Lawnfield, Library Continue Civil War Series With The Monitor V. Merrimac

James A. Garfield National Historic Site and Mentor Public Library will continue their series of lunchtime talks on the major battles of the Civil War with "The Battles of Hampton Roads" at noon Wednesday.

Park Ranger Scott Longert will lead the free talk at noon this Wednesday in the library's main branch.

Hampton Roads was a naval battle fought off the southeastern coast of Virginia on March 9, 1862.

It is best known for the showdown that took place between the famous ironclad warships USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, which is often referred to as the Merrimac because it was made from the remnants of the old USS Merrimac.

"Hampton Roads is one of the most well-known of the Civil War’s naval battles," said Todd Arrington, the chief of education at James A. Garfield National Historic Site.

"The use of ironclad warships demonstrates how improving technology impacted the course of the war. This battle affected not only the Civil War but the future of naval warfare everywhere."

This monthly series will continue April 11 with a talk on the Battle of Shiloh.

The series coincides with the park's commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

All of the talks are free and open to the public. However, those interested should register beforehand. They can do so on the library's website or by calling 440-255-8811.