By Thuy

What are Ironclads? Ironclads were warships covered in iron. These warships used steam power. John Ericsson designed the ironclads for the US Navy. Ironclads were first tested during the Crimean War. The picture shows the USS Monitor on the right and the CSS Merrimack (Virginia) on the left battling during the Civil War.

Ironclads from both sides.  Union had more durable ironclads.  Union ironclads were mainly metal ships with an extra layer of iron.  Most of the ironclads’ body was underwater.  Materials used in building ironclads were superior to those of the Confederacy.  Confederate ironclads weren’t made for open ocean use.  Many ironclads had at least a 4” or more of iron.  A few of the CSS ships were originally wooden ships (ex. Virginia/Merrimack.)  Many of the ships were named after the confederate states and major cities in those states.

USS Monitor Monitor was smaller than the CSS Merrimack. Was finished by January of At first Monitor sailed more slowly than expected, steering went haywire, and suffered leaks on its second day in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s mission was to prevent ships at Hampton roads from being destroyed by the Merrimack. USS Monitor. Views from top and side.

CSS Merrimack Had an estimated 4” covering of iron. Was formerly a wooden frigate. South raised the sunken ship and put an iron casting on the ship. The ship was loaded with cannons and guns. The ship was formerly known as the USS Merrimack but was renamed the CSS Virginia. The CSS Virginia also known as the Merrimack.

Monitor vs. Merrimack  This was the first battle between ironclads.  Very little damage was done to either ship.  The battle lasted four hours.  Battle took place near the coast of Virginia.

What happened to the Monitor and the Merrimack? Soon afterward both ships sank. Recently Duke University had found what was left of the Monitor. CSS Virginia/Merrimack was found also. Divers are trying to salvage the USS Monitor ironclad.

Works Cited  Burgan, Michael. Battle of the Ironclads. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books,  Garcia, Jesus. Creating America. Dallas, Texas: McDougal Littell,  "The Monitor v. the Merrimack, March, 1862." GaleNet. 16 Mar  World Book. Chicago, IL: World Book Inc., 2008.

Picture Websites  "Civil War Art Prints." Jennie Wade House Gettysburg. 16 Mar  "Ironclad Naval Battle CSS Virginia vs. the USS Monitor." American Civil War History Timelines Battle Map Pictures. 16 Mar  "Naval Art." Navy & Marine Living History Association. 16 Mar