Surviving the long, hot summer in 1862

Following Union defeat during the battle of Drewry’s Bluff on May 15, 1862, USS Monitor was assigned to help defend the Army of the Potomac’s encampment at Harrison’s Landing. The crew, terrorized by mosquitos and flies, fried in eastern Virginia’s intense heat and humidity. Living on an ironclad during the summer was demoralizing, distracting, not to mention boring, with nothing to do but drink, gamble, and write letters home. Somehow the crew and the ironclad survived that tortuous summer.

This video is for your personal use only, and no further use is permitted. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or provide access to this video to any other person or entity. All rights are reserved by The Mariners' Museum and Park. © 2022 The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, Va.