A USS Monitor Christmas-- Part 5: Sank A Week Later

Thus ended the only Christmas the USS Monitor would ever have.  Few aboard would have expected the ship would sink less that a week later, on December 31, 1862.  Sixteen of its crew, including Jacob Nicklis who had been so proud of his delicious meal on Christmas, went down with her.

Today, you can view artifacts from the USS Monitor at the Mariners' Museum at Newport News.  Starting in November the museum lowered its admission to $1, even better.

The Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe gives visitors the chance to experience the historical fort.

And, for those wishing to experience the festive holiday enjoyed by the Monitor's sailors, you can find Monitor inspired libations at the Ironclad Distillery in Newport News and Oozlefinch Craft Brewery in Hampton.

--Old B-R'er