Virginia and Monitor
Across Hampton Roads from this point the C.S.S. Virginia (Merrimac) and the U.S.S. Monitor fought, March 9, 1862. This was the first combat between iron-clad vessels in the history of the world. After a severe engagement in which each vessel failed to pierce the other’s armour, the Monitor retired. On the previous day, the Virginia had destroyed the U.S.S. Congress and the U.S.S. Cumberland, and dispersed the remainder of the Federal fleet.
Marker is on Massey Hughes Drive 0.4 miles from Maryland Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
