The Battle of Hampton Roads was a significant naval battle fought during the American Civil War on March 8-9, 1862. It marked the first meeting in combat of ironclad warships, specifically the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. The battle took place near Hampton Roads, Virginia, and was part of the larger conflict between the Union and the Confederacy. The engagement ended in a stalemate, with neither side achieving a decisive victory. However, it demonstrated the effectiveness of ironclad ships, leading to a transformation in naval warfare. The battle also highlighted the strategic importance of controlling waterways during the Civil War.