armored vessels

Chronicles the events of the War of 1812, covering U.S. president James Madison's declaration of war on Great Britain, the history of "The Star-Spangled Banner," the Battle of New Orleans, the life and leadership of Andrew Jackson, and the role of the ironclad battleships in the fight.

Tom's job as an assistant to Captain John Ericsson, the inventor of the Monitor, makes him a target of Confederate spies.

Describes how the United States Navy was expanded and improved during the Civil War and how ironclads and other armored vessels were used in various military operations.

Discusses Civil War naval battles, ships, and the struggle for control of crucial waterways, demonstrating how the Northern side was able to build up its navy and eventually blockade the Southern ports.

Thirteen-year-old Tom Carroll takes his place as head of the family after his father dies fighting for the Union; but his job at the local ironworks, where he helps build an iron ship for the Union army, and his loyalty come into question when he is approached by Confederate spies to sell secrets about the ship to the South.