The American Turtle was successfully launched in the dark of
night on September 6/7, 1776 against the British flagship, HMS Eagle, a 64 gun
frigate moored in New York harbor off of the island now occupied by the Statue of Liberty.
The Turtle had undergone extensive test trials in the safe colonial waters of the
Connecticut River off Old Saybrook, Ct., piloted by the inventor's brother Ezra Bushnell.
Unfortunately, on the eve of the submarine's first combat mission, Ezra Bushnell died.
With a freshly recruited, but less practiced pilot, Ezra Lee of Old Lyme, Ct.,
the American Turtle made its way underwater to the rudder of the Eagle's
hull. Unfortunately, Lee first struck metal rather than wood with the screw intended to
attach the bomb to the enemy's hull. After a second failed attempt, Lee propelled the American
Turtle away, only to be observed and chased. The bomb was released into the water and
resulted in a frightening explosion. While the American Turtle failed to destroy
its target, the British recognized the threat and moved the fleet. Weather problems, and
other operating difficulties prevented a successful attack by the submarine before it was
scuttled by the British while being transported.
The model on exhibit at the Connecticut River Museum was designed by Joseph
Leary and built by Fred Frese in 1976 as a U.S. Bicentennial project. Christened by
Governor Ella Grasso and launched in the Connecticut River, the model was tested for its
manueverability and submersible ability. This demonstrated for modern viewers that the
submarine worked as intended and confirmed the ingenuity of early American inventor David
Bushnell.
Connecticut River Museum, Inc.
67 Main St.,
Essex, CT 06426
(860) 767-8269 FAX (860) 767-7028
http://www.connix.com/~crm/
