Maple Leaf, Civil War archaeological site in Duval County, United States.
The Maple Leaf is a sunken Union transport vessel resting at the bottom of the St. Johns River, containing extensive collections of Civil War artifacts and military equipment. The wreck has been partially documented by exploration teams, revealing items from three Union regiments aboard.
The vessel sank on April 1, 1864, when it struck a Confederate mine while returning from a supply mission to Palatka, marking a critical moment for Union operations in the region. The loss of the ship affected Union supply lines and military strategy during the later war years.
The recovered items from the wreck reveal details about how Union soldiers lived during the Civil War, showing their personal belongings and daily routines. These objects help visitors understand the human side of the conflict and what mattered to these men.
The site remains under federal protection and requires special permits for research and excavation activities. Visitors should know that direct access is limited and that the underwater location requires specialized exploration.
The vessel carried around 400 pounds of military and personal items from three regiments, remarkably preserved in the river's anaerobic mud conditions. This exceptional preservation allows archaeologists to gain detailed insights into the material culture of the era.
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