1975day.year
The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary is established as the first United States National Marine Sanctuary.
The Monitor becomes the first United States National Marine Sanctuary, protecting the wreck of the USS Monitor off the coast of North Carolina.
On January 30, 1975, the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary was established as the inaugural site in the United States to protect underwater cultural heritage. It encompasses the wreck of the USS Monitor, the ironclad warship that saw action during the American Civil War. The sanctuary covers approximately 1,000 square nautical miles off the coast of North Carolina, managed by NOAA. Its creation marked a major milestone in marine conservation and historic preservation, setting the framework for subsequent marine protected areas. The site supports ongoing archaeological research, public education programs, and controlled recreational activities. It highlights the importance of safeguarding submerged cultural resources for future generations.
1975
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary
United States National Marine Sanctuary