Brief History:

 

The CSS Alabama is said to be the most successful commerce raider in history. She was commissioned by the Government of the Confederate States of America from Laird's yard in Liverpool, England in 1861 but as far as the yard was concerned she was ordered by a private individual, James Dunwoody Bulloch. Bulloch was in reality one of the Confederate Purchasing Agents operating in Liverpool.

The Alabama was, within the confines of the budget, to be one of the finest vessels and some of her specifications were to be in accordance with those of 'Her Majesty's service'. Britain had had recently launched their new ironclad warship, H.M.S. Warrior, a vessel so advanced the Admiralty had no classification for her and Confederate spies had managed to get on board whilst she was being fitted out. Although Laird's were renowned for their iron ships the Alabama was to be of wooden construction because Bulloch realised that not every port around the globe had the facilities to repair an iron vessel. Therefore she was to be constructed of the finest English oak with iron fastenings and her bottom was to be copper sheathed to prevent fouling.

Re-enactment Unit:

The CSS Alabama project is directed towards re-enacting a naval element of the War, using the historic ship H.M.S. Warrior, docked at Portsmouth, which is of very similar design. Once or twice a year the crew "take over" the Warrior, convert her to the Alabama and fly the Confederate Flag. Period uniforms and costumes are worn by the participants, with various activities taking place during the day.

We are indebted to Richard Payne, of the Alabama crew, for the above information and pictures of the ship.