Malcolm Rivera
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, with a perfect battle record. The ship was launched in 1797 and saw action in one undeclared war and two official wars. During the War of 1812, the USS Constitution defeated four English warships, including HMS Guerriere, HMS Levant, and HMS Cyane. The ship's success and ability to defeat enemies without sustaining much damage earned it its famed nickname, Old Ironsides, and it became a symbol of American naval power and a source of pride for the nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ships defeated | 4 English warships during the War of 1812 |
| HMS Guerriere | |
| HMS Levant | |
| HMS Cyane | |
| 2 Royal Navy ships (a frigate and a smaller sloop of war) | |
| Other battles | Quasi-War with France (1798-1801) |
| Barbary Wars (1801-1805) | |
| Battle record | Never been defeated or boarded |
| Year of launch | 1797 |
| Number of masts | 3 |
| Hull thickness | 21 inches (530 mm) |
| Length | 204 ft (62 m) |
| Width | 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m) |
| Number of guns | 55 |
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What You'll Learn
USS Constitution's perfect battle record
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797. The name "Constitution" was one of ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering. Joshua Humphreys designed the Constitution and its sister ships to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period. They were designed to be faster than any enemy ship big enough to pose a threat and more powerful than anything that could catch them.
The USS Constitution has a perfect battle record, having never been defeated or boarded. It first went to sea to defend the rights of American seamen and merchants during the Quasi-War with France (1798-1801) and the Barbary Wars (1801-1805). During the War of 1812, the USS Constitution defeated four English warships: HMS Guerriere, HMS Macedonian, HMS Cyane, and HMS Levant. The ship's success forced the Royal Navy to abandon the practice of one-on-one encounters between their frigates and larger U.S. frigates. The USS Constitution continued to serve after the War of 1812, including as the flagship of the African Squadron in 1853, tasked with stopping and seizing suspected slave traders.
The battle between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere is particularly notable. HMS Guerriere was one of the most active ships in the Royal Navy in stopping and searching American merchant vessels. During their encounter, the USS Constitution was outfitted with 55 guns, while HMS Guerriere had 38 guns. In the exchange of broadsides, Guerriere's masts were felled, and the ship was left in a sinking condition. The USS Constitution took the British sailors on board, set Guerriere on fire, and returned to Boston with over 200 prisoners of war, including a young boy named David Debias. The victory was important for American morale and patriotism, as it proved that the Royal Navy was not invincible.
After the War of 1812, the USS Constitution continued to serve in various capacities. In 1862, an ironclad ship was launched as part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and named New Ironsides to honour the Constitution's tradition of service. The USS Constitution was recommissioned in 1940 at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt and served as a brig for officers awaiting court-martial. Today, the ship is restored to museum quality and is carefully maintained by a U.S. Navy crew. It remains a symbol of America's first generation of warships and a testament to the country's naval history.
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Defeating HMS Guerriere
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797.
On August 19, 1812, the USS Constitution encountered the HMS Guerriere, a British ship, about 400 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This battle marked the first major naval encounter of the War of 1812. The USS Constitution was commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, while the HMS Guerriere was under the leadership of Captain James Richard Dacres. Despite the British ship being bigger, having a stronger crew, and better armaments, Captain Dacres was confident of victory.
As the two ships approached, the HMS Guerriere maintained a steady fire of long-range cannon fire. However, the shells bounced off the hull of the USS Constitution, leaving it unscathed. This led to an exclamation of "Hurrah! Her sides are made of iron!", which earned the ship its nickname, Old Ironsides.
During the battle, the USS Constitution's superior design became evident. The hull form resembled a cut-down three-deck ship of the line, allowing it to carry more guns than traditional French and English designs. The USS Constitution's firepower was formidable, with up to 55 guns, a mix of short-barrelled carronades and long guns. In contrast, the HMS Guerriere was a French-built frigate captured by the British in 1806, and it was already in a state of decay. As the battle raged on, the HMS Guerriere's masts fell, and the ship was left in a sinking condition. The USS Constitution emerged victorious, and the British sailors were taken on board. The defeated ship was then set on fire, and the USS Constitution returned triumphantly to Boston.
The defeat of the HMS Guerriere was a significant boost to American morale during the War of 1812. It showcased the prowess of the USS Constitution and its sister ships, which were designed to be faster and more powerful than their enemies. The victory also held symbolic importance, as the HMS Guerriere had been actively involved in stopping and searching American merchant vessels, making its downfall particularly satisfying for the American seafaring community.
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USS Constitution's role in the War of 1812
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The ship was launched in 1797 and was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering.
The War of 1812 pitted the United States against Great Britain, from whom the American colonies had won their independence in 1783. The conflict arose from the broader struggle between Great Britain and France for global dominance. Britain's efforts to control the world's oceans led to infringements on American maritime rights and disruptions to American trade during the Napoleonic Wars. In response, the United States declared war on Britain on June 18, 1812.
