The first submarine successfully used in warfare was completed at this site in 1863. Designed by James McClintock and Baxter Watson, and financed by Horace L. Hunley, it was built by W. A. Alexander at the Mobile machine shop of Park and Lyons. After trials in Mobile River and Bay it was sent by rail to Charleston, where, on February 17th, 1864, it sank the U.S.S. Housatonic.