The naval engagement between the C.S.S. Merrimac and the U.S.S. Monitor at Hampton Road

The Union Iron Clad Vessel Monitor was famous for her battle with the confederate iron clad Merrimac at Hampton Roads in 1862. It was later in the year that the Monitor was ordered to Charleston to support the federal blockade. She started off under tow but tragically was caught in a gale off Cape Hatteras and sank with a tragic loss of life.

Designed by John Ericsson, the Monitor was completed in time to meet the Confederate threat of the C.S.S. Virginia. In a gallant action, the Monitor lay in wait to defend the grounded U.S.S. Minnesota. The battle which ensued lasted for over four hours with neither ship sustaining serious damage. This ended the age of the wooden fighting ship. After serving briefly on the James River, the Monitor was ordered to Charleston in 1862 for a refit.