Today in History:

Hampton Roads

Battle Name: Hampton Roads
Other Names: Monitor vs. Virginia (Merrimack), Battle of the Ironclads
State: Virginia
Location: Hampton Roads
Campaign: Peninsula Campaign (March-September 1862)
Dates: March 8-9, 1862
Principal Commanders: Lt. John Worden [US]; Capt. Franklin Buchanan and Lt. Catesby R. Jones [CS]
Forces Engaged: 4 warships [US]; 1 warship [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 433 total (US 409; CS 24)
Description: On March 8, 1862, from her berth at Norfolk, the Confederate ironclad Virginia steamed into Hampton Roads where she sank Cumberland and ran Congress aground. On March 9, the Union ironclad Monitor having fortuitously arrived to do battle, initiated the first engagement of ironclads in history. The two ships fought each other to a standstill, but Virginia retired.
Results: Inconclusive

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