In a message dated 97-12-16 22:57:27 EST, favres@engmail.ulinear.com writes:
<< The modern
idea of a revolving turret originated with the Monitor class Ironclads
of the US Civil War (War of Northern Aggression to you Southerners). ;=)
Although the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac was technically
a draw, the strategic outcome was decisive. The Merrimac's mission was
to devastate the Union fleet. It was doing a pretty good job of it.
The Monitor's mission was to prevent this. After the battle, the
Merrimac never sailed again. The Monitor became the prototype for a
fleet of Ironclads that successfully enforced the Union blocakde against
the South. The Monitor itself sank off Cape Hatteras after the war. >>
Just a few "clarifications" on the above info:
1. The War of northern AGRESSION is just called "The War" around here. (South
Carolina)
2. Merrimac was a yankee name for the CSS Virginia.
3. The Monitor was sunk off Hatteras, but it was during the War, while she was
under tow to help with the illegal blockade of Charleston.
4. SVRA will hold the 5th Annual Blue-Gray Challenge at Summit Point October
1-4, 1998.
If you enjoy Civil War aguments mixed with humor and good vintage racing,
don't miss it.
Jack Woehrle
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