Launching of the Monitor
The wreck of the USS Monitor is perhaps the most famous in the United States. The site became the first Marine Sanctuary designated by the United States Government on January 30, 1975. Since that time, many research dives have been conducted in an effort to help preserve this historic landmark. The Cambrian Foundation is proud to be a participant in the efforts to preserve and protect this most fragile piece of American history.
| Builder | Continental |
| Laid Down | October 10, 1861 |
| January 1, 1862, from Greenpoint, Long Island | |
| Commissioned | February 25, 1862 |
| Tonnage | 987 tons displacement; 776 tons burden |
| Dimensions | Length 179′; Beam 41’6"; Draft 10’6" |
| Machinery | 1 screw, 2 Ericcson vibrating-lever engines (36" x 2’2"); Double-trunk cylinders with 2-in-1 casting, plus 2 large return box boilers. |
| Indicated Horsepower | 320 hp = 9 knots |
| Complement | 59 |
| Armament | Two 11" Dalgren smoothbore cannons |
| Armor | 8" turret, 4.5" sides, 2" deck, 9" pilothouse |
| Speed | 6 knots |
| Hits from Virginia | 22-23 |
| Shots fired | about 55 |
| Hits on Virginia | about 20 |
