USS Waterwitch project

Conceptual view of the USS Waterwitch on the grounds of the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus.

Columbus’ newest landmark is one step closer to becoming a reality. The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus reports that the public part of the fund raising project to build a full-scale Civil War ship next to Victory Drive is now underway. “Our board members and other volunteers have been spreading the word throughout the community about this sensational new project!” said museum Executive Director Bruce Smith, “It will bring unquestionable visibility to the museum and a fabulous entry to Columbus South.”

On the drawing boards is the USS Waterwitch, a side wheel steamship that served on the blockade in Savannah until it was captured by the Confederate Navy in a commando raid in 1864. The ship is nearly 160 feet long and features two masts of nearly 90 feet in height. Smith said the ship will be “alive.” In addition to the fact that sails may be mounted to the masts, smoke will come from the smokestack and the side wheels will turn as well. Visitors will be able to access the main deck of the ship for a closer look.

Aerial view showing the approximate location of the new ship to be constructed at Port Columbus. (Photo credit: Camera 1) Click here to view a larger picture.

“Most of our visitors indicate that they stopped because they saw the building, many also indicate that it took them considerable effort to find us because there is nothing to distinguish the building as a naval museum,” said Smith. The installation of a full scale ship on Victory Drive is meant to solve that problem. More than 30,000 cars drive down Victory Drive every day, according to Smith.

The total price tag for the design and construction of the ship exhibit is $962,000. The ship will serve not only as a signpost for the naval museum, but also as a landmark for Columbus, an entry post for Columbus South and an interpretive tool for the museum’s educational programs.

Custom water-color painting by local artist Bucky Bowles of the USS Waterwitch as it appeared in Savannah in 1864.

There will be three beautiful interpretive panels to go with the ship; one to explain the ship’s history, one to encourage visitors to go to the museum next door, and one listing the names of all those individuals and companies which participated in the project. It is sure to be viewed by thousands of visitors a year.

Anyone interested in more information can contact Bruce Smith at Port Columbus, 706-327-9798 or check the museum’s website at www.portcolumbus.org.

Historic Linwood Foundation has a new board president

Frank Lumpkin, III to serve as Historic Linwood Foundation's board president.

Frank Lumpkin, III will succeed John Holt as the president of the Historic Linwood Foundation's Board of Directors May 11, at their Annual Meeting when a new slate of officers is presented.

Lumpkin has always been very interested in historic preservation, particularly in the Linwood Cemetery. When he was a child, he would come with his father to the cemetery to clean up the family lots. He would walk with his father around the cemetery and listen to the stories of the families buried in Linwood.

A native of Columbus, Lumpkin is very involved in the community. A member of Historic Linwood Foundation since its inception, he has served as treasurer and vice president. He is the past president of the YMCA and still serves on the board. He is on the executive board of the Chattahoochee Council Boy Scouts of America. He serves on the executive board of the Student Educational Fund at the University of Georgia. He attends First Presbyterian Church where he has served as an elder and deacon.

Lumpkin graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business and went to work with his father at the Willcox-Lumpkin Insurance Company. His family consists of wife Tamie and sons Frank IV and Jay Wyrosdick.

The Historic Linwood Foundation Annual Meeting, May 11, 5:30 p.m., is open to the public. For more information, please call 706-321-8285.