On this date 150 years ago, the Confederate army in Virginia under General Joseph Johnston moved to a position near Rappahannock Station close to the Rappahannock River. Union soldiers under General McClellan moved out, but did not engage the rebels. They soon returned to Alexandria after finding only empty camps left by the Confederates.

In a battle of special significance to naval warfare, the CSS "Merrimack" and the USS "Monitor" clashed in the harbor at Hampton Roads. Beginning around 0900 hours, fighting continued for about two hours until injuries forced both commanders to pull back. While the exchange of fire was impressive, there was relatively little damage done to either vessel and the battle had no real victor.