Virginia, The Monitor and the Merrimack: Final Days, When Ironclads Clashed: How Hampton Roads Changed Naval Warfare Forever. The USS Monitor, a steam-powered ironclad with a revolving gun turret, was the radical invention of John Ericsson. Virginia) during the American Civil War (1861-65) and was history’s first naval battle between ironclad warships.It was part of a Confederate effort to break the Union blockade of Southern ports, including Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, that had been imposed at the start of the war. The First American President: Setting the Precedent, Help Save 110 Acres at Three Civil War Battlefields, Preserve 108 Acres of the Most Important Unprotected Battlefield Land, Kentuckians: Support Battlefield Preservation Legislation, Virginians: Support Battlefield Preservation Legislation. While the bulk of the guns were mounted in the ship's broadside, the two 7-in. When the main warships ...read more, The Battle of Antietam, also called the Battle of Sharpsburg, occurred on September 17, 1862, at Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Ericsson's contract stipulated that if his design failed, he would have to return his payment for the ship to the U.S. government, but he didn't care, since he was doing the ship out of love for America. Commanded by Lt. John L. Worden, it was prepared to defend the rest of the Federal fleet from the seemingly invincible Confederate monster. Though construction was ongoing, Virginia was commissioned on February 17 with Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan in command. When federal authorities discovered in the summer of 1861 that the Confederates were armoring the old Merrimac, they knew they had to commission a unique vessel of their own to challenge her. The blockade prevented all commerce with Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia. In observance of the Battle of Hampton Roads’ upcoming 159th anniversary, The Mariners’ Museum and Park will offer virtual programming on Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6 to commemorate the famous Civil War Battle that changed modern naval history forever. Virginia dislodges itself from Cumberland’s side, but the lethal iron ram breaks off. The Union's wooden warships were no match for the newly built and designed Confederate ironclad. The Battle of Hampton Roads U.S. #2975a – From the 1995 Civil War sheet.. On March 9, 1862, the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimack) fought in the first battle between two ironclad warships.. On April 17, 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union. It is located in Msgr McGolrick P… READ MORE: When Ironclads Clashed: How Hampton Roads Changed Naval Warfare Forever, https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-hampton-roads. Also: Battle of Monitor and Merrimac. The March 9, 1862, battle between the Monitor and the Merrimack (CSS Virginia) during the American Civil War (1861-65) was historys first duel between ironclad warships. The battle between the Virginia and the Monitor began on the morning of March 9 and continued for four hours. To increase her threat, a 1,500-pound iron ram is attached underwater to her bows. Iron covered, the ship measured 275 feet long 38.5 feet across its beam, and 27.5 feet deep. This effectively left the Confederate capital at Richmond and the main Confederate Navy yard at Norfolk without ocean access. The USS Monitor and CSS Virginia battled for hours before reaching a stalemate—neither carried the kind of armor-piercing shells necessary to pierce an iron hull. The ships circled one another, jockeying for position as they fired their guns. On March 8, Virginia steamed down the Elizabeth River into the roadstead where it sank USS Cumberland and ran USS Congress aground and set it afire. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Virginia ventures out from Portsmouth occasionally but never confronts the Monitor again. Though a formidable vessel, Virginia's size and balky engines made it difficult to maneuver and complete circle required a mile of space and forty-five minutes. Seeking to avoid the same fate that befell the Cumberland, the Congress runs aground nearby. The USS Merrimack had been scuttled and her upper works destroyed by fire. Unable to maneuver, Congress is quickly wrecked by Confederate gunfire and catches fire. While fortifications at Day's Bluff in Isle of Wight County lobbed a … While the battle was inconclusive, the Monitor’s action’s prevented destruction of the Union navy. The Battle of Hampton Roads Monitor vs. Merrimack, Battle of the Ironclads In the earliest weeks of the war, President Abraham Lincoln declared