Malcolm Rivera
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy and one of the oldest naval vessels still afloat. Over its long history, the ship has been armed with a variety of cannons and guns. The question remains, are these cannons still operational?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cannons | 54 guns were cast for the 1906-1907 restoration. |
| Rated as a 44-gun frigate, but often carried more than 50 guns. | |
| During the War of 1812, she mounted 24 32-pounder carronades on the spar deck, 1 long 18-pounder "chase" gun forward, and 30 24-pounder long guns on the gun deck. | |
| In 1804, she is listed as having 30 24-pounders, 14 12-pounders, and 8 32-pounder carronades, a total of 52 guns. | |
| In 1798, she borrowed 16 18-pound cannons from Castle Island. | |
| In 1927-1931, 2 replica carronades were cast and added to the after quarter deck. | |
| Types of cannons | 32-pounder carronades |
| 24-pounder long guns | |
| 18-pounder long guns | |
| 12-pounder guns | |
| 6-pounder cannon | |
| Weight | 32-pounder carronade weighed over 5,500 pounds |
| Cannonballs speed | 750 feet per second |
| Muzzle energy | Over 24,000 foot-pounds |
| Current status | Non-firing |
| Restoration status | Underwent restoration in 2015-2017 |
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What You'll Learn
- USS Constitution's cannons are replicas, not originals
- The cannons are restored and displayed in museums
- The cannons were designed to be portable and were exchanged between ships
- The cannons were fired at one-minute intervals for the first time in 100 years in 1976
- The cannons were fired in a 17-gun salute in 2014
USS Constitution's cannons are replicas, not originals
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It was launched in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world. The ship was originally rated as a 44-gun frigate but often carried more than 50 guns. During the War of 1812, the ship typically mounted 24 32-pound carronades on the spar deck, a long 18-pound "chase" gun forward, and 30 24-pound long guns on the gun deck.
In 1883, the USS Constitution was turned into barracks and a "receiving ship", rendering guns unnecessary. The ship returned to Boston in 1897 for its 100th birthday, without any guns. The USS Constitution's first 20th-century restoration took place in 1906-1907, with 55 replica guns made for the ship. The Naval Constructor in charge of armaments at the time opted for a French design, believing there was no documentation about the original guns. This decision was based on inaccurate research, which led to the mistaken belief that the ship was outfitted with British guns in 1812.
All of the present guns on the USS Constitution were cast for the 1927-1931 restoration, except for two 1812-era replica carronades on the after quarter deck, cast in 1981. These carronades are closer to the ship's 1812 spar deck armament. The replica long guns and their carriages were also refurbished during the 2015-2017 restoration.
Today, the USS Constitution's cannons are replicas and not originals. The original guns were dispersed across the United States and can now be found in various locations, including courtyards, college campuses, cemeteries, and parks.
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The cannons are restored and displayed in museums
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is one of the world's oldest ships still floating. Launched in 1797, it is the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world. The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious career spanning over 200 years and has undergone several restorations.
The cannons of the USS Constitution have played a significant role in its history and have undergone various changes. In 1883, the ship was turned into barracks and a receiving ship, and the cannons were no longer needed. During its first 20th-century restoration in 1906-1907, fifty-five replica guns were made for the ship. However, these guns were deemed historically inaccurate and were scrapped during the 1927-1931 restoration.
The USS Constitution typically carried around 54 guns, including long guns and carronades. The carronades were short-range cannons that fired massive balls of metal travelling at about 750 feet per second with a muzzle energy of over 24,000 foot-pounds. The cannons were designed to be portable and were often exchanged between ships as needed.
Today, the cannons of the USS Constitution are restored and displayed in museums. The American Heritage Museum has received one of its Carronade 32-pounder cannons for restoration and display, along with a 1795 6-pounder cannon. The restoration process involves removing rust and old paint, preserving any markings, and constructing a historically accurate carriage. Additionally, some of the 1906 replica guns created during the ship's restoration in that year were dispersed across the United States and can now be found in courtyards, college campuses, cemeteries, and parks.
The USS Constitution continues to be a living example of America's maritime heritage, and its cannons stand as a testament to its long and storied history.
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The cannons were designed to be portable and were exchanged between ships
The cannons of the USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, were designed to be portable and were often exchanged between ships. The ship was rated as a 44-gun frigate but often carried more than 50 guns at a time. The commanding officer outfitted armaments according to their preferences and considerations such as weight, personnel, and planned routes. This meant that armaments changed frequently and were not consistently documented.
