Hunter Davidson

Hunter Davidson (September 20, 1826 – February 16, 1913) was an American engineer, inventor, and naval officer, first serving the United States and then joining the Confederacy during the American Civil War. He later served as the first commander of the Maryland Oyster Police Force during the height of the Oyster Wars. He was stationed on the CSS Virginia as a gunnery officer during the Battle of Hampton Roads of 1862.

Davidson later served as commander of the Submarine Battery Service, also referred to as the "Torpedo Bureau," a branch of the Confederate Secret Service. He was credited for his work in operationalizing the electric detonation of mines.

Later life After his service for the Confederacy, Davidson was ineligible for further military service in the United States after the Civil War had ended.

The organization was tasked with enforcing the state's oyster-harvesting laws and served as the predecessor of the modern Maryland Natural Resources Police.