CSS Virginia

CSS Virginia was a Confederate ironclad warship rebuilt from the captured steam frigate USS Merrimack. It fought USS Monitor at Hampton Roads in March 1862, the first battle between ironclad warships.

USS Merrimack: USS Merrimack was a United States Navy steam frigate launched in 1855 and later captured by Confederate forces. Virginia was rebuilt around Merrimack’s surviving hull and machinery.
Gosport Navy Yard: Gosport Navy Yard was a United States naval shipyard at Portsmouth, Virginia, now known as Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Confederate forces seized the yard and its facilities before Virginia was built there.
Battle of Hampton Roads: The Battle of Hampton Roads was a two-day naval engagement fought in Virginia in March 1862. Virginia’s encounter with Monitor on the battle’s second day became its most famous action.
Naval warfare: Naval warfare is the use of military force at sea and on inland waterways. Virginia’s performance challenged assumptions about wooden warships and naval combat.
Ironclad warship: An ironclad warship is a steam-powered vessel protected by iron or steel armor. Virginia was among the earliest ironclads used in combat.
Norfolk, Virginia: Norfolk is a port city in southeastern Virginia, adjoining the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay. The shipyard and Virginia’s launch site lay in the Norfolk area.
USS Monitor: USS Monitor was a Union ironclad warship with a rotating gun turret, launched in 1862. Monitor fought Virginia to a tactical draw at Hampton Roads.
Naval mine: A naval mine is an explosive device placed in water to damage or destroy ships. Virginia was scuttled in 1862 to prevent its capture as Union forces advanced.
Casemate: A casemate is an armored enclosure that protects a ship’s guns and crew. Virginia’s sloped, armored casemate housed its gun battery.
John Mercer Brooke: John Mercer Brooke was a Confederate naval officer and designer of weapons and naval vessels. Brooke helped design Virginia’s armor and armament.

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