ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY
March 8, 1862
The CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimack)
is Launched at Hampton Roads, Virginia
On this day in 1862, the CSS Virginia was launched. The CSS Virginia is significant in U.S. history for being
involved in the first battle of ironclads.
The naval battle took place on March 9th during the Battle of Hampton Roads when the CSS Virginia and the USS
Monitor traded shots for three hours. Neither did significant damage to the other and both returned home.
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