How The CSS Virginia Came To Be |

 CSS Virginia

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CSS Virginia took on the blockade of the Union Fleet on March 8, 1862, thus beginning the Battle of Hampton Roads. Although she was already commissioned to battle, CSS Virginia was not yet totally finished. Workmen were still on board when she sailed into Hampton Roads. She had, however a fleet of supporting ships with her, Raleigh and Beaufort, Patrick Henry, Jamestown and Teaser.

 

CSS Virginia first encountered the USS Cumberland, an all-wood Union ship. The USS Cumberland sank after being rammed by the CSS Virginia. Unfortunately, when CSS Virginia sank USS Cumberland, her ram was broken off, causing a leak in the bow. After what happened to USS Cumberland, USS Congress was ordered to stay in shallow water. USS Congress and CSS Virginia fought for about an hour before USS Congress surrendered. As the crew of USS Congress was being transferred to the CSS Virginia, a Union battery on the north shore opened fire on the CSS Virginia. In retaliation, CSS Virginia fired on the surrendered USS Congress. The USS Congress burned for many hours. 

 

Battle with the USS Cumberland and Congress also harmed the CSS Virginia. She was reduced to running on an even lower speed. Two of CSS Virginia’s guns were also damaged rendering it out of commission and most of her armor plates were loosened. However, that did not stop CSS Virginia from attacking USS Minnesota but it did not do significant damage to the Union ship. The battle for the day ended with CSS Virginia expecting to return the next day to completely destroy the Union blockades.