Tinclads and Timberclads Change Riverine Warfare
Presenter:
John V. Quarstein
Director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center
About the lecture:
At the war’s beginning, the Union purchased civilian steamers to help it control and conquer the Mississippi River Valley. Since they could not build ironclads fast enough, Samuel Pook and Commander George Rodgers conceived a plan to turn commercial steamboats into warships. Three ships, Lexington, Tyler, and Conestoga, were covered by layers of wood and armed with heavy cannons.

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In person
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$1 for guests.
Virtual
This lecture is livestreamed
and free to watch online.
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Image Credit: USS Tyler. Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, NH 49975