The U.S.S. Monitor Historical Marker, situated in Hatteras, North Carolina, commemorates an ironclad warship that revolutionized naval warfare during the American Civil War. Launched on January 30, 1862, the Monitor clashed with the C.S.S. Virginia (Merrimac) in a groundbreaking battle of ironclad ships. Unfortunately, it was lost amidst a gale on December 31, 1862, approximately 17 miles southeast of Hatteras. Discovered at a depth of about 240 feet in 1973, the Monitor is now resting bottom up.

The marker is part of a series dedicated to significant places in the Civil War vessels history, with another notable feature being an unusual bronze relief tablet depicting the Monitor and its historical narrative. Notably, beneath this modest stone marker, two unidentified sailors from the Union ironclad ship are laid to rest.

The U.S.S. Monitor is renowned for its revolving turret that had a profound impact on naval warfare during the Civil War era. It remains an essential part of American naval history and stands as a symbol of the transformative nature of naval warfare during that time.

As a tour guide, focus on vivid descriptions to create engaging content about this fascinating historical location. The content should be designed for conversion to audio format, with an emphasis on capturing listeners imaginations. Remember, standard introductions and closures are not necessary in this format, and the content should flow well as a standalone audio segment.