CSS Alabama Methodology Gallery

• Historical Background
• Methodology
• Findings
• Credits and Bibliography
• About

• 
• Introduction
• Identifying the Wreck
• Negotiations
• Objectives for Year 2000
• Methods for Year 2000
• Raising a Cannon
• Results for Year 2000
• Objectives for Year 2001
• Methods for Year 2001
• Results for Year 2001
• Ceramics
• Objectives for Year 2002
• Methods for Year 2002
• Results for Year 2002

The four main goals for on-site research in the 2000 season were to deploy an anchor or clump at the wreck site, obtain documentation of exposed vessel structure and materials, continue test excavation, and recover several large objects.(Image: Archaeologist documenting artifacts in situ)

Objectives for Year 2001

By using high resolution digital sonar, researchers used the sonar images to discover hidden artifacts within the vessel and to add detail to existing site maps, primarily the photo mosaic site map. All materials found in the test excavation were documented in situ before being shipped to the Naval Historical Center in Washington, D.C. for conservation and further research. The main targets for recovery were a 32-pounder cannon, the aft fire pump, and a Trotman anchor. After these objects were documented in situ they were to be sent to Charleston, South Carolina for conservation and further research.