History

Two researchers examining the wood of the USS Cairo.
Research Brief

Fungal secrets of a sunken ship

University of Minnesota researchers studied the microbial degradation of the USS Cairo, one of the first ironclad and steam powered gunboats used in the United States Civil War. Studies of microbial degradation of historic woods are essential to help protect and preserve important cultural artifacts. 

History Story Archive

Topic Experts

William Jones

Professor, Department of History

Erik Moore

University Archivist, Archives and Special Collections
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