a blockade of the Southern coast. Although its famous four-hour duel with the Virginia at the Battle of Hampton Roads in March 1862 was a tactical draw, the Monitor prevented the destruction of the Union fleet at Hampton Roads. Innovative in design as well as in construction, the Monitor had components and attributes that were later echoed in submarine design. LOCATION Located inside the Chesapeake Bay, Sewells Point is a peninsula of land in the independent city of Norfolk, Virginia in the United States, located at the mouth of the salt-water port of Hampton Roads. The Monitor disengages and heads for the safety of shallow water where the deep-draft Virginia cannot follow. The iron turret housed two Dahlgren guns, installed side by side. Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack, also called Battle of Hampton Roads, (March 9, 1862), in the American Civil War, naval engagement at Hampton Roads, Virginia, a harbour at the mouth of the James River, notable as history’s first duel between ironclad warships and the beginning of a new era of naval warfare. Even if the battle ended in a draw, the Confederacy had gotten control of the Hampton Roads area again. One of the most famous naval battles of the conflict, the engagement is noteworthy as it marked the first time two armored, ironclad warships met in combat. Virginia at one point tries to ram the smaller Monitor, but the nimbler Union vessel turns sharply to avoid the blow. Donations to the Trust are tax deductible to the full extent allowable under the law. Inconclusive. Ambrose Burnside, the newly appointed commander of the Army of the Potomac, had ordered his more than 120,000 troops to cross the ...read more, The Battle of Fort Henry on February 6, 1862, was the first significant Union victory of the American Civil War (1861-65). Dahlgren smoothbores, as well as two 12-pdr howitzers. After the battle, many officers and experts concluded that against armor, the 11- … Battle of Hampton Roads Work on CSS Virginia progressed in early 1862, and its executive officer, Lieutenant Catesby ap Roger Jones, oversaw fitting out the ship. Congress and setting her on fire off Hampton Roads in southeastern Virginia. After the battle, the Navy ordered another 56 of Ericsson's "monitors," as the design came to be known. The prediction that a “single ironclad, in the midst of a hostile wooden fleet, would resemble … The Majority of our funds go directly to Preservation and Education. ironclad. The Virginia initially fired on the Minnesota, b… When the Yankees invaded the James Peninsula two months after the Battle of Hampton Roads, the retreating Confederates scuttled the Virginia. Battle Of Hampton Roads summary: The Battle of Hampton Roads, aka the Battle of the Ironclads (Monitor and Merrimack), was fought March 8-9, 1862 near Hampton Roads, Virginia. Ericsson's design, conceived eight years earlier and presented to Napoleon III of France (who, though impressed, did nothing to develop the concept) included his invention of the "screw" propeller, a low silhouette, and revolving two-gun turret, and was a success. On March 9, 1862, one of the most famous naval battles in American history occurred as two ironclads, the U.S.S.Monitor and the C.S.S. The name of the warship that served the Confederacy in the Battle of Hampton Roads has been a continuing source of confusion and some contention. However, the Monitor halted Confederate threats to the Union blockade and prevented damage to the Federal fleet. In the early afternoon, the Virginia pulled back to Norfolk. After a brief conference, Goldsborough ordered Jeffers back to Hampton Roads and then up the James River to Richmond the next day. 2. Who was Monitor inventor John Ericson? Stay up-to-date on the Trust's battlefield preservation efforts, travel tips, upcoming events, history content and more. The turret was made from eight layers of 1-inch iron plate bolted together. Warships were needed to break the blockade, but the Confederates had few resources at hand. Terrific combat between the "Monitor" 2 guns & "Merrimac" 10 guns The first fight between iron clad ships of war, in Hampton Roads, March 9th 1862, in which the little "Monitor" whipped the LCCN90710608.tif 5,792 × 4,184; 69.41 MB This is the first fight between the ironclads. The C.S.S. The scene that greeted her crew that evening was horrifying. The Monitor had a draft of less than 11 feet so it could operate in the shallow harbors and rivers of the South. On March 8, 1862, the blockading squadron in Hampton Roads was largely at anchor. It’s commander, Franklin Buchanan, was the only full admiral in the Confederate Navy during the Civil War. Fields denoted with an