What was significant about the battle of hampton roads? apex?

Although The Battle of Hampton Roads was not won by either side, the importance it had, was that it was the first battle of armored ships in history, and also included a development of notable war technologies: such as the rotating turret of the USS Monitor. The great battle between these battleships lasted for hours, and none was able to destroy the other; finally the USS Monitor made the ironclad Virginia retreat, unable to do real damage. This initiated a new form of maritime war, using ironclads, that soon would be much more advanced, like the ironclads or destroyers ships of the first world war.