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USS Merrimack is launched at the Boston Navy yard.
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USS Merrimack is commissioned.
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USS Merrimack is completed.
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USS Merrimack put out of commission at the Norfolk Navy Yard.
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USS Monitor is commissioned in New York.
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USS Merrimack scuttled and burned at the Norfolk navy yard.
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Senator James W. Grimes of Iowa introduces a bill to have an ironclad ship built for the war.
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Senate Bill 36 authorizing the construction of an ironclad vessel becomes law.
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Keel of the USS Monitor is laid down in New York.
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Lieutenant John L. Worden is assigned to command the newly built USS Monitor.
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USS Monitor is launched Brooklyn, New York.
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USS Monitor makes its first trials in New York harbor.
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USS Monitor leaves New York for Hampton Roads.
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Battle of Hampton Roads (March 8-9) between the CSS Virginia and USS Monitor.
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Famed USS Monitor sinks off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, while sailing to Beaufort, North Carolina.