America's First National Marine Sanctuary

Travel back in time to 1862 and learn about the USS Monitor, the Union's first ironclad. Discover why it was built, the importance of the first battle between ironclads, and how Monitor met its demise. Learn who found the ship in 1973, and how it became our first national marine sanctuary. Today, Monitor plays a pivotal role in leading the way to protect other historic cultural resources off North Carolina's coast. Learn about one of the largest collections of World War II shipwrecks off America's coast that lies just offshore offering a wealth of opportunities for scuba divers and all those who love history.