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Interesting US History
A Website Devoted to Interesting Events in U.S. History

 

 
 

 

ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY

May 11, 1862

The Ironclad CSS Virginia is Scuttled
in the James River near Norfolk, Virginia

On this day in 1862, the CSS Virginia was scuttled in the James River. The CSS Virginia is most widely known for being involved in the first-ever naval battle between two Ironclads ironclads during the American Civil War. The famous battle occurred on March 9, 1862 when she fought the ironclad USS Monitor.

After the battle, advancing Union troops occupied Norfolk. Unable to retreat further up the river due to her deep draft, and not seaworthy enough to enter the ocean, the CSS Virginia was ordered blown up to prevent capture.