Throughout the Civil War, Union steamships like the U.S.S. Narcissus played a crucial role in Florida by blockading the coastline, transporting troops, and raiding salt work operations.

Commissioned in 1863 by the U.S. Navy, the Narcissus served as a tugboat and performed near- shore boat operations throughout the war.

In a twist of tragic fate, the Narcissus was lost after the war ended. In January 1866, the ship was caught in a winter storm while en route to New York to be decommissioned. After being trapped on a sandbar, the boiler exploded- all 26 crew perished.

Beginning in 2006, principal investigator “Billy Ray” Morris and his team of underwater archaeologists found and recorded the remains of the vessel including the engine, propeller, wooden stern assembly, and remains of the exploded boiler.

More recently, part of a brass signal lantern was found buried in the sand.

Written and Produced by the University of West Florida, the Florida Public Archaeology Network and the WUWF Public Media.