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Model of Merrimac (CSS Virginia) which fought USS Monitor on March 9, 1862
Model of CSS Virginia  (aka Merrimac  ), which participated with the USS Monitor  in the famous battle of ironclads at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on March 9, 1862. This battle made wooden ships obsolete and changed the course of Nava

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

Established in 1949 within the nation's oldest shipyard, the museum was later moved in 1963 to the Portsmouth waterfront at Riverfront Park. At the new location, visitors can experience a steady stream of vessels from pleasure craft to aircraft carriers.

The museum displays many ship models and artifacts related to the armed forces, including the history of the naval shipyard, the Portsmouth area, and the history of the world famous C.S.S. Virginia (formerly the Merrimac). Ship models, uniforms, flags and arms of all types, from early muskets to the Polaris missile, are featured. Exhibits also portray the lifestyle and history of 18th and 19th century Portsmouth.

The Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth was established in 1767 under the British flag. Famous Naval vessels associated with the shipyard and highlighted at the museum are: the U.S. Frigate Chesapeake, which was built in Portsmouth in the late 18th century; the U.S.S. Delaware, which was the first ship drydocked in the United States at Portsmouth; and the U.S. Shangri-la, launched in 1944, which was one of 101 naval vessels built at the shipyard to serve during World War II.

Documentation includes a text report, several brochures, 15 photographs and numerous newspaper articles, and jackets from books about Portsmouth and naval history.

Originally submitted by: Norman Sisisky, Representative (4th District).



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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

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