The David

CSS David

This is an orginal painting of the CSS David inspired by the work of R.G.Skerrett and numerous Civil War era photographs.

Also known as "the little David", the CSS David was a steam powered semi- submersible torpedo boat that operated around Charleston about the same time as the Hunley. The David was conceived and designed by Dr. St. Julian Ravenel. She was built with private funds at Stoney Landing up on the Cooper river.

The David was designed to ride very low in the water and attack by ramming a ship with a spare mounted torpedo. The David was credited with the first successful torpedo attack in history against the federal New Ironsides, damaging her enough to cause her to withdraw and make repairs.