The USS Constitution's armaments have undergone several changes and restorations over the years. In 1883, the ship was turned into barracks and a receiving ship, rendering guns unnecessary. During her first 20th-century restoration in 1906-1907, 55 replica guns were made, with 54 guns planned. These replicas were dispersed across the United States and now decorate various locations. The 1906 guns were deemed historically inaccurate and were replaced during the 1927-1931 restoration. The current guns, including two 1812-era replica carronades, were cast during this period, except for the 1812-era replicas.
The USS Constitution's cannons have been the subject of ongoing restoration and preservation efforts. One of its 32-pounder carronade cannons is being restored by Dan Cullity and Son from East Sandwich, Massachusetts. They are responsible for cleaning and preserving the cannon, constructing a historically accurate carriage, and performing other essential tasks to restore the cannon to its former glory.
The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious career, serving as a symbol of America's maritime heritage. The ship's cannons, both original and replica, continue to be a significant part of its history and are carefully maintained to preserve their legacy.
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The cannons were fired at one-minute intervals for the first time in 100 years in 1976
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is one of the world's oldest ships still floating, having been launched in 1797. The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious career spanning over 200 years and is considered a national icon.
The cannons of the USS Constitution have undergone several changes and restorations throughout its history. During the War of 1812, the ship typically carried around 54 guns, including 24-pound long guns and 32-pound carronades. In 1906, Congress decided to restore the ship to its former glory, which included casting new cannons for her decks. However, these cannons were later scrapped in 1925 due to historical inaccuracies.
In 1927-1931, new replica guns were cast for the ship's restoration, and it continues to undergo regular restorations to preserve its historical accuracy. On July 10, 1976, the USS Constitution led a parade of tall ships up Boston Harbor for Operation Sail. During this event, the ship's cannons were fired at one-minute intervals for the first time in approximately 100 years. This was a significant moment in the ship's history, as it showcased its restored glory and paid tribute to its long and illustrious career.
The USS Constitution's cannons hold a significant place in its history and have undergone careful restoration processes to preserve their functionality and authenticity. The restoration work involves removing rust and old paint, constructing historically accurate carriages, and applying new protective coatings. The ship continues to undergo regular maintenance and restorations to ensure its longevity and historical accuracy, allowing future generations to appreciate its legacy.
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The cannons were fired in a 17-gun salute in 2014
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is one of the world's oldest ships still afloat, having been launched in 1797. The cannons on the USS Constitution have been operational and have been fired on several occasions, including during its active service and after its retirement.
On July 4, 2014, the cannons of the USS Constitution were fired in a 17-gun salute near the US Coast Guard Base in Boston. This was a significant event as it showcased the continued functionality of these historic cannons. The 17-gun salute holds a special significance in the tradition of gun salutes. While the 21-gun salute is the most commonly recognized form, the number of rounds fired can vary depending on the occasion and the rank of the recipient of the honour.
The 17-gun salute is typically reserved for specific individuals and occasions. For instance, in Canada, the Minister of National Defence receives a 17-gun salute when visiting a saluting station, limited to once a year. Additionally, Indonesia also incorporates the 17-gun salute into their Independence Day commemoration ceremonies, signifying the precise seconds of the proclamation of their independence.
The USS Constitution's cannons have a long history, dating back to the ship's early years. During the War of 1812, the ship's battery typically consisted of 30 long 24-pounder cannons, with 15 on each side of the gun deck. Over the years, the armaments underwent changes, and the ship often carried more than 50 guns at a time. The cannons played a crucial role in the ship's illustrious career, earning it a reputation as a formidable force in naval warfare.
The restoration and preservation of the USS Constitution's cannons are ongoing processes. In the 1970s, Commanding Officer Tyrone G. Martin led an effort to retrofit two 24-pounder American replica guns for saluting purposes. These guns were used during Boston's celebration of the American bicentennial in July 1976, showcasing their functionality. The restoration work also extends to the cannons themselves, with experts working to restore them to their former glory while constructing historically accurate carriages and gear.
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Frequently asked questions
The cannons on the USS Constitution are replicas, not originals. The cannons are fired on special occasions, such as the Fourth of July, and are restored and maintained by the USS Constitution Museum.
The USS Constitution was rated as a 44-gun frigate but often carried more than 50 guns. During the War of 1812, it mounted 24 32-pound carronades on the spar deck, a long 18-pound "chase" gun forward, and 30 24-pound long guns on the gun deck.
The original cannons of the USS Constitution were replaced with replicas during the 1906-1907 restoration. Many of the 1906 replica guns were sold and are now found across the United States, decorating courtyards, college campuses, cemeteries, and parks.
