USS Hatteras Shipwreck — Off Galveston

The USS Hatteras was a 210-foot iron-hulled side-wheel gunboat transferred to the Gulf Blockading Squadron in 1862. She captured seven Confederate blockade runners off Louisiana before joining Rear Admiral David Farragut's effort to retake Galveston. On January 11, 1863, the Hatteras chased a square-rigged vessel into shallow water near Galveston. When hailed, the stranger replied "Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Vixen" — then announced "We are the CSS Alabama!" and opened fire. The Hatteras sank in 13 minutes; she is the only U.S. warship sunk at sea in the Gulf during the Civil War. The wreck rests in about 58 feet of water, hull buried under sand with engine and paddle wheels exposed. BOEM and the Texas Historical Commission monitor the site. Prize money from Hatteras captures and rumors of runner bullion keep treasure-hunter interest alive. Coordinates approximate the offshore wreck position.