NC officials say shipwreck is Civil War vessel that was set ablaze by fleeing crew in 1862

Associated Press

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 4:09 PM

KURE BEACH, N.C. - North Carolina officials say they have identified a Civil War shipwreck that burned at sea more than 145 years ago.

The state Underwater Archaeology Branch said Monday that a silver-plated spoon inscribed with the name of a crew member from the CSS Appomattox confirmed the ship's identity.

A four-member diving team discovered the shipwreck in August 2007 in the Pasquotank (PAS'-kwah-tank) River. They had been searching for the Appomattox for more than 10 years.

The Appomattox was part of a set of armed steamers that defended northeastern North Carolina waters. Its Confederate crew set the ship on fire in 1862 while fleeing Union forces.

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