Story highlights $706 million harbor deepening officially begins in Savannah, Georgia

A Civil War ironclad must be moved so the shipping channel can be deepened

The CSS Georgia never fired a shot in anger during the Civil War

(CNN) The deepening of the shipping channel in Savannah, Georgia, won't be dredging up just mud and sand.

It will be raising up a link to the past: an ironclad that protected the city during the Civil War until the vessel met its undignified demise.

For about the next nine months, divers will be working to bring up the CSS Georgia, piece by rusted piece, from nearly 40 feet down in the Savannah River.

The $706 million harbor deepening officially began Thursday with speeches and the firing of an old cannon at Old Fort Jackson near the wreck site.

The removal of the CSS Georgia is necessary for the state and federal project, which will see the channel go from 42 to 47 feet so massive cargo container ships can use the port without relying on the tide.

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