National Civil War Naval Museum
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The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus: Preserving and promoting the story of sailors and marines in the Civil War.
The National Civil War Naval Museum tells the story of the Sailors, Soldiers, and Civilians, both Free and Enslaved as affected by the Navies of the American Civil War and provides a repository for relevant archives and artifacts on the subject, for all generations of the public. The Museum uses all available media systems/distribution platforms and live interpretation in furtherance of this mission. Located in Columbus, Georgia, the National Civil War Naval Museum overlooks the Chattahoochee River. We house the largest surviving Confederate warship, the CSS Jackson, as well as the the wreckage of the CSS Chattahoochee. Other exhibits include a full scale ship replica of the USS Water Witch, a replica of the USS Hartford with its berth deck, ward room and captain’s cabin, an actual cutter or "ship's boat" from the USS Hartford, a full scale replica of the USS Monitor’s famous turret, and an emmersive panoramic dockside exhibit recreating Plymouth, North Carolina, complete with an exterior and interior view of the CSS Albermarle. Among our many artifacts, we have the largest collection of Civil War Naval-related flags on display in the country. The collection includes various flags from ships and coastal forts, signal flags and Admirals’ pennants. Our timeline exhibit takes you month by month through the war showing naval events and features many of the museum’s most rare artifacts, such as the uniform coat of Captain Catesby Jones and Admiral Farragut’s two-star hat insignia. Exquisitely detailed Models of many famous Civil War ships are on the timeline including the CSS David, CSS Albemarle and the CSS Atlanta, which is located just opposite the huge 25-foot wide flag that was flying over the ship the day it was captured. We host a range of events throughout the year with an emphasis on museum theatre and historic character interpretation. Additionally, there are living history events, tours, cannon firings, weapons demonstrations, local history projects and more.
10/14/2026
10/13/2026
🏒 ANOTHER GIVEAWAY! 4 MORE RIVER DRAGONS TICKETS UP FOR GRABS! 🎟️
One lucky winner will score FOUR tickets to see the Columbus River Dragons at the Columbus Civic Center on Saturday, October 24th!
🚨 HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:
✅ FOLLOW our page!
📸 COMMENT below with a photo of you in your BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME TO DATE!
That's it! Whether spooky, silly, creative, or downright outrageous, we want to see what you've got!
🏆 WINNER ANNOUNCED MONDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, on our social media pages!
10/13/2026
⚓🎉 ALL HANDS ON DECK! Today, October 13, we celebrate 251 years of United States naval history!
On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress authorized two armed vessels to intercept British supply ships during the American Revolution. That decision helped launch what would become the United States Navy!
But 251 years of history means more than smooth sailing.
During the Civil War, the U.S. Navy played a pivotal role in preserving the Union, enforcing blockades, and transforming naval warfare. Its history also reflects the nation's struggles over slavery, freedom, equality, and who had the opportunity to serve.
Today, we celebrate the generations of sailors whose courage, sacrifice, and innovation shaped naval history while recognizing the complexities and lessons of that journey.
🎉 Here's to 251 years of history, service, and stories worth exploring!
Come aboard the National Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia, and discover a remarkable chapter of America's naval past!
⚓ Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy! Fair winds and following seas!
Photo 1: USS Hartford — A Legacy of Service
Flagship of Admiral David G. Farragut, the USS Hartford played a pivotal role in Union naval operations, including the historic Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864.
Photo 2: USS Monitor — A Revolution in Naval Warfare
The USS Monitor made history in 1862 during its famous clash with the CSS Virginia, marking a turning point in naval warfare and the rise of ironclad technology.
Photo 3: Back Union Sailors — Courage Beyond Barriers
Approximately 18,000 Black sailors served in the Union Navy during the Civil War, contributing to the Union war effort and the struggle against slavery while facing discrimination.
10/12/2026
🏒🐉 WIN 4 TICKETS TO SEE THE COLUMBUS RIVER DRAGONS! 🎟️🎉
👍 LIKE OUR PAGE! ❤️ LOVE THIS POST! 🔁 SHARE THIS POST!
That's all it takes to enter for a chance to win FOUR tickets to see the Columbus River Dragons face the Binghamton Black Bears on Friday, October 23rd, at the Columbus Civic Center!
🎃 WHY SHARE? Help us spread the word about our FREE Treats at the Museum Halloween celebration on October 31st! The more people who know, the more Halloween fun we can share!
