SAVANNAH, Ga. - Divers have recovered part of a Civil War Confederate ironclad ship from the Savannah River.

U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crews retrieved the top portion of the CSS Georgia on Tuesday. The 64-square-foot section, known as the casemate, was a protective shell that covered the ship and could be seen from above water.

Officials say the ship was recovered ahead of the planned expansion of the Savannah harbor, which is awaiting congressional funding.

Army Corps of Engineers archaeologist Julie Morgan told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the recovered portion of the ship will be taken to Texas A&M University.

WSAV-TV reports portions of the ship sit near Fort Jackson and archaeologist Stephen James told the station the ship was built in 1862.