On February 8, 1865 a good deal of property from the wreck had already been salvaged and secreted by soldiers or sold in nearby towns. By order of the U.S. Government, a party was sent to recover as much of the machinery, especially brass and copper, as possible. All commissary items were ordered to be turned over to the Quartermaster. Few records exist to verify what was actually recovered during these last chaotic days of the Civil War.

From June 1866 through 1868 a private salvage operation was carried out to remove the paddle wheel frames and drive shaft. We do not know what became of these objects. What additional diving and salvage was done for the next ninety or so years is conjectural.

From 1956 to 1959 the State of Georgia dynamited the wreck to remove large shafts sticking out of the water as a hazard to boaters. Today, such action upon an historic relic would be unthinkable.

In the late 1970s a private dive team began a salvage operation on the wreck. They were not archaeologists, but conducted their salvage with careful attention to the historic significance of the vessel and proper inventory of the artifacts they recovered. In 1983 the State of Georgia stopped the salvage and claimed the artifacts. Since that time, no formal archaeological exploration has been conducted. Most recently, a local fisherman located the rudder. The DNR recovered this item and has sent it for preservation to Texas A&M. This latest artifact is illustrative of the skill and technology needed to properly preserve and restore items containing iron, copper and wood.

It is hoped that the new exhibition of the Nashville might heighten interest in further uncovering the wreck and its story.

[Create applet to: See "GA Law" section]