![First Successful Submarine](https://hawkbillussvi.org/wp-content/uploads/Capture-22-150x150_c.jpg)
17 May 1897 – John P. Holland launched a privately built submarine on this date in 1897. This was the first capable of running submerged for a considerable distance. His design used electric motors submerged and a gasoline engine on the surface. It was subsequently purchased by the United States Navy in April of 1900 and after extensive testing was commissioned the following October.