Presenter
John V. Quarstein
Director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center
About the Lecture
Perhaps the major naval battle technique was smashing into an enemy’s vessel to sink it. This was popular throughout the Greco-Roman era. The October 1571 Battle of Lepanto was the last major battle to feature ramming techniques. This tactical action was achieved by oared galleries; however, the use of ship-mounted cannons would not allow an enemy’s vessel to make contact. On March 8, 1862, the shot-proof ironclad ram CSS Virginia reintroduced this naval tactic when the Confederate ironclad sank USS Cumberland.
Registration information:
Location: Explorers Theater
Seating is limited. Advance registration is required.
In person
Free for Museum Members.
Included in $1 admission.
Virtual
This lecture is livestreamed
and free to watch online.
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Image credit: Sinking of the Cumberland by the Iron Clad Merrimac, off Newport News, VA March 8th, 1862. The Mariners’ Museum and Park, 1933.0460.000001.