Built in Baltimore and christened in 1853 the USS Tennessee served in the Union Navy then captured by the Confederates during the Civil War.  She was considered a Hybrid because it ran on steam power and wind.  She fought vigorously in several Battles.  The flag ship of Admiral David Farragut, who originally coined the phrase, "Damn the torpedoes-full speed ahead," at the Battle of Mobile.  After her hull was damaged in a gale her military career ended purchased by a New York shipping magnate in 1865 and renamed the SS Republic. Extensively repaired she made regular runs from New York to New Orleans with cargo and coins to regenerate New Orleans post-war economy.

The Ship had survived hurricanes before but this time off the coast of Georgia a hurricane brought her down with $400,000.00 worth or gold and Silver coins (1865 face value).  She rested 1,700 feet below the surface of the ocean until discovered 138 years later.