One of our favorite stories about the Hunley was the legend of Lt Dixon's gold coin. Lt George Dixon commanded the Hunley on its final assignment. According to the legend, Dixon was in love with a beautiful young woman named Queenie Bennett.
To keep her sweetheart safe from harm, Queenie gave him a gold coin, as a good luck charm. Again, according to the legend, George kept the coin with him always, in his pocket, rubbing it with his thumb thinking about Queenie.
During the Battle of Shiloh, George was shot point blank. A bullet ripped into the pocket of his trousers and struck the center of the gold coin. The impact was said to have left the gold piece bent, with the bullet embedded in it. Queenie's good luck gift had saved his life.
During the excavation, the gold coin was discovered next to the remains of Lt. George Dixon. It was deeply indented from the impact of a bullet and traces of lead were discovered on the coin. On the back side of the coin he had written
Shiloh
April 6, 1862
My life Preserver
G. E. D.
)
Dixon's gold coin
Inside a replica of the Hunley
Jordan and Mike Nocher
Jordan with a gelato in one hand and a bag full of goodies in the other
Of course, we walked around the battery. We had to take the standard picture on the cannon. :)
My boys
My dear friend, Michelle, and her family were nice enough to let us stay at their home Saturday night. It was great seeing them again. The boys had a fun time playing with their son, Jacob.
