Gun from the CSS Virginia

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 4, 2007

1. Gun from the CSS Virginia Marker

Inscription. This nine-inch smooth bore “Dahlgren” gun is one of the few remaining artifacts from the CSS Virginia (formerly known as the USS Merrimack). This gun saw action on March 8, 1862 off of Hampton, Virginia when the Virginia encountered and easily defeated the USS Cumberland and USS Congress. The barrel was damaged by the Cumberland during the battle. The next day the Virginia fought in the now famous battle with the USS Monitor. According to the July 11, 1862 Washington Post, “The battle was considered a draw. Although there was no winner, the battle will be likely to change the course of naval warfare forever.”

After the war, the Washington Navy Yard exhibited the gun. From 1960, it was displayed at Dahlgren as a reminder of the base’s namesake and the base’s continuing commitment to Navy combat readiness.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1763.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 38° 18.197′ N, 77° 27.625′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was at the intersection of Princess Anne Street and William Street (Virginia Route 3) on Princess

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Anne Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 907 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It was also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

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: Emancipation Proclamation Memorial (here, next to this marker); Historic Footsteps (here, next to this marker); Presented to the City of Fredericksburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Lafayette's Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); The Second Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis Randolph Ball (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Barton House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Auction Block (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Second Town Hall / Market House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Market Square (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. The gun & marker have been moved to the Mariners Museum (100 Museum Drive,

Gun from the CSS Virginia image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 4, 2007

2. Gun from the CSS Virginia

Newport News, VA 23606). It is now located inside the museum at the entrance to the Ironclads Exhibit.

Additional keywords. Gun from the CSS Virginia

Gun from the <i>CSS Virginia</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 20, 2019

3. Gun from the CSS Virginia

Gun is now located at the entrance to the Mariners Museum Ironclads Exhibit

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 20, 2019

4. Gun from the CSS Virginia

Gun from the <i>CSS Virginia</i> Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 20, 2019

5. Gun from the CSS Virginia Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,425 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on April 26, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 26, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.