The bronze bell of the USS Tallahassee stands proudly in front of City Hall. Originally USS Florida, the monitor was built in 1898 and launched in 1901. Monitors were ships that sat low in the water, some having a freeboard of only 3 feet, and usually carried one or two very large main guns. The idea being to carry the biggest gun, while providing the smallest target. Monitors served as coastal defense as they were no match for ocean waves. Check out the video for more on the history of this shi

📢 You don't want to miss this! 📢 Join us Saturday, March 8, for our Battle of Hampton Roads Commemoration! This year's event will highlight the 50th anniversary of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and many of the maritime careers, past and present, that have been a part of Monitor's story. 🥼 STEM challenges ⚓ TWO In-person Lectures 🤿 Maritime Career Exploration ✨ and more! PLUS... guests 10 and over will have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes into the Batten Conservation Complex a

Time to start the celebrations! More than 150 years ago, the USS Monitor made history during the battle of Hampton Roads. And 46 years ago tomorrow, Monitor National Marine Sanctuary was designated to protect the resting time of this historic warship. Happy anniversary to Monitor National Marine Sanctuary! Learn more about your sanctuary at http://monitor.noaa.gov/. | NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries