Monitor vs. Virginia: The Ironclads Clash

What happened

At Hampton Roads, Virginia, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (built on the hull of the former USS Merrimack) fought the first battle in history between two ironclad warships. The four-hour duel ended in a draw, with cannon shot bouncing off both armored ships.

Why it matters

The clash instantly rendered the world's wooden navies obsolete and revolutionized naval warfare.

Sources

• National Park Service. Battle of the Ironclads · Reputable source
• Naval History and Heritage Command. USS Monitor Versus CSS Virginia and the Battle for Hampton Roads · Reputable source