(Civil War Lecture) Adm Franklin Buchanan: Sink Before Surrender!

Join us for a Civil War lecture with author and historian John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center. Quarstein will give a presentation on Admiral Franklin Buchanan, the commander of CSS Virginia during the Battle of Hampton Roads.

Admiral Franklin Buchanan served in the US Navy for 45 years. His dynamic career witnessed his establishing the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, fighting with distinction during the Mexican War, and commanding USS Susquehanna during the Perry Expedition to Japan. He was commandant of the Washington Navy Yard when the Civil War began. He resigned his commission after the Baltimore Riot on May 19, 1861. Eventually, he joined the Confederate navy. Buchanan was named commander of the James River Defenses with CSS Virginia as his flagship. On March 8, 1862, he led Virginia as the ironclad destroyed USS Cumberland and USS Congress. Wounded during that engagement, he was detailed as commander of the Confederate fleet defending Mobile Bay, Alabama, and was forced to surrender his flagship, CSS Tennessee II, on August 5, 1864.

Attendees are welcome to send comments or questions to John, and he will answer them following his talk.

This lecture is part of the Battle of Hampton Roads Commemoration at The Mariners' Museum and Park.

Attending in person? This program is free with $1 admission, and free for Mariners’ Museum Members.

Watching remotely? This program is free to watch and you must register in advance.

Advance registration is required whether you attend the lecture in person or online.