🎟️ WINNER ANNOUNCED MONDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, right here on our page!
🚨 DON'T JUST SCROLL—LIKE, LOVE & SHARE TODAY! Your next hockey night could be on us!
10/12/2026
What a fantastic kickoff to our Paranormal Tours this past weekend! 👻⚓
We welcomed an enthusiastic group of paranormal enthusiasts for two unforgettable evenings led by renowned paranormal investigator Faith Serafin! With her wealth of knowledge and experience, she guided guests through the museum, answered intriguing questions, and signed copies of her books!
ONLY FOUR TOURS REMAIN THIS SEASON!
📅 Oct. 23, 24, 30 & 31 | 7 PM Nightly
These exclusive tours happen only once a year, and capacity is extremely limited!
If you've been thinking about joining us, NOW is the time to act! Once these tours are at capacity, you'll have to wait until next year!
🎟️ GET YOUR TICKETS ONLINE TODAY! Secure your spot, invite a friend, and experience the museum like never before!
For tickets: https://www.portcolumbus.org/exhibits-events
10/08/2026
The Paranormal Tours Are Selling Out!
If you’re on the fence, get off it! The mysteries are calling, and tickets are disappearing! Join renowned paranormal investigator, Faith Serafin, for a spine-chilling journey through the National Civil War Naval Museum. Uncover eerie stories, explore mysterious spaces, and discover what might still be lurking aboard!
🗓️ October 10, 23, 24, 30 & 31
🕖 7:00 PM
🎟️ GET YOUR TICKETS ONLINE TODAY! And help us spread the word! Tag your bravest friends, share this post, and bring someone who's convinced they don't believe in ghosts. We dare you! 👻
For tickets, please visit: https://www.portcolumbus.org/exhibits-events
10/06/2026
The ships have stories. Some of them may still be telling them.
Our Paranormal Tours kick off THIS FRIDAY, led by renowned paranormal investigator Faith Serafin!
Step into the National Civil War Naval Museum after dark and hear the stories, explore the shadows, and discover what—or who—might still be lingering aboard.
Before you sail home, stop by the Museum Store, grab your books, and have them signed by Faith—the perfect keepsake from a night spent exploring our haunted history.
🎟️ Don’t wait for a ghost to take your spot! Purchase your tickets now and reserve your place on the tour.
Come for the history. Stay for the hauntings. Take home the stories.
🌙 Oct. 9, 10, 23, 24, 30 & 31 | 7 PM
Advance tickets required | Adults only
⚓👻 Get your tickets today. All aboard…if you dare.
For tickets: https://www.portcolumbus.org/exhibits-events
10/06/2026
On this day in 1861, the Union Navy scored another victory in its effort to tighten the blockade of the Confederate coastline.
Off Charleston, South Carolina, USS Flag captured the schooner Alert, a blockade runner carrying cargo that included salt and fruit.
It may sound like a small catch—but during the Civil War, every ship, every shipment, and every successful run mattered. Blockade runners raced against capture to move desperately needed goods through Southern ports, while Union vessels patrolled thousands of miles of coastline trying to stop them.
For the Alert, the run ended on October 6, 1861.
The Civil War wasn’t fought only on battlefields. There was a whole war happening on the water.
Come aboard at the National Civil War Naval Museum and discover the ships, sailors, daring missions, technology, and untold stories that shaped the war at sea.
⚓ The history is here. Come explore it.
09/29/2026
On this day in 1864, the passenger steamer Roanoke, sailing from Havana to New York, was seized off the Cuban coast by a small Confederate force led by Acting Master John C. Braine.
The operation quickly became more complicated than a simple capture. Because Braine organized and carried out the seizure from neutral Havana, his actions raised serious concerns about violating Spanish neutrality. After taking control of Roanoke, the Confederates headed toward Bermuda, hoping to obtain coal and supplies. Unable to secure what they needed—and unable to get the vessel through the Union blockade—they ultimately burned the steamer off Bermuda.
The episode is a reminder that the Civil War at sea stretched far beyond American rivers and coastlines. Blockades, commerce raiding, diplomacy, and international waters all became part of the struggle.
At the National Civil War Naval Museum, we preserve and share the stories of a war fought not only on land, but across rivers, harbors, coastlines, and oceans.
⚓ Come aboard and discover how naval warfare shaped the Civil War.
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Telephone
Address
1002 Victory Drive
Columbus, GA
31901
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Sunday | 12:30pm - 4:30pm |
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