Vocabulary

Aground -When a ship moves into water that is too shallow for her to float and becomes stuck on the sea bottom.
Blockade - To form a line of ships in order to close a port.
Casemate - A fortified enclosure.
CSS - Abbreviation for Confederate States Ship.
Draft - he depth of a ship's hull.
Ebb - The flow of the tide back toward the sea.
Expedition - A voyage of exploration.
Foundry -A factory where iron is made.
Hampton Roads - The area of water where the James River, Elizabeth River, and the Chesapeake Bay meet.
Hull - The body of a ship.
Intercept - To stop or interfere with the progress of something.
Ironclad - Originally a wooden ship that had iron plate attached to its sides to protect it from damage. The term is often used to describe any Civil War ship that was made of iron.
Magazine - A storage compartment for ammunition.
Pilot -Someone who steers a ship. Also someone who knows a harbor or river and directs ships through the safe channels.
Planking -The outer covering of the sides of a ship.
Secede - To withdraw or leave a group.
Strategy - A plan of action.
Steam Engine - A motor that gets its power from compressed steam. When a ship with a steam engine is moving it is generally said to be "steaming," or "under steam."
USS - Abbreviation for United States Ship.
Turret - A round, fortified structure resembling a tower.
Vessel - A ship.
Waterline - The highest place where water touches the side of a ship.

We're in a race to conserve history! Follow along as artifacts are uncovered and more facts are learned about the Monitor and the men who served aboard!

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From the heart breaking accounts of life aboard the ironclads to thrilling descriptions of the battles recounted by those who witnessed them you're sure to learn something new!