Monitor and Merrimack

views updated May 23 2018

Monitor and Merrimack Ironclad warships that fought an indecisive battle in Hampton Roads, Virginia, during the American Civil War. This was the first battle between ironclad ships. The Merrimack, which had been scuttled by the US navy, was raised by the Confederates and given armour plating. Renamed the Virginia, it was designed to break the Union blockade of Southern ports. The Monitor, a new ironclad, was designed to destroy it. The Virginia was subsequently destroyed by the Confederates while retreating.