The Battle of Hampton Roads on March 9, 1862 changed naval warfare and heralded an end to the age of sail. Over four hours, the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia ironclads dueled each other to a draw as spectators watched from a nearby shoreline. Many were skeptical that the “cheesebox on a raft” as the Monitor was called was a match for the Virginia who had reeked havoc and destruction on the previous day at the U.S. Navy Yard in Hampton Roads. The Monitor’s performance inspired the Union to accelerate their ironclad-building program and caused a nation to admire this new invention.

Johnathan White is associate professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University. He has authored ten books and written over one hundred articles, essays and reviews on Civil War subjects. White is a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians and serves on the Boards of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Institute, the Abraham Lincoln Association and the Lincoln Forum. He additionally won the Outstanding Faculty Award of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in 2019.

The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.

The health and safety of visitors and staff is a first priority. The park is following the governor of Virginia’s guidelines. Frequent cleaning and sanitation of high contact surfaces is performed daily. Staff members wear face coverings and visitors are encouraged to do so as well. Social distancing of a physical six feet will be maintained throughout the 424-acre park and building occupancy levels will be closely monitored. Hand sanitizer is available at locations throughout the park.