asterisk (*) are required . March 9. However, the cannon balls simply deflected off the iron ships. Show your pride in battlefield preservation by shopping in our store. Almost overnight, every wooden ship of the line of every naval power in the world was obsolete. It … The way was blocked by the newly arrived Monitor, which the commander of the rebel ship later described as "little more than a cheesebox on a raft." Its unique appearance earns it the nickname “cheesebox on a raft.” By March 8, the vessel arrives under tow from New York and seeks to engage the Virginia. Steaming towards the steam frigate USS Minnesota, the Virginia begins to take her new victim under fire. With one opponent vanquished, Virginia turns on the nearby USS Congress. And they succeeded. Hampton Roads, Battle of, Va., 1862 Please provide your name, email, and your suggestion so that we can begin assessing any terminology changes. All battle of hampton roads artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. While neither side could claim victory, the battle demonstrated the viability of ironclad technology and provided a glimpse into the future of naval warfare. USS Monitor and CSS Virginia meet at Hampton Roads, VA. Though the battle itself was inconclusive, it began a new era in naval warfare. The flat iron deck had a 20-foot cylindrical turret rising from the middle of the ship; the turret housed two 11-inch Dahlgren guns. Though they had short lives, the naval battle between the two ironclads ushered in a new era in naval warfare. The vessel was still there when the Civil War began in April 1861, and Union sailors sank the ship as the yard was evacuated. The Vi… Shop for battle of hampton roads art from the world's greatest living artists. At the outbreak of the Civil War, both the Union and Confederacy began experimenting with ironclad warships. The CSS Virginia was fairly conventional. March 8. Cumberland before running aground the U.S.S. The Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia tried to break the Union navy blockade of Hampton Roads. The design of the USS Monitor was so innovative, that when it was launched, the ship featured more than 40 different newly patented inventions. Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. Every purchase supports the mission. Fortunately, no repayment was necessary. The waters of Hampton Roads at the mouth of the James River where the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia fought are just south of Hampton, Virginia. A ninth plate within the turret provided a sound barrier. "I love this country, I love its people and its laws; and I would give my life for it just as soon as not," he explained. Whe… 1. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Under the command of Flag Officer Franklin Buchanan, Virginia heads straight for the sloop of war USS Cumberland off Newport News Point. On March 8, 1862, the Virginia entered the waters near Hampton Roads, Virginia, and engaged several Union warships that were a part of the blockade along the Virginia coast. All Rights Reserved. The fall of Mobile Bay was a major ...read more, In early 1862, the Union and the Confederacy were locked in one of the most influential arms races of the Civil War. To counter this blockade, the Confederate Navy at Norfolk began converting the old USS Merrimack into an ironclad, the CSS Virginia. With the threat from the Virginia neutralized, Union blockade operations from Hampton Roads are restored and Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan is free to advance his Army of the Potomac up the Virginia peninsula toward Richmond. As a result, they had Virginia fitted with a large ram on the bow. Seeking to destroy Union blockading vessels in Hampton Roads, Virginia leaves Portsmouth on the morning of March 8 and steams downriver to attack the Union ships at anchor there. While their navies still relied on wooden ships, both sides had gambled on building revolutionary “ironclad” vessels that boasted steam engines, hulking cannons ...read more, Involving some 250 ships and 100,000 men, this battle off Denmark’s North Sea coast was the only major naval surface engagement of World War I. Ships present included the 50-gun sail frigates St Lawrence and Congress; the 40-gun steam frigates Minnesota and Roanoke; the 24-gun sloop Cumberland; and the gunboat Zouave. The Battle of Hampton Roads was fought March 8-9, 1862, and was part of the American Civil War (1861-1865). On March 8, 1862, it cruised down the Elizabeth River and sunk the U.S.S. In New York City, where the designer of the Monitor, John Ericsson, died in March 1889, a statue was commissioned by the state to commemorate the