Monitor National Marine Sanctuary
- Also Known As: Shipwreck Site and Remains, USS MONITOR
- Vicinity: Off the North Carolina coast, 16 mi SE of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Situated just 16 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, NC, Monitor National Marine Sanctuary protects the shipwreck of the famed Civil War ironclad, USS Monitor. The Monitor, while under tow to Beaufort, NC, sank during a storm on December 31, 1862, and was not discovered until 1973. Today the sanctuary is managed by a staff of seven full-time employees through a combination of education, archaeology, marine science and regulatory programs. Staff members are located at offices in Newport News, Va. - NOAA
Visiting
Visiting the USS Monitor is not easy as it lies on the bottom of the ocean at about 240 feet. Fortunately, for those who don't want to get their feet wet, there are many places that offer visitors the opportunity to discover the wonders of this great ship. From our primary visitor's center at The Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Va, to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, people can walk through exhibits, interact with kiosks, download videos and more. Each venue offers visitors a better understanding of the significant contributions Monitor made to our nation's history. - NOAA