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 world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The nickname Old Ironsides was earned following the capture of HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, alongside numerous British merchant vessels and warships.
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What You'll Learn
- The USS Constitution, nicknamed 'Old Ironsides', is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat
- She was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, and launched in 1797
- Her first duties included protecting American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and defeating Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War
- She served as a training ship during the American Civil War and later as a receiving ship until becoming a museum ship in 1907
- The USS Constitution was the first ship to be commanded by a woman, Billie Farrell, in 1998
The USS Constitution, nicknamed 'Old Ironsides', is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat
The USS Constitution, nicknamed Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat. She was launched in 1797 and is one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. The USS Constitution is most noted for her heroic actions during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, where she captured numerous British merchant ships and five warships, including HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. It was her capture of HMS Guerriere that earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides", adding to the public adoration that had repeatedly saved her from being scrapped.
The USS Constitution was designed by Joshua Humphreys to be larger and more heavily armed than the standard frigates of her time. Her hull was built 21 inches thick, with a length of 175 feet between perpendiculars and an overall length of 204 feet. The ship was constructed primarily from pine and oak, including southern live oak cut from Gascoigne Bluff and milled near St. Simons Island, Georgia. The USS Constitution's 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.
Following her distinguished service in the War of 1812, the USS Constitution continued to serve as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons. She circled the globe in the 1840s and served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy during the American Civil War. After being retired from active service in 1881, she became a receiving ship and was eventually designated a museum ship in 1907. In 1940, the USS Constitution was recommissioned at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt, and she served as a brig for officers awaiting court-martial during World War II.
Today, the USS Constitution remains a commissioned warship and is open to the public at her berth in the Boston Navy Yard. She continues to be maintained by a crew of sailors and recently made history by being commanded by the first female commander, Billie Farrell. The USS Constitution's legacy is celebrated at the USS Constitution Museum, where visitors can learn about her remarkable history and impact on the American maritime experience.
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She was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, and launched in 1797
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 USS Constitution was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, and launched in 1797. It was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and was the third to be constructed. The keel was laid down on 1 November 1794 under the supervision of Captain Samuel Nicholson, master shipwright Colonel George Claghorn, and foreman Prince Athearn. The ship's hull was built using pine and oak, with a thickness of 21 inches and an overall length of 204 feet. The Constitution was designed by Joshua Humphreys to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period, serving as the young Navy's capital ship.
The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering. The ship's first duties included protecting American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and defeating the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. The Constitution gained fame during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, capturing five warships and numerous merchant vessels. It was this success, particularly the capture of HMS Guerriere, that earned the ship its nickname, "Old Ironsides", reflecting the public adoration that had saved it from scrapping.
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Her first duties included protecting American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and defeating Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War
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 USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. Her first duties included protecting American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and defeating Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.
In the 1790s, the threats to American merchant shipping were significant and growing. British warships were searching for goods intended for Napoleon Bonaparte. Royal Navy vessels would stop and search American merchant ships, and "press" or kidnap American sailors suspected of being British deserters. A more serious threat was posed by the Barbary Pirates of North Africa, who would strike out from their bases and seize merchant ships on their way across the Mediterranean. The ships, cargo, and crews would then be held for ransom, with the hostages frequently sent into slavery.
In 1785, Barbary pirates, mainly from Algiers, began to seize American merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1793 alone, 11 American ships were captured, and their crews and stores held for ransom. To combat this problem, proposals were made for warships to protect American shipping. In 1794, with the support of President George Washington, Congress voted to authorize the establishment of a navy with the construction of six warships. The USS Constitution was one of these original six warships authorized by the 'Act to Provide a Naval Armament', signed by President George Washington on March 27, 1794.
The USS Constitution's first duties were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. The United States paid tribute to the Barbary States during the Quasi-War to ensure that American merchant ships were not harassed and seized. In 1802, Congress passed "An act for the protection of commerce and seamen of the United States against the Tripolitan cruisers", authorizing the President to protect American ships from the Barbary pirates.
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She served as a training ship during the American Civil War and later as a receiving ship until becoming a museum ship in 1907
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.
Old Ironsides served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy during the American Civil War. The ship had already earned a reputation during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, capturing five warships and numerous merchant vessels. The capture of HMS Guerriere was particularly significant, as it earned the ship its famous nickname, "Old Ironsides", and cemented its place in the public imagination—a factor that would later save it from being scrapped.
After the Civil War, the USS Constitution continued its service as a receiving ship until 1881, when it was retired from active duty. Despite its retirement, the ship was not forgotten. In 1907, it found new life as a museum ship, becoming one of the earliest examples of a warship being preserved and displayed for the public. This transformation into a museum ship ensured that future generations could appreciate and learn from this historic vessel.
The USS Constitution underwent a three-year, 90-port tour of the nation in 1934, showcasing its enduring significance to the American people. It was recommissioned in 1940 at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt, and during World War II, it served as a brig for officers awaiting court-martial. After the war, it returned to its role as a museum ship, remaining open to the public at its berth in the Boston Navy Yard.
The USS Constitution has not only survived but thrived through the years, even sailing under its own power during its 200th birthday in 1997 and again in 2012 to commemorate its victory over HMS Guerriere. The ship's longevity and impact are evident, as it continues to inspire and attract visitors, solidifying its place in both naval history and the hearts of many.
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The USS Constitution was the first ship to be commanded by a woman, Billie Farrell, in 1998
The USS Constitution, nicknamed "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 nickname "Old Ironsides" was earned during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, when the ship captured five warships, including HMS Guerriere, and numerous British merchant ships.
In 1998, the USS Constitution was commanded by Billie Farrell, the first woman to hold this position. Farrell posed for a photo beside the ship as a high schooler in the same year, years before she would make history by commanding it.
The USS Constitution was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794, which created the new United States Navy. It was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, and its hull was constructed from pine and oak, with a thickness of 21 inches (530 mm).
The ship's notable career includes serving as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons and circling the globe in the 1840s. During the American Civil War, it served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy. The USS Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 but continues to make occasional voyages, such as a three-year, 90-port tour of the nation in the 1930s and a sail in 1997 to commemorate its 200th birthday.
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Frequently asked questions
The nickname of the USS Constitution is "Old Ironsides".
The USS Constitution earned this nickname after the capture of HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.
The USS Constitution continued to serve as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons, circling the world in the 1840s.
The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. It is currently a museum ship, having been retired from active service in 1881.
Yes, the USS Constitution underwent a series of upgrades in the mid-to-late 19th century, including the installation of steam pipes, radiators, and gas lighting.
