h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As noted before, the hulk of the USS Merrrimack was refloated and refitted in 1861 at the Norfolk Navy Yard, where she was being fitted out. Since she was the most advanced (Wooden) warship of her time, the Commanding Officer of the shipyard ordered her scuttled at her berth when it was obvious that the Confederates were about to overrun the shipyard. She was salvaged and sheathed in iron, and wrapped with rails from a nearby railroad track for extra protection. For 150 years, historians insisted on calling her the Merrimack, (Since the Union won the war, they got to write the history books.) She is now, officially, recorded in Naval Records and most history books as "CSS Virginia."

One more thing I forgot to mention. Due to advances in "stealth technology" the newest class of U S Navy Destroyers, and Coast Guard Cutters, look an awful lot like the "CSS Virginia." The sloping sides are supposed to deflect radar quite well.
Like they say, all things eventually DO come back into style!