Confederates are forced to destroy their fearsome ironclad to prevent capture. This paves the way for Federals to advance up the James River to threaten Richmond.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Confederates are forced to destroy their fearsome ironclad to prevent capture. This paves the way for Federals to advance up the James River to threaten Richmond.
A naval duel off Hampton Roads, Virginia, marks the first time in history that two ironclad warships do battle.