Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Following the evacuation and burning of the yard by Federal forces, Dry Dock 1 was used by the Confederate States Navy to convert the partly burned steam frigate Merrimack into an ironclad, renamed CSS Virginia. In March 1862, the CSS Virginia engaged and sank the wooden-constructed Union ships Congress and Cumberland. A day later, the CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor fought the first "battle of ironclads" in Hampton Roads. On May 10, 1862, the Navy Yard was put to the torch for the fourth time in its history, this time by evacuating Confederate forces. The shipyard’s wartime usefulness was severely limited and it was ten years before substantial rebuilding commenced.

Portsmouth, Virginia · United States