The Monitor and the Merrimac? Wrong!

[scgargoyle]

I read an interesting article about the famous battle of the Monitor and the Merrimac, and it turns out the Merrimac was officially commissioned as the CSS Virginia. Where did the name 'Merrimac' come from? Originally, she was the Merrimac, a steam and sail conventional ship. After burning to the waterline, they armored it with 4" thick iron plate, and built the small turret above water. Although re-named the Virginia, sailors feel it is bad luck to re-name a ship, so even back in the day, she was usually called the Merrimac. Something to add to my 'gee-whiz' file.....

[CTYank]

Sorry, but the Battle of Hampton Roads participant with the "little" cheesebox turret was the U.S.S. Monitor. The U.S.S. Merrimac/C.S.S. Virginia had the usual rows of gun-ports in line along the hull.
Hearing protection required.

[scgargoyle]

Right you are, CTYank! Most of the article was from the Monitor's perspective, so I got them mixed up. See how easy it is to 're-write' history? :D