Home > North America > United States of America > New York > Related Images
Bushnells Submarine
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Bushnells Submarine
BUSHNELLs TURTLE the first submersible craft to be used in action, attacking a British ship at New York on 7 September 1776; the one-man crew provided the power manually
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 581640
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10027681
1776 Action Attacking Craft Crew Manually Power Provided Submarine Submarines Submersible Turtle Bushnell
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image depicts the historic moment when the American submarine, Bushnell's Turtle, attacked a British warship in New York Harbor on September 7, 1776. The Turtle, named after its unique turtle-like shape, was the first submersible craft to be used in military action. Designed by American inventor David Bushnell, this one-man submarine was an engineering marvel of its time. Powered solely by the strength and endurance of its brave operator, Ezra Lee, the Turtle was a formidable weapon in the hands of the American forces. With a tight seal and a hand crank propeller, Lee was able to maneuver the submarine beneath the British warship, Eagle, and attach a torpedo, known as a "spar torpedo," to its hull. The attack on the Eagle was a daring and risky endeavor. Lee's mission was fraught with challenges, including navigating the treacherous waters of New York Harbor and evading British patrols. Despite these obstacles, Lee successfully attached the torpedo to the Eagle, but unfortunately, it failed to detonate, leaving the Turtle and its crew vulnerable to capture. This photograph, taken from the Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when innovation and courage met on the battlefield. The Turtle may not have succeeded in its mission, but its legacy as the first American submarine to be used in military action continues to inspire and fascinate historians and submarine enthusiasts alike.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.