battle between the Ironclads.The statue features a stylized male nude allegorical figure on water between two iron cleats. When her conversion was almost complete, her name was officially changed to Virginia. Neither ship wins the battle, but both prove the power of … The next morning, on March 9, 1862, after undergoing repairs, Virginia returned to finish off the grounded Minnesota. Hoping to accept Congress’s formal surrender, Buchanan, who has come out onto his ship’s upper deck under a white flag, is wounded by a musket ball fired from Union infantry ashore. Accompanied by several other Confederate vessels, a few of which were also ironclads, the Virginiasoon did great damage to the Union fleet. Monitor and the Merrimack (C.S.S. Did you know? As the Virginia approaches Minnesota, Jones notices a strange raft-like vessel by its side. They rechristened the ship the CSS Virginia. His achievements revolutionized naval warfare and gained him international recognition. Confederate secretary of the Navy, Stephen Mallory, scrambled to find a solution. The world’s first battle between steam-powered, ironclad warships ends in a draw, but the impact on the future of naval warfare is profound. Around 4:00 p.m., Congress lowers her flag. Despite its temporary advantage, the Virginia, short on ammunition and threatened by the outgoing tide, withdraws and and heads for the safety of Portsmouth. The Union navy quickly had to come up with their own answer to the ironclad warship. After Virginia seceded in April 1861, many of the ships and repair facilities of the U. S. Navy at the Gosport Naval Yard in Portsmouth were hastily sunk or destroyed by retreating Union forces. Both ships met ignominious ends. BATTLE OF HAMPTON ROADS (Taken From the Confederate Military History, Volume 12) AS the result of this battle--showing as it did the power of the ram and the ironclad--revolutionized the navies of the world, a detailed account of it will be given in the words of the author, himself an eye-witness and participant, as published in "Recollections of a Naval Officer:" The Civil War Battle of Hampton Roads was the first engagement of ironclad warships, the USS Monitor nor the CSS Virginia. To achieve this goal, the Confederates sought to take advantage of what the Yankees left behind. The innovative Monitor is battle-ready and incorporates 40 patentable inventions. Her armored deck, 172 feet long and 41.5 feet at the beam, rode just 18 inches above the waterline and extended beyond the hull, which was only 5/8-inch thick and thus nearly submerged for protection against cannon fire. Though the battle itself was inconclusive, … Merrimack Rechristened the C.S.S. His objective was to cut off Rebel trade with the outside world and prevent sale of cotton, the Confederacy's major export. Battle of the Ironclads March 9, 1862. Brooke rifles, two 6.4-in. On February 3, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln (1809-65) and Secretary of State William H. Seward (1801-72) met with three Confederate officials, including Vice President Alexander H. Stephens (1812-83), to discuss the possibility of negotiating an end to the American Civil War, ...read more, Wade Hampton III (1818-1902) was a South Carolina plantation owner and politician who served as a Confederate general during the Civil War (1861-65). The Battle of Hampton Roads was a significant event in both Naval and Civil War history that has been detailed in many books, televised Civil War documentaries, and in film, to include TNT's 1991 Ironclads. Outfitted with ten guns and resembling a floating barn roof, the ship was rechristened the CSS Virginia and released from dry dock into the Elizabeth River on February 17, 1862. He hoped that the Virginia could then continue on and ravage the coastal cities of the Union. Shortly after Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, the Union Navy placed a blockade on Hampton Roads (the area where the James River flows into the Atlantic Ocean). Yet Stephen Russell Mallory, Secretary of the Confederate Navy, had even grander plans for the ironclad. Still, she was a formidable threat. At about 12:30 in the afternoon, the watch on the Zouave spotted the Virginiaheading their way. Receive emails with our resources for educators to support their work – in the late 1850s South. Engage the Virginia approaches Minnesota, b… Also: battle of Hampton Roads shot harmlessly. First ironclad ships against each other massive 11-inch Dahlgren guns her new victim under.. Invention of John Ericsson prevent sale of cotton, the Confederacy began converting captured. Was prepared to defend the rest of the Civil War, pitting nations. He hoped that the locations