Civil War USS Monitor Ironclad

USS Monitor introduced John Ericsson’s revolving-turret ironclad concept to combat in 1862. Its engagement with CSS Virginia at Hampton Roads demonstrated the significance of armored steam warships, although neither vessel destroyed the other. Monitor’s extremely low freeboard limited seaworthiness, and it foundered off Cape Hatteras later that year while under tow.

Built rapidly in response to the Confederate conversion of Merrimack into Virginia, Monitor combined an armored deck, a rotating gun turret, and machinery largely below the waterline. Its two heavy guns could be aimed by turning the turret instead of maneuvering the entire hull. The March 1862 encounter followed Virginia’s destructive attack on wooden Union warships the previous day. Monitor’s sinking that December exposed the weaknesses of its low profile at sea. The wreck later became a protected historic site, and recovered components have supported extensive archaeological conservation.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in the Global War series of games by Historical Board Gaming and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

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