The Birth of Submarine Warfare: America’s Daring First Submarine Attack of 1776

On a September night in 1776, in the midst of the American Revolution, a small, one-man submarine known as the "Turtle" attempted a mission that would forever change the course of naval warfare.This bold innovation, the first submarine ever used in combat, embodied the ingenuity and determination of the American spirit—qualities that would eventually propel the fledgling nation to victory against one of the most powerful military forces in the world.

Cutaway replica of the Turtle.

The Turtle was created by David Bushnell, a young American inventor from Saybrook, Connecticut. Bushnell, a recent graduate of Yale University, was inspired by the pressing need to counter the overwhelming naval superiority of the British Royal Navy. Bushnell believed that if he could create a submersible vessel capable of stealthily planting explosives on enemy ships, the American forces might have a chance to level the playing field.

Bushnell designed the Turtle to resemble two large, hollowed-out wooden shells joined together, forming an egg-like shape. Measuring about seven and a half feet long and six feet high, the submarine was small and cramped, allowing just enough room for a single operator. The vessel was hand-powered by a crank that turned a propeller, while a rudder controlled its direction. A series of lead ballast weights enabled the submarine to submerge and resurface. To ensure the operator could breathe, Bushnell installed a primitive air intake system that brought fresh air into the vessel.

19th century diagram showing the side views of the Turtle.

The Turtle was aptly named for its shape and slow, deliberate movement underwater. Bushnell’s design was revolutionary for its time, featuring water-tight compartments and a clockwork detonator for the explosives. However, operating the Turtle required immense skill and physical strength, as the operator needed to navigate in total darkness, manually pump water in and out of ballast tanks, and control the vessel’s depth and direction—all while maintaining a steady pace to avoid detection.

The mission to use the Turtle was planned with careful consideration. The target was the HMS Eagle, the flagship of the British fleet anchored in New York Harbor. By destroying the Eagle, the Americans hoped to deal a significant blow to British morale and disrupt their naval operations.

The man chosen for this perilous mission was Sergeant Ezra Lee, a soldier from Connecticut who had volunteered for the Continental Army. Lee was selected for his courage, strength, and seafaring skills, as well as his unwavering dedication to the cause of independence. Despite the unprecedented nature of the mission, Lee quickly mastered the operation of the Turtle and was ready to face the formidable challenge ahead.

Portrait of Ezra Lee.

On the night of September 7, 1776, under the cover of darkness, Lee piloted the Turtle toward the HMS Eagle. He maneuvered the submarine beneath the ship and attempted to attach the explosive device to its hull. However, the mission was met with unforeseen difficulties. The hull of the Eagle was lined with copper sheathing, making it impossible for Lee to secure the explosive charge. After several attempts, Lee was forced to abandon the mission and return to safety, narrowly escaping capture by the British.

Drawing of the Turtle attempting to place explosives onto the hull of the HMS Eagle. (NavSource Online).

Although the mission did not succeed in destroying the HMS Eagle, it was far from a failure. The mere fact that the Turtle had been able to approach a British warship undetected and attempt an attack was a remarkable achievement. The daring mission demonstrated the lengths to which the Americans were willing to go to secure their independence, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Turtle laid the groundwork for future advancements in submarine technology and naval warfare. It symbolized the innovative and relentless spirit of the American people, who refused to back down in the face of adversity. This same spirit would eventually lead to the creation of the most powerful and advanced naval forces in the world.

The story of the Turtle is a testament to the ingenuity and determination that fueled the American Revolution. It reminds us that, even in the darkest hours, the willingness to innovate and take risks can lead to extraordinary achievements. The legacy of the Turtle lives on today, as the United States continues to lead the world in technological advancements and military strength—a nation that, from its very inception, has always dared to push the boundaries of possibility in the pursuit of freedom.