From Civil War Talk "C.S.S. Virginia"
Of course, her two most famous sorties were against the Union fleet on March 8 and the next day, March 9, 1862, which resulted in the battle with the USS Monitor.
But, altogether, she made five sorties against the enemy:
MARCH 8, 1862
Maiden voyage. Engagement with USS Cumberland and USS Congress.
MARCH 9, 1862
Engagement with USS Monitor in Hampton Roads.
APRIL 11, 1862
The Virginia enters Hampton Roads. Federal transports flee the harbor to the protection of Fort Monroe. The USS Monitor stays in the channel, but does not accept the Virginia's challenge.
MAY 8, 1862
The CSS Virginia steams down the Elizabeth River from Gosport Navy Yard to contest the Union advance and stays out of Hampton Roads hoping to engage the USS Monitor.
MAY 11, 1862
Attempting to escape up the James River, after Gosport is captured by the Union Army, the Virginia can't be made light enough to travel as far as planned up the shallow part of the river. Trapped with no escape, the ship is scuttled, and fired, causing a great explosion, destroying the ship.
So, From Maiden Voyage to Destruction, Her Career Was Just Over Two Months. --Old B-Runner
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