30 January 1862Launched early in the year, USS Monitor, was the US Navy’s first iron-clad warship. Commissioned a month later, she quickly engaged in battle against CSS Virginia, which was the first battle between ironclad warships, on 9 March 1862.

USS Monitor (1862). Line engraving published in Harper’s Weekly, September 1862, page 433, depicting the launching of the ship at the Continental Iron Works, Greenpoint, New York, on 30 January 1862. It seems unlikely that Monitor was launched with her heavy armored turret, pilothouse and other fittings already installed. NHHC Photograph Collection, NH 604.

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