This paper reports on research conducted into the current condition of Confederate riverine obstructions located in the vicinity of Elba Island, Chatham County, Georgia. The project included documentary, cartographic, and on-site research commencing in the fall 1986 and running through September 1987. Work was conducted to determine obstruction condition, contents and feasibility for additional research into their construction, placement, salvage and removal.
Documentary and cartographic research establishment that a large number of obstructions ranging from sunken vessels, iron shod fraise, and cribs had been placed in the river. Removal of the obstructions commenced in December 1864 and continued until at least 1872 with payments being disbursed as late as 1889. On-site inspection confirmed that portions of the cribs remain in the water between Mackay’s Point and the northwest corner Elba Island.
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