Collection Highlights
Diana of the Tower
1899
1977.3
Bronze
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Builder's Model of the U.S.S. "Monitor"
Title
Builder's Model of the U.S.S. "Monitor"
Object name
Half-model of the U.S.S. "Monitor"
Date
1862
Medium
Wood, metal
Dimensions
Overall: 14 1/2 x 98 x 12 in. ( 36.8 x 248.9 x 30.5 cm )
Description
Builder's plating half-model of the U.S.S. Monitor, mounted on backboard; scribing lines indicate placement and curvature of iron plates, nails show areas of riveting.
Credit Line
Gift of Thomas Fitch Rowland
Object Number
1862.9
Gallery Label
Models like the one shown here were developed by ironclad warship builders to show the curvature of the iron armor designed to protect a ship's wooden hull. The original plating half-model of the U. S. S. Monitor--the first ironclad naval vessel with a revolving gun turret--this artifact was donated to the Society by the builder. Revolutionizing marine warfare at the time, the Monitor became renowned when it fought the C. S. S. Virginia to a standstill on March 9, 1862 at Hampton Roads, Virginia in one of history's most significant naval battles. (The Confederates re-fitted the U. S. S. Merrimack, a captured Union ship, and re-named it the C. S. S. Virginia.)
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
