USS Monitor (1 Viewer)

[Terp152]

The Mariner's Museum, outside of Newport News, VA, has the resurected turret, guns and steam engine from the USS Monitor. Those artifacts are submerged in special tanks to remove the corrosion and other effects of being submerged in sea water for 150 yrs. They were salvaged in 2009 along with many other items on display, ships lanterns, anchor, boots, china, etc. Quite a collection. Hard to photograph as the turret is in a tank behind a glass wall but it was quite an experience to view it. They have recreated the turret as found, with skeletal remains inside. The reproduced gun deck of the CSS Virginia is also on display as she was outfitted for her sortie against the Cumberland and Minnesota. I remember when the wreck of the Monitor was discovered in 1973 and reported it would never be raised due to it's fragile condition. So it was a thrill for me to see these displays. Worth a visit if you are in the area. Hope to see the Hunley some day. Chris

The turret.

Gun

Recreated turret

CSS Virginia

Ship's Carving, don't remember ship's name

 

[wadepat]

Hi Terp152,

Thanks for sharing these marvelous photos! If I ever find myself in the area, I will definitely visit this museum.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat :smile2:

 

[Terp152]

Hi Terp152,

Thanks for sharing these marvelous photos! If I ever find myself in the area, I will definitely visit this museum.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat :smile2:

Thanks Pat,glad you enjoyed the photos. Chris

 

[jazzeum]

Yes, Chris thanks for the photos. I remember reading about the Monitor and John Ericsson when I was a kid.

 

[Terp152]

It was an impressive display Brad. It will be interesting to see the turret when the preservation process is complete, but will take years. Chris