Gun from the CSS Virginia

This nine-inch smooth bore Dahlgren gun is one of the few remaining artifacts from the CSS Virginia, formerly known as the USS Merrimack. It saw action on March 8, 1862, off Hampton, Virginia, when the Virginia encountered and easily defeated the USS Cumberland and USS Congress, and the barrel was damaged by the Cumberland during the battle. The next day, the Virginia fought the now famous battle with the USS Monitor. According to the July 11, 1862, Washington Post, the battle was considered a draw, and although there was no winner, it was likely to change the course of naval warfare forever. After the war, the Washington Navy Yard exhibited the gun. From 1960, it was displayed at Dahlgren as a reminder of the base’s namesake and its continuing commitment to Navy combat readiness.

Fredericksburg, Virginia · United States