Monitor, USS

by Charles Landrum
Member since 10-Dec-2004

Country: United States

Era: 1815-1914→ 1861-1865

Model Type: Static

Propulsion Type:

  • Fuel→ Coal
  • Impeller→ Propeller
  • Engine→ Reciprocating Steam

Subject Type: Vessel→ Naval and Privateer→ Steel Navy→ Patrol Vessels→ Gunboat

About the Vessel

Monitor is famous for being one of the first two iron-hulled or iron-clad ships to engage in combat, the other being CSS Virginia. This occurred during the Battle of Hampton Roads of the American Civil War. Their engagement ended in a standstill, but Monitor was successful in protecting the remainder of the Union fleet after her arrival. Virginia had previously destroyed the frigates USS Cumberland and USS Congress and had run the steam frigate USS Minnesota aground.

Monitor’s unique revolving turret was designed by American inventor Theodore Timby and the remainder of the ship by the Swedish-born engineer and inventor John Ericsson.

Model Images

  • Model of USS Monitor - View from port bow and above
  • Model of USS Monitor - Turret with decking and canopy framework
  • Model of USS Monitor - Turret and foredeck, water-level view, port side
  • Model of USS Monitor - Turret and afterdeck, water-level view, port side
  • Model of USS Monitor - Afterdeck, view from above
  • Model of USS Monitor - Turret, showing gun ports
  • Model of USS Monitor - Turret, interior view from above

Links