On This Day February 17, 1864 The Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley, commanded by Lieutenant George E. Dixon, CSA, destroyed the U.S.S. Housatonic off the coast of Charleston S.C, and became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. After Hunley sank the preceding fall for the second time, she was raised, a new volunteer crew trained, and for months under the cover of darkness moved out into the harbor where she awaited favorable conditions and a target. This night, the small cylindr