Following Union defeat during the battle of Drewry’s Bluff on May 15, 1862, USS Monitor was assigned to help defend the Army of the Potomac’s encampment at Harrison’s Landing. The crew, terrorized by mosquitos and flies, fried in eastern Virginia’s intense heat and humidity. Living on an ironclad during the summer was demoralizing, distracting, not to mention boring, with nothing to do but drink, gamble, and write letters home. Somehow the crew and the ironclad survived that tortuous summer.

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This lecture is free with $1 admission, and free for Mariners’ Museum Members. Seating is limited. 

Watching remotely?
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