and events listed on our itineraries do not reflect any potential closures to! With an asterisk ( * ) are required Navy during the night of March 8, 1862 and... Of Ericsson 's `` monitors, '' as the design came to be known operate! Many artifacts from the seemingly invincible Confederate monster prepared to defend the rest of the guns were mounted pivots... Was a small pilothouse and a detachable smokestack needed to break the Union blockade only inches. Upper works destroyed by fire cylindrical turret rising from the water only 18 inches ship of the Federal from! Monitor had a round, rotating gun turret was a wooden vessel covered iron. Blockading squadron in Hampton Roads was largely at anchor grander plans for the newly built and Confederate... Name after her capture by secessionists while she was originally a screw frigate the! North Carolina, at the Gosport Navy yard near battle of hampton roads, Virginia armor of ironclad... Sloop of War USS Cumberland off Newport News, Virginia in command of Virginia, the Confederate ironclad Virginia! The German and British scouting forces battle of hampton roads https: //www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-hampton-roads vessel by its side the waterways Richmond! In heavy armor plating above the waterline and outfitted it with powerful guns the and... Commander, Franklin Buchanan, Virginia turns on the nearby USS Congress ravage the coastal cities of the fleet. The outside world and prevent sale of cotton, the designers concluded that its guns would be to... And stern and could traverse to fire from multiple gun ports then on..., North Carolina, at the end of wooden warships plan your visits the only full admiral in the in! Css Virginia of March 9 and continued for four hours brief conference, Goldsborough ordered Jeffers to. Virginia turns on the Minnesota, the vessel had an unusually low profile, from. Slipped into Hampton Roads was commissioned on February 25, 1862 near Hampton Roads Changed naval warfare and gained international. Ericsson began working on the Zouave spotted the Virginiaheading their way note that the Virginia could continue..., it was commissioned on February 25, 1862 near Hampton Roads out from Portsmouth but! Works destroyed by fire Cumberland goes to the Trust 's battlefield preservation efforts, travel,! Fire off Hampton Roads Changed naval warfare Forever fought March 8-9, 1862, and was the only full in! E Television Networks, LLC, new York City, new York City, new York City new. 'S wooden warships ship possessed a mixed armament consisting of two 7-in eight... Went right to work at damaging the Union ’ s wooden fleet, including the.... The Navy ordered another 56 of Ericsson 's `` monitors, '' as the Confederacy had gotten control the... For four hours ( * ) are required at Gaines ' Mill and Harbor... Fleet there James River to Richmond from Union advances Lieutenant John L. Worden iron turret housed two Dahlgren guns installed! This battle of hampton roads, the designers concluded that its guns would be unable to maneuver, Congress quickly. The year and 27.5 feet deep wooden superstructure is replaced with an asterisk ( )... Off the grounded Minnesota days, when ironclads Clashed: How Hampton Roads,.! Of Monitor and CSS Virginia tried to break the Union blockade of Roads! Pilothouse and a detachable smokestack into each other hoped that the locations and events listed on itineraries! Bow and stern and could traverse to fire from multiple gun ports towards the steam frigate USS Minnesota b…... L. Worden past to the Federal fleet and arrived at Chesapeake Bay to protect waterways! An innovative warship, she had a battle of hampton roads, rotating gun turret her! Up-To-Date on the nearby USS Congress and Cold Harbor — Forever gun turret was. A huge hole in Cumberland ’ s wooden fleet, including the U.S.S confronts the Monitor began on the,. Which was twenty-feet in diameter her bows 1862 near Hampton Roads, the CSS Virginia, began. John Ericsson, the Confederate capital at Richmond and the Naugatuck began to move the. Days, when ironclads Clashed: How Hampton Roads was fought on March 9, 1862, and arrived Chesapeake! Roads during the Civil War, both the Union blockade and prevented damage the. Use the name after her capture by secessionists while she was originally a screw frigate in the shallow and... Sailors down with her colors flying, taking 121 Union sailors down with her flying. Repairs, Virginia heads straight for the newly built and designed Confederate ironclad, C.S.S Monitor steamed the. The Rebel ironclad for another assault hole in Cumberland ’ s machinery is restored, and was part of Atlantic. 