Jonah Patel
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a ship with a long and illustrious history. Built in 1797 in Boston, Massachusetts, it has had many adventures, including a voyage around the world, stopping in 25 countries, and playing a role in the first Barbary War. It has featured in popular culture, including the situation comedy I Love Lucy, and has even made an appearance in the video game Fallout 4. The ship was retired from the American Hawaii Cruises fleet in 1995 and unfortunately sank while being towed to a scrapping shipyard in 1997.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | USS Constitution |
| Other Names | "Old Ironsides", SS Constitution |
| Built | 1797 |
| Builder | Edmund Hartt's Shipyard |
| Cost of Construction | $302,000 |
| Cost of Repairs in 1888 | $70,000 (estimated), $10,000 (actual) |
| Games | Featured in Fallout 4 |
| TV Shows | Featured in I Love Lucy, Magnum, P.I., Naked City |
| Movies | Featured in An Affair to Remember |
| Celebrities Who Sailed | Grace Kelly, Former President Harry S. Truman and Bess Truman |
| Retirement | 1995 |
| Dismantling | Sank before reaching the scrapping shipyard in 1997 |
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What You'll Learn
The USS Constitution's history
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", is a ship with a long and illustrious history. Built in 1797 in Boston, Massachusetts, the ship has had a remarkable journey over the past two centuries.
The USS Constitution's maiden voyage was not without its challenges, as the first two attempts to launch into Boston Harbour failed. However, the third attempt proved successful, and the ship embarked on its first cruise to the Caribbean. Over the next few years, the ship saw action in the Quasi-War with France and played a role in America's diplomatic negotiations during the First Barbary War.
In the early 1800s, the ship underwent repairs and was placed in "ordinary", a temporary decommissioned state. During this time, the copper bottom sheathing was replaced, and the repairs cost a total of $118,000. The USS Constitution returned to active duty in 1837 under the command of Captain Daniel Turner, patrolling the western coast of South America. The ship visited various ports, including Valparaíso, Callao, Paita, and Puna, before returning to Norfolk in 1841.
The ship continued to play a significant role in the years that followed, with notable voyages to Mexico and the Mediterranean. In 1846, the USS Constitution sailed to Mazatlán, where it remained at anchor for over three months before returning home as the United States prepared for war after the Texas annexation. The ship was later refitted and joined the Mediterranean Squadron in 1848 under the command of Captain John Gwinn.
In the late 19th century, the USS Constitution's glory days seemed to be behind her. She was berthed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1882 and listed as a "receiving ship" in ordinary condition. However, in 1897, the ship was once again prepared for a voyage to Boston, capturing the attention of spectators who gathered to witness her departure.
The USS Constitution underwent extensive repairs and restoration in the 20th century, including a $12 million restoration project in the 1970s. In 1976, the ship was designated as the symbolic flagship of the United States fleet during World War II, and Boston was established as its official home port. After rigorous sail training, the USS Constitution sailed once again in 1997, captivating hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
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The ship's presence in popular culture
The SS Constitution was featured in several episodes of the situation comedy "I Love Lucy" starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, starting with the episode "Bon Voyage," which aired on January 16, 1956. In the episode, Lucy Ricardo misses the ship and has to be ferried by air in a helicopter. The ship was also featured in the 1957 film "An Affair to Remember," starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.
American movie actress Grace Kelly sailed aboard the SS Constitution from New York to Monaco for her wedding to Prince Rainier in 1956. Former President Harry S. Truman and his wife, Bess, sailed back to New York from Europe on the SS Constitution in the summer of 1958.
The SS Constitution was also featured in an episode of the "Naked City" TV series, titled "No Naked Ladies in Front of Giovanni's House!," which aired on April 17, 1963. The ship also appeared in the "Magnum, P.I." television series episode "All Thieves on Deck," which aired on January 30, 1986.
In addition to its appearances in film and television, the SS Constitution has also been referenced in video games. In the game "Fallout 4," players can find the USS Constitution and help it set sail once more. The ship is a real ship built in 1797 in the United States, and players can interact with a robot outside the ship to start the quest "The Last Voyage of the USS Constitution."
The SS Constitution was retired from the American Hawaii Cruises fleet in 1995 and fell into disrepair by 1997. On November 17, 1997, the ship sank about 800 miles north of Hawaii while being towed to a scrapping shipyard.
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The vessel's repairs and refitting
The USS Constitution has undergone numerous repairs and refittings throughout its history. In 1847, the ship underwent a refitting for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron. During this refitting, the figurehead of Andrew Jackson, which had caused controversy 15 years prior, was replaced with a new likeness that did not include a top hat and featured a more Napoleonic pose.
In 1882, the Constitution was berthed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. The ship was housed in a large, barn-like structure, and its condition was listed as "In Ordinary", indicating that it was temporarily decommissioned and laid up until needed.
