Bang Clang Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Bang Clang Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Bang Clang Day is celebrated on March 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Bang Clang Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about Bang Clang Day.

📅 What day is Bang Clang Day 2024?

In 2024, Bang Clang Day is on Thursday, March 9th. It is the 2nd Thursday in March; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the fun details and facts about March 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Bang-Clang Day is an annual event held on March 9th to remember the Battle of Hampton Roads during the American Civil War in 1862. This battle stands out because it was the first time two ironclad ships engaged in combat, hence the name of the day. The CSS Virginia, representing the Confederacy, and the USS Monitor, representing the Union, fought for two days, marking a significant change in naval warfare. On Bang-Clang Day, we are reminded to appreciate the engineering marvel that forever transformed fleets worldwide.

📜 Bang Clang Day History

However, Virginia’s reign of terror was short-lived when the North’s Monitor came onto the scene. This 172-foot armored ship, built with a groundbreaking design in Brooklyn, arrived at Hampton Roads, Virginia on March 9. The Virginia was attempting to destroy the Union’s wooden ship, the Minnesota, but the Monitor put up a tough fight.

The battle lasted for approximately three hours before both ships retreated to their respective bases. However, this did not bring an end to the blockade.

Unfortunately, their adventures were abruptly cut short. The Virginia was blown up by its own crew after the Confederate withdrawal from Norfolk in May of that same year. On the other hand, the Monitor sank off the coast of North Carolina in December. Nearly a century later, in 1973, the wreckage of the Monitor was discovered. In 2002, divers were able to recover some of its artifacts.

✅ Bang Clang Day Facts

🔖 The first of its kind
The “Gloire” was the first ironclad ship ever constructed, and it was built by France in 1859.

🔖 The first ocean battle
Austria and Italy engaged in the first naval battle on the open sea and the first confrontation of ironclad fleets in 1866.

🔖 Iron goes back a long way
During the 1500s, Admiral Yi-Sun, a celebrated Korean hero, equipped his renowned “turtle ships” with protective armor plates to safeguard them against arrows, bullets, and fire.

👍 Why Is Bang Clang Day Important

The introduction of ironclads rapidly ended the use of wooden ships. This is because the lump of metal might easily destroy them.

The world’s most powerful navy, notably the United Kingdom and France, halted the manufacture of wooden ships. They began to use iron instead.

Aside from the usage of iron, the war also resulted in advancements in ship design. We adore new ideas.

🙂 How To Observe Bang Clang Day

⚡ Watch a movie
Check out the Emmy-nominated TV movie “Ironclads” released in 1991, which depicts the events of a battle.

⚡ Take a road trip to Virginia
The Mariners’ Museum & Park in Virginia houses an impressive collection of over 200 tons of artifacts recovered from the USS Monitor. Additionally, visitors can also explore the American Civil War Museum, where they can view the exhibited anchor of the CSS Virginia.

⚡ Read a poem about it
Grab your reading glasses and take a seat to delve into Herman Melville’s 1866 poem titled “A Utilitarian View of the Monitor’s Fight.” This poem vividly recounts the events of the battle, offering a unique perspective.

📅 When is Bang Clang Day?

See all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Historical holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Bang Clang Day. So be sure to check back soon.