Wythe in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
First Battle of Ironclads
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 11, 2008
1. First Battle of Ironclads Marker
Erected 1938 by Virginia Conservation Commission. (Marker Number W-84.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1862.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 0.151′ N, 76° 21.662′ W. Marker was in Hampton, Virginia. It was in Wythe. It was at the intersection of Chesapeake Avenue (Virginia Route 167) and East Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Chesapeake Avenue. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Hampton VA 23661, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was on the Peninsula and in Coastal Virginia. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Stalemate in Hampton Roads (here, next to this marker); Battle of Hampton Roads (here, next to this marker); Fertile Hunting Grounds For The Indians (about 500
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Battle of the Ironclads, 1862. First hand account of the battle between the Monitor and the Virginia from EyeWitness to History.com. (Submitted on August 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Showdown at Hampton Roads. Civil War Traveler – Virginia – Tidewater. (Submitted on August 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 11, 2008
2. Marker on the Chesapeake Bay
On March 8, 1862, the C.S.S. Virginia, a Confederate ironclad ram, attacked several Union ships in Hampton Roads. The Virginia sank the U.S.S.Cumberland, heavily damaged the U.S.S. Congress and ran the U.S.S. Minnesota aground while suffering little damage to itself.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 11, 2008
3. Hampton Roads Markers
Two markers are found at this site on the Newport News waterfront.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 11, 2008
4. Ironclads Markers on the Chesapeake
When the Virginia returned to finish off the Minnesota, it was met by the U.S.S. Monitor, a Union ironclad. The two fought to a standstill, but both sides claimed victory.
Chromolithograph by Kurz & Allison, 1889
5. Battle between the Monitor and Merrimac--fought March 9th 1862 at Hampton Roads...
Print shows a battle scene between the ironclads Monitor and Merrimac just offshore, also shows a Union ship sinking and rescue boats being put to sea from shore, as well as a Union artillery bunker, Union soldiers and officers, and some rescued sailors. -- Library of Congress
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,355 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on October 7, 2015.
