The Battle of Hampton Roads in Virginia, USA, featured the first clash between ironclad warships: the Union's USS Monitor, designed by John Ericsson, and the Confederate's CSS Virginia. Both ships were steam-powered, with Ericsson's Monitor featuring a revolving turret. This battle marked a turning point in naval warfare, demonstrating the superiority of steam-powered, ironclad vessels over wooden ships.

The battle between the Monitor and the Virginia is a defining moment in American history, captured in literature and poetry. The 'Monitor' became a symbol of Northern industrial might and technological innovation. Its story has been told and retold in verse, reflecting the profound impact of the Civil War on American poetry and the nation's self-image.