the actual ironclad CSS Albemarle received when it arrived in Williamston on April 17, 1864:
“The folks at Williamston were waiting for the Albemarle’s arrival. In fact, for two days inhabitants of the countryside had been gathering for that event. Visitors arrived by carriage, canoes, pirogues, on horseback, and on foot. All available rooms in the community were taken, and the Yellowley Hotel was filled to triple capacity. Folks slept in carts or wagons and ate where they could.” …As he (Captain James W. Cooke) eased the vessel to the bank where lines were attached, speeches were being made to the throng by Judge Asa Biggs, Dennis Simmons, Jesse Stubbs, and Mr. Bagley. It was a historic cay for the people of Williamston.”
Robert Elliot, Ironclad of the Roanoke
The Filling Station Restaurant will be selling fish plates.Bob Garner will be filming the event for UNC TV’s North Carolina Now and North Carolina Weekend. Don't miss this and other exciting features of The Battle of Plymouth's Living History Weekend, April 23-25!
For more information, download the press kit from the link on the home page of this web site!
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