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When the Union abandoned the Norfolk Navy yard in April 1861, they failed to do a thorough job of scuttling the U.S.S. Merrimack. The Confederate Navy Secretary ordered the Merrimack to be raised and repaired, and converted as quickly as possible into an ironclad ram. By March 1862, the tremendous job was done. The Confederates renamed the ship the C.S.S. Virginia.
On March 8, 1862, the C.S.S. Virginia sank two Union ships -- the Cumberland and the Congress. While sinking the Cumberland the Virginia lost her iron prow.
On March 9, the Virginia came back to destroy the U.S.S. Minnesota. The U.S.S. Moniter, a Union ironclad, was waiting behind the Minnesota. After the first shot was fired, the Moniter came in front of the Virginia. After about six hours, the Virginia left. Neither ship won the battle. This was the first time there were two ironclad ships in a battle.
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