1. Battle of Hampton Roads (March 8-9, 1862): This was the first battle between ironclad warships in history. The Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimack) engaged the Union's USS Monitor in a fierce exchange off the coast of Virginia. The battle ended in a draw, showcasing the effectiveness of iron armor and the dawn of a new era in naval warfare.
2. Battle of Drewry's Bluff (May 15, 1862): The CSS Virginia, along with other Confederate vessels, confronted Union ships in an attempt to break the Union blockade of the James River. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory, demonstrating the vulnerability of wooden ships against ironclads.
3. Battle of the Yazoo River (May 22, 1862): The Confederate ironclad CSS Arkansas engaged Union ships on the Yazoo River in Mississippi, challenging Union control over the waterway. The battle ended with the destruction of the Arkansas, but it highlighted the importance of ironclads in controlling rivers and waterways.
4. Battle of Mobile Bay (August 5, 1864): In one of the most decisive naval engagements of the Civil War, Admiral David Farragut led a fleet of Union ships, including ironclads, into Mobile Bay to confront Confederate forces. Despite heavy resistance from forts and Confederate ironclads, Farragut's fleet triumphed, effectively sealing off the port of Mobile and contributing to the Union's blockade of the Confederacy.
5. Battle of Fort Fisher (January 13-15, 1865): Union forces launched an amphibious assault on Fort Fisher, a critical Confederate stronghold guarding the entrance to the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. Ironclads played a vital role in suppressing Confederate artillery and providing support for landing troops. The capture of Fort Fisher was a major blow to the Confederacy and contributed to the Union's eventual victory in the war.
These are just a few examples of the significant engagements during the Civil War where ironclad warships were utilized. The introduction of ironclad vessels revolutionized naval warfare and greatly influenced the conflict, shifting the balance of power and shaping the outcomes of battles.