On This Day
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David Bushnell's "Turtle" attacks British ship "Eagle" in New York Bay in the first (failed) submarine attack

Turtle (also called American Turtle) was the world's first submarine, or by modern standards submersible, with a documented record of use in combat.

Turtle (also called American Turtle) was the world's first submarine, or by modern standards submersible, with a documented record of use in combat. It was built in 1775 by American David Bushnell as a means of attaching explosive charges to ships in a harbor, for use against the Royal Navy during the American Revolutionary War. Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull recommended the invention to George Washington, who provided funds and support for the development and testing of the machine.

Several attempts were made using Turtle to affix explosives to the undersides of British warships in New York Harbor in 1776. All failed, and her transport ship was sunk later that year by the British with the submarine aboard.

Historical Significance

Turtle (also called American Turtle) was the world's first submarine, or by modern standards submersible, with a documented record of use in combat.

Events Before

  1. British Parliament declares Massachusetts Colony in rebellion

    British Parliament declares Massachusetts Colony in rebellion

  2. Patrick Henry proclaims "Give me liberty or give me death" in a speech encouraging Virginia troops to join the American

    Patrick Henry proclaims "Give me liberty or give me death" in a speech encouraging Virginia troops to join the American Revolutionary War

  3. Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott ride from Charlestown to Lexington warning "the regulars are coming out!"

    Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott ride from Charlestown to Lexington warning "the regulars are coming out!" [1]

  4. American Revolution begins in Lexington, Massachusetts, with the "Shot Heard Round the World" fired later that day in Co

    American Revolution begins in Lexington, Massachusetts, with the "Shot Heard Round the World" fired later that day in Concord

  5. Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, issuing paper currency for the first time

    The Second Continental Congress (1775–1781) was the meeting of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that united in support of the American Revolution and Revolutionary War, which established American…

Events After

  1. General George Washington's Revolutionary Army defeats British forces at the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey

    The Battle of Princeton was a battle of the American Revolutionary War, fought near Princeton, New Jersey on January 3, 1777, and ending in a small victory for the Colonials.

  2. US Continental Congress adopts the Stars & Stripes flag, designed by Francis Hopkinson, replacing the Grand Union flag

    The Betsy Ross flag is a 1792 design for the flag of the United States that first appeared in a painting of George Washington at Trenton by John Trumbull.

  3. American seamstress Betsy Ross (25) weds (for the 2nd time) mariner Joseph Ashburn

    American seamstress Betsy Ross (25) weds (for the 2nd time) mariner Joseph Ashburn

  4. Independent Vermont introduces a new constitution prohibiting slavery

    Independent Vermont introduces a new constitution prohibiting slavery

  5. King Louis XVI of France and his Foreign Minister clandestinely agree to supply the United States with munitions during

    King Louis XVI of France and his Foreign Minister clandestinely agree to supply the United States with munitions during the American Revolution

More from the 1770s

United States Declaration of Independence

The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.

politics government

US founding father Thomas Jefferson (30) marries Martha Wayles Skelton (23)

Martha Skelton Jefferson was the wife of Thomas Jefferson from 1772 until her death in 1782. She served as First Lady of Virginia during Jefferson's term as governor from 1779 to 1781.

Date of action in Victor Herbert and Grant Stewart's opera "Madeleine"

Date of action in Victor Herbert and Grant Stewart's opera "Madeleine"

The London Credit Exchange Company issues the first traveler's cheques, which can be used in 90 European cities

The London Credit Exchange Company issues the first traveler's cheques, which can be used in 90 European cities

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 6, 1776?
Turtle (also called American Turtle) was the world's first submarine, or by modern standards submersible, with a documented record of use in combat. It was built in 1775 by American David Bushnell as a means of attaching explosive charges to ships in a harbor, for use against the Royal Navy during the American Revolutionary War. Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull recommended the invention to George Washington, who provided funds and support for the development and testing of the machine.
Why is David Bushnell's "Turtle" attacks British ship "Eagle" in New York Bay in the... significant?
Turtle (also called American Turtle) was the world's first submarine, or by modern standards submersible, with a documented record of use in combat.

Explore More

September 6 in HistoryYear 1776