Alabama Is Preserving the Last Slave Ship to Reach U.S. Shores

Beneath Alabama’s Mobile River rests a relic of American history: the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to reach U.S. shores.

Illegally smuggling 110 enslaved Africans in 1860, decades after the slave trade was outlawed, the ship was burned and sunk to hide its horrific crime. Today, it is one of only 13 discovered slave ships worldwide out of 20,000.

Now, Alabama plans to preserve this submerged monument rather than raise it, protecting its fragile remains while honoring the resilience of those who endured its journey.

Here’s how this effort could shape how we confront the legacies of slavery and teach future generations.

A Ship’s Dark Legacy

Clotilda’s story is a testament to human cruelty and defiance of the law. In 1860, wealthy Mobile shipyard owner Timothy Meaher orchestrated an illegal voyage that brought 110 enslaved Africans to American shores, more than 50 years after the U.S. had banned the international slave trade.

The 86-foot schooner, specially modified with a false deck, completed its brutal journey before being burned and scuttled in Mobile Bay to destroy evidence of the crime.

The ship’s discovery in 2019 reignited discussions about confronting America’s slave-trading past. The Clotilda represents the only discovered vessel from the American slave trade and one of just 13 slave ships ever found worldwide, despite more than 20,000 vessels participating in the global slave trade.

The Preservation Decision

Following a state-funded investigation costing $1 million, experts have determined that the Clotilda is too fragile to be raised. 

The vessel has been:

• Severed in two by a larger vessel
• Significantly eroded by bacterial activity
• Damaged by environmental factors over 160 years

Instead of excavation, authorities will implement an in-situ preservation strategy, installing protective barriers around the wreck to shield it from further damage. The preservation approach is expected to protect the ship for approximately 100 years, though climate change could accelerate deterioration.

A Living Legacy

The Clotilda’s story extends far beyond its wooden remains. The enslaved Africans who survived the journey established Africatown, a unique community north of Mobile where they maintained their West African traditions and Yoruba language.

Their descendants continue to live in the area, preserving their ancestors’ remarkable story of resilience.

Since its discovery, the Alabama Historical Commission has worked methodically to document and study the vessel. Recent archaeological investigations have recovered artifacts corroborating historical accounts passed down through generations of descendants.

Future Memorial Plans

While the ship will remain underwater, plans are developing to create a meaningful memorial at the site. 

Discussions include:

• Installation of protective barriers around the wreck
• Creation of a water-based memorial
• Potential use of 3D scanning technology for public education
• Development of underwater camera systems for virtual visits

The preservation project must navigate complex environmental regulations, as the ship lies in a designated Wildlife Management Area. However, federal permits for protective measures could be expedited within months, marking a new chapter in the ongoing effort to honor this profound piece of American history.

Community Impact & Education

The preservation of the Clotilda has catalyzed new educational initiatives throughout Alabama. Local schools have incorporated this crucial piece of history into their curricula, helping students understand the lasting impact of the slave trade on their community. 

Museums in Mobile are developing interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to explore the ship’s history through virtual reality experiences and detailed historical reconstructions.

The project has also sparked renewed interest in maritime archaeology and African American studies among young scholars. 

Universities across the Southeast have launched research programs focused on investigating similar historical sites while providing opportunities for students to participate in hands-on archaeological work and historical documentation.

Source:

1. Time Magazine
2. alabama.gov PDF

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