USS Monitor Legacy Program: Alabama Ironclads

Alabama Ironclads

Presenter: John V. Quarstein, Director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center

About the lecture: When Mobile became the Confederacy’s most important Gulf port, Alabama emerged as a center for ironclad construction. This presentation explores the development of vessels including CSS Tennessee, the South’s most formidable ram. Despite strong armor and firepower, Tennessee was outmatched during Admiral Farragut’s 1864 attack on Mobile Bay. The program examines Alabama’s ironclads, their strengths, limitations, and ultimate surrender in 1865.

Advance registration is required whether you attend the lecture in person or online. You can register to attend in person or online via our website: https://www.marinersmuseum.org/event/alabama-ironclads/

Image credit: CSS Tennessee. F. Muller, artist. Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, NH 83805-KN.