One of the most revolutionary battles in naval history occurred on March 9, 1862, when for the first time armored warships engaged in a confrontation. In the previous weeks Confederate engineers had made major modifications to the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) and on March 8 the ironclad Virginia steamed into Hampton Roads and destroyed two of the Union’s most powerful warships, the Cumberland and the Congress. In the ensuing panic, Union officials in Washington feared that the CSS Virginia would attack the capital. On the following day, the Union’s ironclad, the USS Monitor, fought the CSS Virginia to a standstill. Despite the inconclusive result, the ironclad technology had revolutionized naval warfare, sounding the death knell for wooden-hulled warships.

Civil War and naval historian Craig L. Symonds, professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval Academy, discusses the story behind the ships’ creation, the personalities who shaped and commanded each vessel, and the remarkable battle itself, which destroyed the Confederacy’s hope of besting the Union navy.

Symonds’ books Decision at Sea: Five Naval Battles that Shaped American History and Lincoln and His Admirals (Oxford University Press) are available for signing after the program.

CODE: 1M2-446