A Sightseer's Guide to EngineeringNational Society of Professional EngineersNational Engineer's Week
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The first submarine used in combat was the "Turtle," invented by David Bushnell of Old Saybrook, Conn., in 1773 to attack British warships in 1776. It was a small, egg-shaped craft constructed of wood and operated by one man who turned a propeller. The vessel was submerged by admitting water and surfaced by forcing out the water with a hand pump.


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Submarine Force Library and Museum and Historic Ship Nautilus
One Crystal Lake Road
Groton, CT 06340
800/343-0079 or 860/694-3174
Web Site
Take a free, self-guided tour of the world's first nuclear-powered submarine and the museum.  
Hours of Operation: Days and hours vary by season. Call for information. Need a map?
The USS Nautilus, constructed in 1952-54, was the world's first nuclear-powered submarine and, in 1959, the first vessel to cross under the North Pole. Construction of the Nautilus was made possible by the successful development of a nuclear propulsion plant by a group of engineers and scientists at the Naval Reactors Branch of the Atomic Energy Commission, under the leadership of Captain Hyman Rickover. The sub was involved in various developmental testing programs and broke many records for depth and endurance during her 26 years of service. Named a National Historic Landmark, the ship serves as a permanent floating exhibit at the museum.
 
Who Made It: Electric Boat Company of Groton, Conn.
 
Photo Credit: Submarine Force Library and Museum and Historic Ship Nautilus