Life Aboard

USS Cairo Safety Lamp

NPS Photo

This safety lamp was used to light the powder magazine. Light passed into the magazine through the glass in the wooden frame (left) which was part of the magazine bulkhead. The copper pipe was used to carry off smoke.

 

Signal Lantern and Smoke Bell

NPS Photo

A signal lantern and a smoke bell for a lamp (lower-center) were recovered along with several types of glass lamp globes, some of which are still covered with soot from the last time they burned aboard the Cairo.

 

USS Cairo Artifacts

NPS Photo

Cairo carried these damage cones (left) used to plug holes shot in the gunboat's side. They were, however, of little use for holes caused by torpedoes! Perhaps the kerosene once stored in this jug (right) was used to refill the Cairo's lamps. The ship's whistle (center) had been taken off the gunboat many years before the salvage.

 

USS Cairo Artifacts

NPS Photo

One of the sailors apparently nailed this horseshoe to the gunboat's signal bell in the engine room. Other interesting artifacts recovered include this brass steam gauge and fire hose nozzle.

 

USS Cairo Wrist and Leg Irons

NPS Photo

On board, a landsman (present-day Marine) was responsible for guarding prisoners. According to crewman George Yost, these wrist and leg irons were used not just for enemy prisoners but for members of the Cairo's crew as well. An excerpt from his diary reads,

"Tuesday Oct 21,1862 — William Smith confined in Irons by order of Captain."