John Lorimer Worden (1818–1897) was a navy officer in the
American Civil War. He is remembered for commanding the
Union ship
USS Monitor at the
Battle of Hampton Roads, the first engagement between
ironclad steamships, during the
American Civil War. On March 9, 1862, Worden took the Monitor to challenge the
Confederate vessel Virginia, a converted steam-frigate that had sunk a Union blockader and damaged two others. After a four-hour battle, both ships withdrew, unable to pierce the other's armor. In recognition of the battle, the state of New York granted Worden a custom-made gold and silver inlaid sword.Photograph:
Mathew Brady; restoration:
Adam Cuerden