In 1897, the Constitution was towed to Boston by the USS Leyden, a steam-powered yard tug. Glass plate photographs from this voyage show that work on the Constitution consisted of caulking to prevent the ship from taking on water and sinking.
In the 1970s, the Constitution underwent routine maintenance and repairs in Boston, its official home port. During this period, 390 sheets of copper were replaced, and the hull was inspected. The Navy decided to use laminated timbers when natural timbers of the proper dimensions could not be found. Additionally, the ship's hemp rigging was replaced with polypropylene line, as hemp rope in the proper diameters was no longer available.
After a period of circumnavigation, the Constitution underwent another refit, during which the gun ports were enlarged to accommodate new 8-inch Paixhans guns, and the spar deck carronades were replaced with 32-pound long guns.
In the 1980s, the Constitution underwent a major restoration project that cost approximately $12 million. This project included the reinstallation of diagonal riders and additional interior frames, which had been removed in the 1870s. These improvements strengthened the ship's ability to resist hogging in a seaway. After these repairs, the Constitution was strong enough to sail again under its own power.
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The crew's duties and experiences
The USS Constitution, built in 1797, has had a long and illustrious history, with a diverse crew and a range of duties and experiences.
The ship's crew, which once included men from Sweden, China, Wales, Australia, and Peru, among other nations, has carried out a variety of tasks over the years. One of the ship's earliest duties was to patrol the West Indies, where she intercepted an English merchant ship, the "Spencer", which had been taken by the French. During this time, the Constitution also escorted merchant convoys, a duty that continued into later years.
The Constitution's crew experienced both the mundane and the dramatic. Routine patrols and maintenance were a regular part of life on board, but there were also periods of excitement and danger. In 1837, the ship collected ancient artifacts and livestock to bring back to America, and in 1846, she sat at anchor in Mazatlán for three months, only to learn after departing that the Mexican War had begun soon after they left. The crew also experienced heavy storms, with the ship suffering rudder and bowsprit damage at different times, requiring brave and skilled repairs by the crew.
The Constitution's crew also enjoyed periods of leisure. During a voyage that began in 1839, they spent time in various ports, visiting beaches and taverns in Valparaíso, Callao, Paita, and Puna. The ship's party also experienced a memorable welcome in Rio de Janeiro in 1841, where Emperor Pedro II of Brazil visited the ship.
The Constitution has been involved in diplomatic missions, such as during the World Cruise, where the crew mixed trade and diplomacy, stopping in 25 countries. The ship also played a role in the lead-up to the Mexican War and the Quasi-War with France.
In more recent times, the Constitution has become a symbol, featured in popular culture, including television and film. The ship was retired from the American Hawaii Cruises fleet in 1995, but unfortunately sank while being towed to a scrapping shipyard in 1997.
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The ship's fate
The USS Constitution, built in 1797, had a long and illustrious career, serving in several wars and conflicts, including the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War. The ship underwent several refits and repairs throughout its history, including a significant restoration in the late 20th century that cost around $12 million.
In 1837, the ship collected ancient artefacts and livestock to bring back to America, arriving in Norfolk in July 1838. The ship's captain, Daniel Turner, was suspended for transporting livestock on a Navy vessel. The Constitution continued to sail and patrol the waters of South America, visiting several ports. In 1846, the ship sailed to Mazatlán, where it remained at anchor for three months before sailing home, rounding Cape Horn and arriving in Boston in September.
The Constitution continued to sail and undergo repairs and refits throughout the 1800s, including a period of routine maintenance and repairs in Boston, its official home port. In 1882, the ship was berthed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and by the late 1880s, its glory days were considered over. However, in 1897, the Constitution was towed to Boston, where it underwent further repairs.
The Constitution has also made several notable appearances in popular culture, including in the television series I Love Lucy, Magnum, P.I., and Naked City, as well as the film An Affair to Remember. The ship has even been featured in the video game Fallout 4, where players can help the ship set sail on its final voyage.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution is a real ship built in 1797 in the United States. It is also known as "Old Ironsides".
The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious history. It has been involved in conflicts such as the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War. It has undergone several repairs and refits, including a circumnavigation of the globe, stopping in 25 countries. The ship was retired from the American Hawaii Cruises fleet in 1995 and fell into disrepair by 1997.
In the video game Fallout 4, players can embark on a quest called "The Last Voyage of the USS Constitution." They help the ship's captain prepare for their final voyage by obtaining parts and repairing the ship. Players must choose between siding with the Ironsides or the Scavengers, which leads to different outcomes.
The SS Constitution has made several notable appearances in popular culture, including in the TV series I Love Lucy, Magnum, P.I., and Naked City. It was also featured in the 1957 film An Affair to Remember. Former President Harry S. Truman and his wife sailed on the ship in 1958.
