Omar Bennett
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy and the oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat in the world. It was launched in 1797 and was one of the six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious history, including capturing 33 vessels during 57 years of active service and achieving three victories against the British Royal Navy during the War of 1812. The ship's length has been recorded as 204 feet (62 meters) in overall length and 175 feet (53 meters) at the waterline.
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What You'll Learn
The USS Constitution's length between perpendiculars is 175 ft (53 m)
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 six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794, signed by President George Washington, and is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.
The USS Constitution was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, under the supervision of Captain Nicholson and naval constructor Colonel George Claghorn. Its hull was built with a thickness of 21 inches (530 mm) and its length between perpendiculars was 175 ft (53 m). The ship's overall length was 204 ft (62 m), and its width was 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m).
The construction of the USS Constitution required a significant amount of resources, with 60 acres (24 ha) of trees used for its construction. The primary materials used were pine and oak, including southern live oak sourced from Gascoigne Bluff in Georgia. The ship's copper bolts and fittings were forged by Paul Revere, and its hull was constructed with triple layers of dense pine and oak, giving it its iron-like strength.
Today, the USS Constitution is a fully-commissioned Navy ship and makes occasional trips into Boston Harbor. It is open to visitors year-round and provides free guided tours. The ship's mission is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historic demonstrations, and participation in public events.
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Its overall length is 204 ft (62 m)
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a historic wooden-hulled ship and one of the U.S. Navy's most famous vessels. Its overall length is 204 feet (62 meters), which is impressive and quite large for a ship of its time. This length is a result of the ship's design and purpose as a heavy frigate, intended for power and durability on the high seas.
The length of 204 feet is a significant feature of the ship, and it is no coincidence that this length was chosen. The ship's designers and builders understood the importance of length in terms of sailing performance and maneuverability. A longer ship generally has improved speed and handling characteristics, and the Constitution's length was carefully calculated to strike a balance between agility and power.
The ship's length also contributed to its aesthetic appeal, giving it a graceful and sleek appearance despite its size and bulk. The length is further accentuated by the ship's overall design and proportions, including the height of the masts and the length of the deck. The result is a ship that is not only functionally impressive but also visually striking.
This length also allowed for a substantial internal volume, providing ample space for the crew, armaments, and provisions. The ship could accommodate a large crew, with plenty of room for the storage of food, water, and ammunition, ensuring that it was well-equipped for extended voyages and prolonged engagements.
The USS Constitution's length has undoubtedly contributed to its success and longevity. It is a key factor in the ship's overall design, influencing its performance, capacity, and visual impact. This iconic ship continues to be a source of inspiration and pride, and its length remains a testament to the skill and knowledge of its creators.
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The USS Constitution is one of the oldest warships in the world
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is one of the oldest warships in the world. It is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. The ship was commissioned and named by George Washington in 1794 and built at Hartt's shipyard in Boston between 1794 and 1797. The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering for the frigates that were to be constructed.
The USS Constitution was one of six ships commissioned by Washington to help defend American merchant ships under threat from French privateers and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. It is renowned in American history for its actions during the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, when it captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned the ship its nickname, "Old Ironsides", as the American sailors witnessed British shots failing to penetrate the oak sides of their ship.
The USS Constitution was removed from active service in 1882 and designated a museum ship in 1907. It has since undergone several restorations and remains a fully-commissioned Navy ship, making a few trips into Boston Harbour each year. The ship's crew of 60 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year-round.
The USS Constitution has a length of 204 feet (62 meters) from stem to stern, a width of 43.6 feet (13.26 meters), and a height of 204 feet (62 meters) to the top of the main mast. Its hull was built 21 inches (530 mm) thick, requiring 60 acres (24 hectares) of trees for its construction. The primary materials used were pine and oak, with copper bolts and fittings forged by Paul Revere.
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The ship was commissioned and named by George Washington in 1794
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 oldest commissioned naval warships still afloat. The USS Constitution was commissioned and named by President George Washington in 1794. It was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794, which was signed by Washington on March 27, 1794, creating the new United States Navy.
The name Constitution was among ten names submitted to President Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering in March or May 1794 for the frigates that were to be constructed. The ship's keel was laid on November 1, 1794, at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, under the supervision of Captain Samuel Nicholson, master shipwright Colonel George Claghorn, and Foreman Prince Athearn of Martha's Vineyard Athearns. The hull of the USS Constitution was built 21 inches (530 mm) thick, with a length of 175 feet (53 meters) between perpendiculars and an overall length of 204 feet (62 meters) and a width of 43 feet 6 inches (13.26 meters).
The primary materials used in the construction of the ship were pine and oak, including southern live oak, which was sourced from Gascoigne Bluff and milled near St. Simons Island, Georgia. The ship's copper bolts and fittings were forged by Paul Revere, and the ship's masts were made from white pine from Maine. The USS Constitution was launched in 1797, and its first duties were to protect American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.
The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious career, serving as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons and circumnavigating the globe in the 1840s. During the War of 1812, it earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides," after defeating the British ship HMS Guerriere. The ship remained in active service until 1881, when it was retired and designated a museum ship in 1907. In the years since, it has undergone several restorations and continues to be a fully commissioned Navy ship, making trips into Boston Harbor and providing free guided tours to visitors.
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The USS Constitution is still a fully-commissioned Navy ship
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. The ship is notable for her role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, and she remains the oldest commissioned warship in the world still afloat. The USS Constitution is 204 feet long, with a beam of 43 feet and a depth of 14 feet. She was built with African and Georgia live oak, and her sturdy construction has earned her the reputation of being 'one of the most powerful warships of her time'.
The ship was authorized by the Naval Act of 1794 and built in Boston, Massachusetts, at a cost of $302,718. Her keel was laid in November 1794, and she was launched in October 1797. The USS Constitution was commissioned in 1798 and continues to be a fully-commissioned US Navy ship to this day. She is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat and has become a symbol of the United States' naval power and history.
The USS Constitution has a rich history and has undergone numerous repairs and refits during her career. Despite being engaged in numerous battles, she was never seriously damaged and has always returned to duty after repairs. In 1830, she underwent her first significant overhaul, and subsequent repairs and refits have ensured her longevity. During the War of 1812, she earned her nickname, 'Old Ironsides,' due to her resilience and ability to withstand British cannon fire, with one sailor reportedly exclaiming that their ship could withstand shots as if they had 'iron sides.'
Today, the USS Constitution is a popular tourist attraction at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, where she underwent her last restoration. She is open to the public for tours, and the Navy uses her as a training ship for sailors, ensuring they are familiar with the ship's rich history and traditional sailing techniques. The ship still goes out to sea occasionally, often to commemorate special events or anniversaries, and is always crewed by US Navy sailors, maintaining her status as a fully-commissioned Navy ship.
The USS Constitution's enduring legacy is a testament to her sturdy construction and the dedication of those who have maintained and crewed her over the years. She continues to be an important symbol of American history and naval might, and her status as a fully-commissioned Navy ship ensures that she will continue to be an integral part of the US Navy's heritage for years to come. Her long and illustrious career has left an indelible mark on naval history, and her story continues to inspire and captivate people worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of the USS Constitution is 204 ft (62 m).
The length between the perpendiculars of the USS Constitution is 175 ft (53 m).
The width of the USS Constitution is 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m).
The main mast of the USS Constitution stands 204 ft tall.
