Battle of Hampton Roads: Monitor vs. Merrimack - 09 March 1862

 

Today is the second day of the historic Battle of Hampton Roads.  On this date, in 1862, the C. S. S. Virginia (usually called by its original name of "Merrimack") returned to the scene of her great triumphs.  Though the Cumberland and the Congress were gone and the Minnesota was still grounded, a new player had entered the field of battle, the U. S. S. Monitor.

The U. S. S. Monitor, the brainchild of inventor John Ericsson, was the world's first "true" ironclad.  While the Virginia had iron-plating, the Confederacy had simply tacked them onto the frame of the Merrimack.  The Monitor was the first of its kind.  And there she sat, seeking to protect her sister ship by staring down the Virginia.

The monumental battle of the 19th century began around dawn and both sides moved in close and the Virginia opened fire first.  However, both ships were soon pouring round after round into their opponent, but to no avail.  After hours of denting each other’s iron-plating and numerous near collisions, the Virginia withdrew first, seeing that her main objective, the  Minnesota, was now out of range due to the tide.  While the Monitor withdrew also after a shot from the Virginia struck her pilot house, damaging the eyes of her Captain.

While both sides would claim victory, nothing was really gained.  Though I do consider this naval battle to be the most significant in all of history.  Because, from the moment the "Monitor" and the "Merrimack" met, every other navy in the world instantly became obsolete.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_hampton_roads 

Battle of Hampton Roads: Confederacy Triumphant - 08 March 1862

Today is a historic day.  On this date, in 1862, the C.S.S. Virginia (known in the North as the Merrimack) steamed into Hampton Roads and opened fire on the Union fleet stationed there.  She rammed the U. S. S. Cumberland, which sank, colors still flying, quickly taking 150 sailors with her.  The Virginia then opened-up on the U. S. S. Congress.  Eventually the Congress surrendered, but when batteries on shore began firing, the ironclad fired hot shot, cannon balls heated red-hot, into her setting the ship on fire, resulting 115 more deaths and the explosion of her magazine later on.  As if that wasn't enough indignity to heap upon the Union Navy, the U. S. S. Minnesota had also been run aground and lay there like a sitting duck.

Though victorious, the U. S. S. Virginia had sustained damage, two crew members were dead and many more were injured, including the Captain, while her speed had been reduced, several metal plates had been damaged and two guns had been put out of action.  These problems and the growing darkness made the acting-Captain decide to withdraw his ship for the night and to return in the morning to finish off the Union fleet.

For one day the Confederate Navy ruled the waves.

Meanwhile, the Union had been building an ironclad of their very own and it arrived late that evening.  Taking up a position protecting the Minnesota, the U. S. S. Monitor waited for daybreak.

While the entire world held its breath.....