In March of 1864, the Union Transport Ship Maple Leaf struck a Confederate mine and sank to the bottom of the St. John’s River near Jacksonville.

Minutes after the deafening blast, the Maple Leaf and its cargo spilled out across the bottom of the river.

Archaeologists rediscovered the Maple Leaf in the 1980s.

Conditions at the site were very difficult. With zero visibility beneath the surface of the St. John’s River, marine archaeologists described working the site as basically “groping in the dark.” Working only by feel underwater, the results were well worth it. The artifacts were spectacularly well-preserved in the soft, cool, muddy river bottom.

Leather pouches and shoes, personal effects such as combs and eye glasses, brass buttons and pieces of a violin were just a few of the things that were recovered and restored to their original luster.

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