
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile (4km) walk through downtown Boston to Charlestown, taking you through the events that inspired the American Revolution. The trail includes visits to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat. Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution earned its nickname Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when it fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The USS Constitution Museum, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, offers an immersive experience into the ship's history and that of the sailors who served on it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston |
| Distance | 2.5 miles (4km) |
| Sites | Bunker Hill, USS Constitution, Paul Revere House, Boston's oldest church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground |
| Year of Launch | 1797 |
| War | War of 1812 |
| Nickname | Old Ironsides |
| Status | World's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat |
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What You'll Learn
- The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat
- The ship is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston
- The USS Constitution earned its nickname Old Ironsides during the War of 1812
- The Freedom Trail covers 2.5 miles of downtown Boston
- The trail includes visits to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat
The USS Constitution is indeed on the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile (4km) walk through downtown Boston to Charlestown, taking you through the events that inspired and triggered the American Revolution.
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat, launched in Boston in 1797. It earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides", during the War of 1812 when it fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The ship is located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston and is open to visitors. The USS Constitution Museum offers an immersive experience that highlights the legacy of "Old Ironsides", the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Through interactive exhibits and artefacts, visitors can explore the ship's history, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of its sailors.
The Freedom Trail includes other notable sites such as the Paul Revere House, Boston's oldest church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, and Bunker Hill. The trail provides a wealth of historical information and is a popular attraction for those interested in American history and the Revolutionary War period.
The USS Constitution stands as a testament to the early maritime history of the United States, and its inclusion in the Freedom Trail underscores its significance in the nation's journey towards independence. Visitors can not only explore the ship but also trace the footsteps of revolutionary figures like Paul Revere, gaining a deeper understanding of the events that shaped the country's destiny.
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The ship is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", is indeed on Boston's Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile (4km) walk through downtown Boston to Charlestown, taking visitors on a journey through the events that inspired the American Revolution.
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat, launched in Boston in 1797. It is one of the most important sites in American history, with Boston serving as a key epicentre of the country's independence. The Freedom Trail passes through significant locations such as Bunker Hill, the Paul Revere House, and Boston's oldest church, all of which played a role in the Revolutionary War.
The ship is an active-duty vessel operated by the U.S. Navy and is open to the public with free admission. Visitors are advised to be aware of the Navy's security requirements before their visit. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and closed on Mondays.
The Freedom Trail walking tour, which includes a visit to the USS Constitution, provides a wealth of historical knowledge and is a great way to explore Boston's role in the American Revolution.
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The USS Constitution earned its nickname Old Ironsides during the War of 1812
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It was launched in Boston in 1797 and gained its famous nickname, "Old Ironsides", during the War of 1812.
The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and the United Kingdom, with the USS Constitution capturing numerous British merchant ships and five warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The capture of HMS Guerriere in August 1812 was a particularly notable engagement, as it earned the Constitution its famous nickname.
During the battle, the Constitution's hull was able to withstand the iron cannonballs launched by the Guerriere, with many shots rebounding off harmlessly. One account from a British sailor described how "her sides are made of iron!". The Constitution's hull was made of white oak and live oak sheathed in copper, forged by Paul Revere. The ship's heavier broadsides and superior sailing ability also surprised the crew of the Guerriere. The battle was an important demonstration of American naval power and a boost to morale, though it was not critical to the outcome of the war.
The Constitution continued to serve as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons and circled the globe in the 1840s. It served as a training ship during the American Civil War and was retired from active service in 1881. The ship was designated a museum ship in 1907 and has since undergone several restorations to preserve its historical appearance.
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The Freedom Trail covers 2.5 miles of downtown Boston
The Freedom Trail in Boston covers 2.5 miles (approximately 4 km) of downtown Boston, taking visitors on a journey through the events that inspired the American Revolution. The trail includes visits to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat. Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides," during the War of 1812 when it fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The ship holds a pivotal role in American maritime history and is now located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard.
The Freedom Trail also features the Paul Revere House, the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston and the only official Freedom Trail historic site that is a home. Built around 1680, it was owned by the legendary patriot from 1770 to 1800. Boston's oldest church, built in 1723, is another notable site on the trail, known for the midnight ride of Paul Revere and the phrase "one if by land, two if by sea."
Copp's Hill Burying Ground is also along the trail, serving as the final resting place for merchants, artisans, and craftspeople who lived in Boston's North End. Standing on Bunker Hill, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, which took place on June 17, 1775, shaping the character and outcome of the conflict.
The Freedom Trail offers a wealth of knowledge and historical context, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Boston's role in the American Revolution. It is an excellent educational activity for families and history enthusiasts, allowing them to explore the city and its significant past.
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The trail includes visits to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile (4km) route that takes you through downtown Boston to Charlestown, offering a journey through the events that inspired the American Revolution. The trail includes visits to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution, as well as other significant sites.
Bunker Hill was the site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War on June 17, 1775, which set the tone for the rest of the conflict. Standing on Bunker Hill offers a panoramic view of the city and a glimpse into its revolutionary past.
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Launched in Boston in 1797, it earned its nickname during the War of 1812 when it fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. Visitors can explore the ship's history and the lives of the sailors who served on it through the exhibits and artefacts at the USS Constitution Museum, located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard.
The Freedom Trail also includes a visit to the Paul Revere House, the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston and the only official Freedom Trail historic site that is a home. Built around 1680, it was owned by the legendary patriot from 1770 to 1800. The trail passes by other notable sites such as Boston's oldest church, the Copp's Hill Burying Ground, the Old City Hall, and the Old State House.
The entire Freedom Trail walking tour, including Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution, is a great way to explore Boston's rich history and revolutionary past. The tour is approximately four hours long and covers just over 2 miles, offering a comprehensive and educational experience for history enthusiasts and families alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the USS Constitution is on the Freedom Trail.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile (4km) trail in Boston that runs through downtown to Charlestown. It takes visitors on a walk through the events that inspired and instigated the American Revolution.
The Freedom Trail includes visits to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution, as well as the Paul Revere House, Boston's oldest church, and Copp's Hill Burying Ground.
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat and earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when she fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere.

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