Abstract
In 1987, the wreck site of USS Monitor was the scene of a systematic gathering of baseline archaeological data to assess the condition of the wreck. Advanced oceanographic tools, a ROV, and a sonar-based positioning system were used to carry out the project. Four tasks were planned and executed: (1) to define the extent of the archaeological site through analysis of the artifact scatter away from the wreck proper; (2) to make a controlled photographic map of the hull in plan and elevation views; (3) to study the corrosion processes at the site; and (4) to acquire 35-mm stereo photographs of selected specific details of the vessel’s construction for historical engineering analysis. Additionally, the opportunity arose to carry out a fifth task, the acquisition of detailed, close-range, high-resolution imagery of the hull by sector-scanning sonar. With the present study accomplished it became apparent that the site is rapidly being destroyed by human and natural causes. Active steps to preserve the Monitor are recommended up to and including the complete recovery of the wreck and its contents.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Arnold, J. Barto III, G. Michael Fleshman, Ervan G. Garrison, Dina B. Hill, Curtiss E. Peterson, W. Kenneth Stewart, Gordon P. Watts, Jr., and Clark P. Weldon 1991 USS Monitor. Update on Data Analysis from the 1987 Season. Underwater Archaeology Proceedings from the Society for Historical Archaeology Conference, edited by John D. Broadwater, pp. 71–72. Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania.
Arnold, J. Barto III, G. Michael Fleshman, Dina B. Hill, Curtiss E. Peterson, W. Kenneth Stewart, Stephen R. Gegg, Gordon P. Watts, Jr., and Clark Weldon 1991 The 1987 Expedition to the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary: Data Analysis and Final Report. Sanctuaries and Reserves Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Washington, D.C.
Arnold, J. Barto III, J. F. Jenkins, Edward D. Miller, Ernest W. Peterkin, Curtiss Peterson, and W. Ken Stewart 1988 USS Monitor Project: Preliminary Report on 1987 Field Work. Underwater Archaeology Proceedings from the Society for Historical Archaeology Conference, edited by James P. Delgado, pp. 6–9. Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania.
Cummings, Calvin 1987 The USS Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Underwater Archaeology Proceedings from the Society for Historical Archaeology Conference, edited by Alan B. Albright, pp. 124–127. Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania.
1988 The USS Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Symposium Introduction. Underwater Archaeology Proceedings from the Society for Historical Archaeology Conference, edited by James P. Delgado, pp. 145–147. Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania.
Miller, Edward W. 1987 Monitor Expedition 87–1 Operation Plan 15 May–12 June 1987: A Joint Expedition between the Marine and Estuarine Management Division, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving United States Navy. On File, NOAA, Washington, D.C.
Nordby, Larry V. 1988 Archaeological Documentation, Anthropological Orientation, and USS Monitor. Underwater Archaeology Proceedings from the Society for Historical Archaeology Conference, edited by James P. Delgado, pp. 148–154. Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania.
Peterkin, Ernest W. 1985 Drawings of the USS Monitor, A Catalog and Technical Analysis. NOAA and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Raleigh.
Peterson, Curtiss E. 1987 Conserving the Monitor. Underwater Archaeology Proceedings from the Society for Historical Archaeology Conference, edited by Alan B. Albright, pp. 139–140. Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania.
Rippeteau, Bruce R. 1987 Discussant Remarks. Underwater Archaeology Proceedings from the Society for Historical Archaeology Conference, edited by Alan B. Albright, p. 141. Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania.
Stewart, W. Kenneth 1991a Visualization Resources and Strategies for Remote Subsea Exploration. In Scientific Visualization of Physical Phenomena, edited by N. M. Patrikalakis, pp. 85–109. Springer-Verlag, Tokyo.
1991b Multisensor Visualization for Underwater Archaeology. IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, March:13–18.
Stewart, W. Kenneth 1991c High-Resolution Optical and Acoustic Remote Sensing for Underwater Exploration. Oceanus 34(1):10–22.
Still, William N., Jr. 1988a Ironclad Captains: The Commanding Officers of the USS Monitor. NOAA, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
1988b Monitor Builders: A Historical Study of the Principal Firms and Individuals Involved in the Construction of USS Monitor. On File, National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
Watts, Gordon P., Jr. 1982 Investigating the Remains of the USS Monitor. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Raleigh.
Watts, Gordon P. 1987 A Decade of Research: Investigation of the USS Monitor. Underwater Archaeology Proceedings from the Society for Historical Archaeology Conference, edited by Alan B. Albright, pp. 128–139. Society for Historical Archaeology, California, Pennsylvania.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Arnold, J.B., Fleshman, G.M., Peterson, C.E. et al. USS Monitor: Results from the 1987 season. Hist Arch 26, 47–57 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03374514
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03374514