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You are here: Home / Archives for CSS Virginia

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Cannon Ball Fired by a Ship Accompanying the CSS Virginia (Merrimack)

January 14, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Cannon ball taken from the rudder post of the USS Cumberland
Cannon ball taken from the rudder post of the USS Cumberland

New technology met “the way we’ve always done things” in a big way on March 8, 1862, off the coast of Virginia. The old war sloop, the USS Cumberland, and four other wooden Navy sailing ships faced off against the CSS Virginia (formerly the Merrimack), the world’s first steam-powered and iron-clad warship. This ship instantly made every Navy ship in the world obsolete. The Union ships were all defeated or run aground. The Cumberland was sunk.

Cleaning out one of the cases at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we found this great memento from this landmark sea battle that changed naval history forever.  The painting shows the USS Cumberland on fire and being rammed by the CSS Virginia.

USS Cumberland on fire and being rammed by the CSS Virginia
USS Cumberland on fire and being rammed by the CSS Virginia

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, CSS Virginia, Merrimack, Navy, varnum memorial armory

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

Recent Posts

  • [DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
  • Varnum Armory Bathroom Renovation!
  • Watch the Varnum Armory on Rhode Island Wave!

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