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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
USS Merrimack Relic
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

USS Merrimack Relic

Artifact IDMO 1954.11
Object Type Relic, Historic
Maker
Date1862
Mediumrelic: wood, paper (cardstock), ink, string
box cover: fabric, cardboard, glass, tape
Dimensionsobject (wood fragment) H 3/8 in x W 2 1/2 in x D 5/8 in (1 cm x 6.4 cm x 1.6 cm )
 box/case (cover only) H 5/8 in x W 2 5/8 in x D 1 1/2 in (1.6 cm x 6.7 cm x 3.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA sliver of wood from the steam frigate, USS MERRIMACK (1855). Tied to the piece of wood with string is a cardstock label on which are two handwritten messages in ink (in different hands). One message reads: armor plated / "Merrimac" / 1862. The other message reads: To E. D. [Edward Delano?] from / Rich. Williamson. / 1862.

The wood sliver is stored in the cover of a small box which has a woven fabric surround with clear glass insert in the center.
Historical NoteThe steam frigate USS MERRIMACK (1856-1861) - sometimes incorrectly referred to as the USS MERRIMAC - was completed in 1855 at the Boston Navy Yard. Commissioned in 1856, the ship was for a time the flagship of the Pacific Squadron. After its decommission in 1860, the MERRIMACK was burned and sunk by Federal forces the following year while anchored at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia. The Confederacy salvaged the ship and converted it to an armored ironclad, commissioned as the CSS VIRGINIA in 1862.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Mrs. James Lawrence (Katherine Delano) Houghteling in July 1953.
Credit LineGift of Katherine Delano Houghteling
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesUnited States Navy Materials (National Archives Identifier 782673)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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