National Register Listing

U.S.S. TECUMSEH

NW of Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, Fort Morgan, AL

The U.S.S. Tecumseh could claim historical significance as the relic of a famous naval engagement and a product of the genius of her inventor, John Ericsson (he also designed the original Monitor). Of greater importance she is a specimen of the transition from sail to steam, from unprotected wood to iron armor and from fixed broadside to revolving turret. To the 20th Century man she offers, in her present state, a rare and unique opportunity to glimpse in intimate detail the United States Navy in capsule form, just as she appeared in battle trim 104 years ago. To clear the decks for action all her gear and equipment had been packed in lockers or stored in the compartments below the berth decks and it is expected these artifacts will be intact and number in the thousands when the ship is raised.

Local significance of the structure:
Military

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.