| The Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center had its Grand Opening in
2001, having moved from much more primitive facilities in a nearby park. It is an
impressive structure, and the museum's collections are fascinating and outstanding. The
museum is a must-see stop for Civil War enthusiasts traveling through Georgia, even if it
means a detour to get to Columbus. |
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| CSS Jackson. No photograph can do justice to the
experience of walking into the cavernous hall and being greeted by the
ghost-like remains of the Confederate ironclad. The colors in the hall,
the dim lighting, the metal frame outlining the original structure lines,
etc. It's an awesome sight. You have to see it. You have to be there. |
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| CSS Jackson |
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| Propeller on the CSS Jackson. |
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| CSS Jackson along with the model of the Merrimack (CSS
Virginia) used in the Turner made-for-tv movie Ironclads. |
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| CSS Jackson along with the model of the USS Monitor used
in the same movie. As you can see from this photograph, you are able to
get quite close to the Jackson, close enough sometimes to reach out and
touch it. An awesome feeling. |
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| CSS Chattahoochee |
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| View of a display floor from the upper level of the
museum. |
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| Reproduction of the turret of the USS Monitor. |
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| Reproduction of a portion of the USS Hartford, Farragut's
flagship. |
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| Closer up to the reproduction of the USS Hartford. |
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| Real close to the reproduction of the USS Hartford. |
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| A sample of the berth deck on the USS Hartford. |
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| Captain's cabin. |
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| Wardroom. |
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| CSS Albemarle reproduction, docked at a wharf. The
atmosphere in this display hall is also quite eery. It feels very
realistic. You enter the structure through the side. |
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| A view in the other direction. |
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| Inside the casemate of the CSS Albemarle. To the left is
the entrance to a theater which shows a short reenactment movie of the
sinking of the Albemarle. Well worth the visit all by itself. I watched it
several times myself. |
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| Platform for the pilot, helmsman, and captain. |
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| Bowgun. |
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