USS Monitor’s Worthington Pumps Named a Historic Landmark

The USS Monitor’s Worthington Direct-Acting Simplex Pumps were designated a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in a ceremony at the Mariners’ Museum.

“Landmark status for the Worthington simplex pumps recognizes the contribution of the steam pumps to industrial history and to the progress of mechanical engineering,” said K. Keith Roe, president of ASME. “The Worthington steam pumps join a roster of more than 250 other ASME engineering landmarks throughout the world. Each represents a progressive step in the evolution of our profession, while exemplifying the innovation and vision embodied in engineers everywhere.”

"We are distinctly honored to be awarded the ASME Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark designation for the USS Monitor's Worthington Pumps,” said Howard H. Hoege III, interim president and CEO of the Mariners’ Museum. “This award is a symbol of the Museum's role in preserving and presenting unique marine engineering inventions such as the Worthington Pumps, allowing us to inspire future generations to create new designs, technologies and machines, which will shape our world's future." 

The simplex pumps were designed by 19th-century engineering pioneer and ASME co-founder Henry R. Worthington. Worthington, a longtime associate of the Monitor’s designer John Ericsson, sold the pumps or $582.22. They were built at Worthington & Baker Works in Greenpoint, N.Y., on Jan. 10, 1862. They were installed on the Monitor to handle water for boiler, bilge and fire-fighting needs.

“The Worthington steam pumps stood apart for their efficiency and reliability,” said Reginald I. Vachon, former president of ASME. “Their compact size and lightweight design were vital features in marine applications, and the pumps also served as the basis for a variety of other industrial applications.”

Vachon presented a bronze plaque to John V. Quarstein, director for the Monitor Center, and Paul Ticco, regional coordinator for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, at the Aug. 25 ceremony. Guests were given behind-the-scenes laboratory tours led by Monitor Center conservators.

Recovered from the Monitor’s wreck site off Cape Hatteras, N.C., in 2001 by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Navy divers, the pumps are believed to be the oldest surviving examples of Worthington’s simplex design. Undergoing conservation at the USS Monitor Center’s Batten Conservation Complex at the Mariners’ Museum and Park, the pumps will be displayed at the Museum when conservation is complete.

The Monitor Center has crafted the only fully operational replica of one of the ship’s pumps. Will Hoffman, senior conservator/conservation project manager for the Monitor Center, gave a presentation about the making of the replica and a demonstration. Supporters of the Replica Project were recognized, including Curtiss-Wright, Master Machine and Tool, and Hampton Rubber Company. They plan to take the replica on a road tour that follows the Monitor Historic Trail from New York to North Carolina. When not on the road, the replica will be used for STEAM educational programming at the Museum.    

The Aug. 25 designation ceremony was sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers – Eastern Virginia Section and Curtiss-Wright.

Source: The Mariners' Museum