THE Williamstown Maritime Association is holding an exhibition to celebrate the Confederate States Ship Shenandoah’s arrival to Williamstown in 1865.
The CSS Shenandoah arrived in Melbourne unannounced on 25 January 1865 to refuel and stock up supplies.
The ship, which arrived in Melbourne as the American Civil War was still raging, had a problem with its propeller and needed repairs.
The Shenandoah sought permission to stay longer than the usual two days permitted for a belligerent nation making the visit was big news at the time.
On its second day moored in the bay more than 7000 people visited the ship.
But the visit also split the local newspapers at the time.
The Age was very anti-Shenandoah while the Argus and Herald were pro-Shenandoah.
Williamstown Maritime Association Vice-president Peter Hemphill said on the ships arrival the Union consul general spent weeks trying to get Governor Darling to take control of it and charge the crew as pirates.
“But Darling would not do anything of the sort,” he said.
“In fact, once Melburnians realised they were not going to be attacked by this warship, they treated the crew as heroes.
“The Shenandoah story is a fascinating piece of history.
“It brought the American Civil War to Australia, and particularly to Melbourne and Williamstown. This exhibition will appeal to young and old who appreciate history and adventure.”
The exhibition entitled Rebels Down Under will be held at the Seaworks. Opening night will be on 3 February from 6.30pm.
The next three days will be open from 10am to 5pm with lectures on the 5-6 February by US guest Sam Craghead, of the Museum of Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia and local experts on the Shenandoah, Barry Crompton and Angus Curry.