USS Constitution played a significant role in the War of 1812, particularly in the early stages. Less than a month after the war's declaration, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, the ship set out to join Commodore John Rodgers' squadron in New York. Off the coast of Egg Harbor, New Jersey, USS Constitution encountered five English warships: HMS Aeolus, HMS Africa, HMS Belvidera, HMS Guerriere, and HMS Shannon. In a remarkable display of seamanship, USS Constitution successfully evaded these ships for over 50 hours, showcasing her agility and the capabilities of her crew and commanding officer.
USS Constitution went on to defeat four English warships during the war: HMS Guerriere, HMS Java, HMS Cyane, and HMS Levant. The ship earned its renowned nickname, Old Ironsides, during its duel with HMS Guerriere when round shot appeared to bounce off its thick hull. The capture of these warships contributed to the early successes of the young American navy in the conflict.
Overall, the USS Constitution's role in the War of 1812 was notable for its victories against British warships, earning it a place in American naval history and contributing to its enduring legacy as a symbol of American maritime power and a testament to the fighting and sailing qualities of the country's first generation of warships.
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USS Constitution vs HMS Levant
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797. Joshua Humphreys designed the USS Constitution and its sister ships to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period. The ship's hull was built 21 inches thick, and it had a length of 204 feet and a width of 43 feet.
On February 20, 1815, about 100 miles east of Madeira, the USS Constitution, commanded by Captain Charles Stewart, engaged in a battle with two British warships, HMS Cyane and HMS Levant. The British captains, Gordon Thomas of HMS Cyane and George Douglass of HMS Levant, chose to fight rather than attempt to escape. The battle began in the evening, with the USS Constitution to windward and the two British ships on her port quarter. Broadsides were exchanged for 15 minutes, during which HMS Cyane attempted to cross the USS Constitution's stern and rake her. However, Captain Stewart ordered the sails thrown aback, and the USS Constitution raked HMS Cyane instead.
As the battle continued, HMS Levant tried to cross the USS Constitution's bows, but Stewart once again demonstrated his tactical prowess by ordering the sails filled, allowing him to rake Levant from astern. With its rigging battered, Levant drifted downwind, while the USS Constitution turned her attention back to HMS Cyane, which soon surrendered. Lieutenant Hoffman, the second lieutenant of the USS Constitution, took command of the captured HMS Cyane. Stewart then pursued Levant, unaware that his opponent had already surrendered. The two ships exchanged broadsides, but Captain Douglass of Levant ultimately attempted to escape upwind. However, Levant was overtaken and also surrendered.
During the engagement, the USS Constitution lost 6 men killed and 9 wounded. Onboard HMS Cyane, 12 men were killed and 26 wounded, some of whom succumbed to their injuries later. HMS Levant fared slightly better, with 7 men killed and 16 wounded. This battle between the USS Constitution and the two British warships occurred after the war had technically ended with the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent, though the combatants were not aware of this development.
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USS Constitution's impact on American morale
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, launched in 1797. The ship's design was unusual for a frigate, resembling a cut-down three-deck ship of the line, allowing it to carry more guns than traditional French and English designs. This made the USS Constitution a powerful symbol of American naval might and a source of national pride.
The USS Constitution's impact on American morale began with its very existence, as it was built to protect American merchant shipping and assert the young nation's maritime strength. During its early years, the ship provided protection for American merchants during the Quasi-War with France and played a crucial role in defeating the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. These early successes established the ship's reputation and boosted American morale, demonstrating that the United States could defend its interests and stand up to external threats.
The USS Constitution's most famous engagement was its battle with HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812, during the War of 1812. The American ship emerged victorious, delivering a "pounding" to the British frigate, which sank following its surrender. This remarkable victory against a superior opponent had a significant impact on American morale, showcasing the skill and prowess of Captain Isaac Hull and the capabilities of the USS Constitution. The defeat of HMS Guerriere represented a high point in the ship's military career and solidified its place in American naval history.
The USS Constitution continued to serve and inspire long after its initial victories. In 1940, it was recommissioned at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt, reflecting its enduring significance. After World War II, the ship was opened to the public, becoming a living symbol of America's maritime heritage and a testament to the nation's perseverance and strength. The USS Constitution's longevity and resilience, even in the face of deterioration and souvenir hunters, further contributed to its impact on American morale. The ship underwent restorations and upgrades, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Today, the USS Constitution remains a beloved icon, carefully maintained by a U.S. Navy crew and showcased in museums. Its story continues to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. The ship's ability to withstand the test of time, adapt to changing circumstances, and embody the spirit of American determination makes it a enduring source of pride and inspiration for Americans.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, has defeated at least seven ships. During the War of 1812, she defeated four English warships, including HMS Guerriere, HMS Levant, and HMS Cyane. Prior to that, she had already won all of her engagements in two wars: the Quasi War with France (1798-1801) and the Barbary Wars (1801-1805).
The USS Constitution was designed to be faster than any enemy ship big enough to pose a threat and more powerful than anything that could catch her. This meant that she could defeat anything her size and outrun anything larger. She was also built with a unique hull form that resembled a cut-down three-deck ship of the line, allowing her to carry more guns than traditional French and English designs.
While the USS Constitution's victories had little impact on the outcome of the war, they significantly boosted American morale and patriotism. The ship's success against the Royal Navy also dispelled the myth of British naval invincibility.
