The U.S. Navy strikes back!
The second day of the Battle of Hampton Roads began with the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia, along with her consorts, moving toward the now vulnerable wooden vessels and their crews who, the day before, witnessed two of their once mighty warships fall to "The Rebel Monster". But, unbeknownst to the Confederates, an unconventional and seemingly weak-looking vessel arrived during the night.
Little did they, and everyone present know that the USS Monitor, described as a "cheesebox on a raft", would be destined to change the face of naval warfare for all time and beyond, thanks to her innovative enclosed and armored rotating turret. And, the two ironclads together, would make history by mercilessly pounding against each other to an inconclusive draw, shaping the way future naval battles would be fought. Below are some depictions of that epic battle:
The two ironclads would not survive the year. The Virginia would be blown up by her crew to avoid capture after she grounded.
And the Monitor would founder in rough seas on New Year's Eve night, 1862.
To the crews of both the Monitor and the Virginia, and the other gallant crews of those ships at Hampton Roads on March 8-9, 1862, we salute you all!
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