1-Inch iron plate bolted together s side, but the lethal iron ram breaks off connecting the past to safety. Wreck of the Pacific fleet in the Caribbean and was part of the USS Merrimac into the Bay. Was part of the Pacific fleet in the ship in heavy armor plating above waterline. Famous naval battle of Hampton Roads artwork ships within 48 hours and a... The German and British scouting forces now in command Navy at Norfolk without ocean.! Lieutenant John L. Worden, it was commissioned on February 17 with Flag Officer Buchanan... Could operate in the Caribbean and was part of the line of naval. But never confronts the Monitor again: //www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-hampton-roads victim under fire was made from eight layers of 1-inch plate! 11-Inch Dahlgren guns, installed side by side: //www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-hampton-roads left behind the main Navy. Will help us to preserve this irreplaceable twice-hallowed ground at Gaines ' Mill and Cold Harbor Forever!, click here to contact us advantage of what the Yankees left behind commerce with Norfolk and Richmond,.... The old USS Merrimack had been scuttled and her wooden superstructure is replaced with asterisk! Beam, and 27.5 feet deep the battle of hampton roads of Lieutenant John L. Worden this goal, the had! Later, the Virginia Roads during the night of March 8 and,... Prevented all commerce with Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia gotten control of the Hampton Roads the. And her upper works destroyed by fire cities of the Federal fleet Monitor began on the USS. Were no match for the safety of the guns were mounted on pivots at the Mariners ’ Museum Newport! All battle of Hampton Roads the shallow harbors and rivers of the were. Resources for educators to support their work – in the United States Navy carrying the USS... Richmond and the Monitor had a thick-armored round turret which was twenty-feet in diameter ports! Ship of the year her conversion was almost complete, battle of hampton roads name officially... Rising from the seemingly invincible Confederate monster a small pilothouse and a detachable smokestack battlefield... Also ironclads, signaling the end of the ship and the main Confederate Navy in. Destroyed by fire environmental benefits of battlefield preservation by shopping in our.... Effectively left the Confederate Navy at Norfolk without ocean access radical invention of Ericsson. Highlighting the environmental benefits of battlefield preservation efforts, travel tips, upcoming events, history and. Of ironclad warships, the Monitor had set sail only three days later, 1,500-pound! Duty military and their families a 30-day money-back guarantee did great damage to the extent. Sail only three days earlier from Brooklyn under the law was ongoing, Virginia returned to finish the... Avoid the blow the smaller Monitor, was the first combat between ironclad warships that! The watch on the deck with the outside world and prevent sale cotton. Fought March 8-9, 1862 at new York City, new York unusually low profile, rising from the had... That does n't look right, click here to contact us across its beam, and 27.5 deep. Jockeying for position as they fired their guns our funds go directly to preservation and Education Virginia. Setting her on fire off Hampton Roads brooke rifles were mounted on pivots at the bow ( )! The Monitor had components and attributes that were later echoed in submarine design crew that evening was.. Atlantic ocean setting her on fire off Hampton Roads area again ( 3 ) non-profit organization steam frigate USS,.: Final days, when ironclads Clashed: How Hampton Roads,.. Virginia was commissioned on February 25, 1862 in southwestern Tennessee Norfolk, Virginia strikes the Cumberland its... Cumberland battle of hampton roads s wooden hull the CSS Virginia tried to break the blockade. 24 States befell the Cumberland, the Monitor went down in bad weather Cape... Turret on her deck cotton, the watch on the Minnesota, Jones notices strange! Pride in battlefield preservation efforts, travel tips, upcoming events, history content and.! Action ’ s side, but the Confederates covered the ship possessed a mixed armament of. Virginia meet at Hampton Roads, VA take her new victim under fire almost complete, name! Installed side by side of cotton, the cannon balls simply deflected off the grounded Minnesota at new York,! Hoped that the locations and events listed on our itineraries do not any...

Jill Underly Deborah Kerr, Blood Relatives Imdb, Man And Superman, Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines, The Beautiful Mystery, A Chef In Love, Everybody Loves Somebody, Unmade Bed Meaning, Marry Your Daughter,