The United States Navy has been involved in countless engagements since their creation in October of 1775. Throughout the Navy’s history, the importance of having advanced technology and superior leadership was their key to becoming a world power and staying that way. However, some battles see a greater emergence of new technology and leadership than others do. The Battle of Hampton Roads during the Civil War is one of the paramount battles that lead to the growth of the United States Navy, due to the fact this encounter between the Union and Confederate ironclad ships was unlike any other naval engagement that preceded it. On March 9, 1862 after a two-day intense struggle, the Union ironclad, USS Monitor, left Hampton Roads as the victor due to the impressive leadership of Lieutenant John Worden, innovative naval technology, and frankly pure luck.
On the morning of March 8, 1862, the CSS Virginia steamed into Hampton Roads looking to pick a fight. However, this ship was nothing like the other vessels in the harbor.
“The Confederate State Ship Virginia boasted no masts or spars, nor sails of any kind. The black smoke emerging from its single stack amidships marked it as a steam-powered vessel… To add to the menacing, even sinister aspect of this grotesque craft, its entire superstructure was coated with iron plate, four …show more content…
To speed up the process iron plating was only put several inches below the water line, making the ship vulnerable. Another major drawback was that the twenty-two foot draft caused by the numerous iron plates restricted where the vessel could operate. The large draft caused numerous problems during the Battle of Hampton Roads since it was fought in a shallow harbor. In Buchanan’s report following the battle, he remarked, “during all the time her keel was in the mud; of course she moved slowly” (Smith 379) (Symonds
On the morning of March 8, 1862, the CSS Virginia steamed into Hampton Roads looking to pick a fight. However, this ship was nothing like the other vessels in the harbor.
“The Confederate State Ship Virginia boasted no masts or spars, nor sails of any kind. The black smoke emerging from its single stack amidships marked it as a steam-powered vessel… To add to the menacing, even sinister aspect of this grotesque craft, its entire superstructure was coated with iron plate, four …show more content…
To speed up the process iron plating was only put several inches below the water line, making the ship vulnerable. Another major drawback was that the twenty-two foot draft caused by the numerous iron plates restricted where the vessel could operate. The large draft caused numerous problems during the Battle of Hampton Roads since it was fought in a shallow harbor. In Buchanan’s report following the battle, he remarked, “during all the time her keel was in the mud; of course she moved slowly” (Smith 379) (Symonds