March 8/9th, 1862:  AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (1861-1864)

The CSS Virginia and USS Monitor fought to a draw in the first-ever clash between ironclad warships at Hampton Roads, Virginia.  The CSS Virginia was intentionally destroyed by its crew in May 1862, following the Confederate evacuation of Norfolk. The USS Monitor sank on December 31, 1862, off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, during a violent storm.

THE engagement in Hampton Roads on the 8th of March, 1862, between the Confederate iron-clad Virginia, or the Merrimac (as she is known at the North), and the United States wooden fleet, and that on the 9th between the Virginia and the Monitor, was, in its result, in some respect the most momentous naval conflict ever witnessed. No battle was ever more widely discussed or produced a greater sensation. It revolutionized the navies of the world.
                                                                                                                – Colonel John Taylor Wood, C.S.A. –
 

                                                                                                          

News:  You are invited to join THE AFRICAN QUEEN FACEBOOK GROUP.

News:  take the WEBSITE SURVEY let us know how we are doing!

OUR MISSION

Honor veterans, preserve military history & technology, offer a unique hands-on educational experience via our rare vehicles collection, and inspire the public to serve their communities and nation as active and engaged citizens.

 

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION

The centerpiece of the African Queen Project is a 1943 M16A2 half-track, built by the White Motor Company in Cleveland, Ohio, that served U.S. and French forces in Europe, Asia, and Africa between 1943 and the 1960s.  Meticulously conserved and authentically restored to its full operational state, the African Queen half-track allows you to interact with history and learn about the technology, service, and sacrifice that has made the U.S. the nation it is today.  Take a video tour of the African Queen when it was on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

HONORING VETERANS

The African Queen vehicles represent American honor, craftsmanship, and patriotism.  A tribute to our Greatest Generation, the African Queen M16A2 half-track has proudly served in three major conflicts on three continents.  The African Queen Project’s ongoing restoration, preservation, and education efforts honor the service of American veterans, connect civilians with veterans, and pass our veterans’ experiences and sacrifices on to the next generation. 

EDUCATION & G-STEM PROGRAMS

The African Queen Project was founded in 2020 by a group of individuals dedicated to developing a unique mobile educational and historical experience and to inspiring others to serve their communities and our nation as active, engaged citizens.  We offer an exciting opportunity for “hands-on history” to stimulate educational interests through Geography, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (G-STEM).  We are dedicated to keeping our nation’s vibrant military history alive and relevant for you, today’s citizen.  We bring living history to you!