Battle of Hampton Roads

Virginia attacked the Union blockading squadron in Hampton Roads, Virginia, on March 8, 1862, destroying USS Cumberland and Congress and forcing Minnesota aground before withdrawing. That night, Monitor, under command of Lt. John L. Worden, arrived under tow from Brooklyn. When Virginia returned the next day, March 9, 1862, to finish off Minnesota and the rest of the U.S. fleet, Monitor sailed forth to stop her. The ironclads fought for about four hours, neither one sinking or seriously damaging the other. Tactically, the battle was a draw--neither ironclad did significant damage to the other. However, it was a strategic victory for Monitor. Virginia's mission was to break the Union blockade; that mission failed; Monitor's mission was to defend the U.S. fleet, which it did. The two ironclads never again fought each other, although Virginia occasionally steamed out to Hampton Roads in an unanswered challenge to the Monitor.

Loss at sea

While the design of Monitor was well-suited for river combat, her low freeboard and heavy turret made her highly unseaworthy in rough waters. This feature probably led to the early loss of the original Monitor, which foundered during a heavy storm. Swamped by high waves while under tow by Rhode Island, she sank on December 31, 1862 in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. 16 of 62 crewmen were lost in the storm.

Rediscovery

In 1973, the wreck of the ironclad Monitor was located on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean about 26 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The wreck site was designated as the United States' first marine sanctuary. Monitor Sanctuary is the only one of the thirteen national marine sanctuaries created to protect a cultural resource, rather than a natural resource.

The site is now under the supervision of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many artifacts from Monitor, including her turret, propeller, anchor, engine and some personal effects of the crew, have been conserved and are on display at the Mariners' Museum of Newport News, Virginia.

In 1986, Monitor was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Official Service History: The prototype of the turreted armored warship designed by John Ericsson, famous for its duel with the Virginia at Hampton Roads. Constructed by Continental at Greenpoint NY. Launched 30 Jan 62. Commissioned 25 Feb 62. Assigned to NABS. Encountered the CSS Virginia in the famous point-blank duel in Hampton Roads VA on 9 March 62, sustaining 22 hits; Worden was seriously wounded. Met the Virginia again on 11 April 62, but neither vessel was willing to engage. Shelled Sewell's Point VA on 8 May 1862 in an attempt to draw out the Virginia, but again neither vessel was willing to engage. Bombarded Fort Darling on Drewry's Bluff VA 15 May 62. Engaged CSS Teaser 4 July 62. Refitted at Washington Navy Yard in October 62; Y-telescoping funnel and rifle shield on top of turret added. Ordered to attack Fort Caswell at Wilmington in conjunction with Passaic but sank in a gale off Cape Hatteras NC while being towed south by USS Rhode Island.