Monitor National Marine Sanctuary

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary

Parks Directory of the United States / Marine Sanctuaries

Address: c/o The Mariners' Museum
100 Museum Dr
Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 757-599-3122;
Fax: 757-591-7353;
Web: monitor.noaa.gov
Location: 16 miles south southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Sanctuary boundaries protect the wreck site of the USS Monitor and the waters above it, which total an area approximately one mile in diameter.
Activities: Diving.
Special Features: The USS Monitor wreck site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Description: Description: The USS Monitor was a prototype vessel built for the Union Navy that now rests 240 feet under water in a bow-down position on a flat, sandy seafloor. On March 9, 1862, the Monitor engaged in a four-hour battle with the confederate ship, the USS Virginia. The Monitor survived the battle, but sunk later that year in a storm off the coast of North Carolina. The vessel remained unveiled for more than 100 years before scientists discovered it in 1973. The USS Monitor is historically significant because it marked the end of an era of wooden-hulled sailing warships. After the 1862 battle, wars at sea would be won or lost with ironclad, turreted, and steam-powered vessels. Facilities: The Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia, maintains a permanent USS Monitor exhibit. The museum also retains possession of artifacts, ship components, historical research materials, and scientific data obtained during expeditions and research activities. Environmental Issues: Protecting the wreck site and preventing further damage and deterioration from both natural processes and human activities, such as boat anchoring and fishing. Access: The USS Monitor wreck is accessible to divers when accompanied by a sanctuary observer.
Year Designated: The Monitor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in October of 1974 as a resource of national significance. In January, 1975, it became the first National Marine Sanctuary.

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