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Tinclads and Timberclads Change Riverine Warfare

Friday, July 10, 2026

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EDT

In Person | Virtual

Attend this Event

Tinclads and Timberclads Change Riverine Warfare

John V. Quarstein
Director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center

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.

Portrait of historian and author John V. Quarstein sitting on a bench inside The Mariners' Museum.
John V. Quarstein

Advance registration is required to attend the lecture in person.

Free for Museum Members.
$1 for guests.

This lecture is livestreamed
and free to watch online.

For additional assistance, questions, or support:

Guest Relations
[email protected]
(757) 596-2222

Image Credit: USS Tyler. Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, NH 49975

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