USS Monitor Legacy Program: Turret Evolutions

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

About the lecture: The use of turrets on land and sea predates USS Monitor, with origins reaching back to the 1st century. Rounded turret designs offered wide fields of fire and deflected enemy shots. During the Civil War, armored ship-mounted turrets proved their effectiveness, while sloped armor casemates further improved protection. These innovations, introduced by USS Monitor and CSS Virginia in 1862, continue to shape modern turret design.

Advance registration is required whether you attend the lecture in person or online. In person attendance is free for Museum Members, $1 for guests. This lecture is livestreamed and free to watch online. You can register on our website: https://www.marinersmuseum.org/event/turret-evolutions/

Image Credit: View of the Interior of the Passaic‘s turret. Courtesy Naval History and Heritage Command, NH 58734.