Battle of Hampton Roads

March 8–9, 1862 · Eastern Theater

Phases

1. 1March 8 — The Virginia SortiesMarch 8, 1862 — 1:00 to 5:00 PM
2. 2Overnight — The Monitor ArrivesMarch 8–9, 1862 — Night
3. 3March 9 — First Duel of IroncladsMarch 9, 1862 — 8:00 AM to Noon

March 8, 1862 — 1:00 to 5:00 PM

The CSS Virginia — the razed frigate Merrimack rebuilt as an iron casemate — steams out of the Elizabeth River on what her crew think is a trial run. She rams the USS Cumberland, which sinks with her guns firing, then burns the USS Congress with hot shot. Shells bounce off her armor “like india-rubber balls.” In one afternoon the wooden navies of the world are obsolete.

• ➤CSS Virginia — Steams out of the Elizabeth River — rams the Cumberland
• ●USS Cumberland — rammed, sinks with guns firing
• ●USS Congress — burned to the waterline
• ●Fort Monroe