Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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

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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

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.

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