BG James Estcourt Sawyer/Old Sunken Hull Plaque

Beneath the impressive span of the Ravenel Bridge, a curious platform floats in the Charleston Harbor. This, my friends, is no ordinary platform. This is the final resting place of the Old Sunken Hull, a relic of a bygone era. The BG James Estcourt Sawyer/Old Sunken Hull Plaque commemorates this unusual piece of Charleston history. Originally commissioned in 1919 as the Army Quartermaster River Steamer Col. J. E. Sawyer, this vessel was a marvel of engineering. It was the first concrete passenger vessel made in America, a 700-ton behemoth capable of carrying 500 souls. Built by the Newport Shipbuilding Corp. of New Bern, N.C., the 128.5-foot Sawyer was one of nine such vessels, named for esteemed deceased army quartermasters. The Sawyer’s story took a dramatic turn in 1923 when Joseph Sable brought her and a sister ship, the Maj. Archibald Butt, to Charleston for commercial use. Just three years later, tragedy struck. The Sawyer sank near Adger’s Wharf, becoming a persistent headache for port authorities. She quickly earned the nickname the “Old Sunken Hull,” a constant reminder of the maritime mishap. For three long years, the Sawyer languished beneath the waves. Then, on June 22, 1929, amidst the cheers of thousands, the Old Sunken Hull was finally raised. It was a spectacle, weeks of frustrating yet amusing attempts culminating in this triumphant moment. The once-proud steamer was towed to its current location, where it remains an iconic, albeit somewhat unusual, fixture in the harbor. A common misconception is that this is the Archibald Butt. However, that vessel met a different fate, relocated to Miami in 1925. This sunken hull, this concrete ghost, is the J.E. Sawyer, named for Brigadier General James Estcourt Sawyer. Born in 1846, Sawyer boasted a distinguished military lineage, with ancestors who fought at Ticonderoga and Bunker Hill. He dedicated his life to service, entering the military at just 19. His career spanned decades, from Acting Judge Advocate to Aide de Camp to General Schofield, and eventually to Chief Quartermaster during the Spanish-American War. He retired as a Brigadier General in 1910, passing away four years later. The BG James Estcourt Sawyer/Old Sunken Hull Plaque commemorates not only the ship but also the man. It’s a reminder of a time when concrete ships plied the waters, a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of those who built and sailed them. So, the next time you cross the Ravenel Bridge, take a moment to look down at the Old Sunken Hull. Remember the story of the J.E. Sawyer, both the ship and the man, and their unique place in Charleston’s rich history.