Malcolm Rivera
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a ship with a rich history. It was one of the first frigates built for the U.S. Navy and was launched in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1797. The Constitution played a significant role in the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War, protecting American merchant ships from pirates. Its most notable achievements were during the War of 1812, where it captured numerous British merchant ships and warships, including HMS Guerriere, which earned it its famous nickname.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nickname | "Old Ironsides" |
| Reason for nickname | Cannonballs were seen bouncing off its hull |
| Hull thickness | 21 inches (530 mm) |
| Length between perpendiculars | 175 ft (53 m) |
| Overall length | 204 ft (62 m) |
| Width | 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m) |
| Mainmast height | 210 ft |
| Number of sails | 44 |
| Number of cannons | 55 |
| Number of crew | 480+ officers, sailors, and Marines |
| Year of launch | 21 October 1797 |
| First commander | Captain Samuel Nicholson |
| Year retired from active service | 1881 or 1882 |
| Year designated as museum ship | 1907 |
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The USS Constitution was nicknamed 'Old Ironsides'
The USS Constitution was nicknamed Old Ironsides due to its sturdy hull, which was observed to deflect cannonballs during its engagement with the British frigate Guerriere on August 19, 1812. The ship's hull was constructed with thick oak timbers, measuring 21 inches (530 mm) and reinforced with copper bolts crafted by silversmith and patriot Paul Revere. This sturdy construction proved its worth in battle, as the crew of the Guerriere was astonished to see their shots rebound harmlessly off the Constitution's hull.
The Constitution's victory over the Guerriere was a pivotal moment in the young American Navy's history. The British ship was left so badly damaged that it had to be burned, and the capture of the Guerriere earned the Constitution and her crew the admiration of the nation. The public adoration, combined with the ship's impressive resilience, led to the nickname "Old Ironsides."
The nickname "Old Ironsides" became a source of pride and sentiment for the American people. When the ship was later condemned as unseaworthy and recommended for scrapping in 1830, public outcry arose, spurred by Oliver Wendell Holmes's poem "Old Ironsides." The ship was ultimately preserved, reflecting the enduring significance of the nickname and the ship's place in American naval history.
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, holds a special place in American naval tradition. It was one of the first frigates built for the U.S. Navy and was launched in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 21, 1797. The ship served in various conflicts, including the Quasi-War with France, the First Barbary War, and the War of 1812, where it captured numerous British warships.
The Constitution's size and firepower contributed to its reputation and effectiveness in battle. It stretched 204 to 207 feet in length, with a mainmast towering 210 feet high. Under full sail, it carried 44 sails and could accommodate up to 55 heavy cannons on two decks. The crew of the Constitution during the War of 1812 numbered over 480 officers, sailors, and Marines, reflecting the ship's significance and the need for a large crew to control the sails and guns.
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The name was earned after the ship's hull deflected cannonballs
The USS Constitution is a ship renowned in American history. It was one of the first frigates built for the US Navy and was launched in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 21, 1797. The ship's hull was built with 21-inch-thick oak and pine timbers from Maine to Georgia, with copper bolts and spikes supplied by Paul Revere.
The Constitution saw its first duties providing protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and defeating the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. It continued to serve as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African Squadrons and circled the globe in the 1840s. During the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, the Constitution captured numerous British merchant ships and five warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant.
It was during the engagement with Guerriere that the Constitution earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides." Many of Guerriere's shots rebounded harmlessly off the Constitution's hull, surprising the British ship's crew. An American sailor reportedly exclaimed, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" The victory over Guerriere left the British ship so badly damaged that it was burned, and the crew were taken as prisoners.
The Constitution's triumph over Guerriere earned it public adoration, and its nickname "Old Ironsides" stuck. This nickname was later referenced by Oliver Wendell Holmes in his poem of the same name, which helped save the ship from being scrapped in 1830. The ship was eventually retired from active service in 1881 and became a museum ship in 1907, continuing to promote the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach and historical demonstration.
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The Constitution was undefeated during the War of 1812
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", was undefeated during the War of 1812. It was one of six frigates authorised by Congress with the passage of the Naval Act of 1794. The ship was designed by Joshua Humphreys and built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. The Constitution was launched on 21 October 1797 and was first commanded by Captain Samuel Nicholson.
The Constitution was heavily armed and built larger than the standard frigates of its period. It was constructed with timbers from Maine to Georgia and fastened with copper bolts and spikes supplied by Paul Revere. The ship's hull was built 21 inches thick, with a length of 204 feet and a width of 43 feet 6 inches. It could carry up to 44 sails and 55 heavy cannons on two decks, making it a formidable force in battle.
During the War of 1812, the Constitution played a crucial role in achieving an enduring place in American naval tradition. On 19 August 1812, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, it won a significant victory over the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The Constitution's heavy broadsides and sailing ability surprised the crew of the Guerriere, and many of their shots rebounded harmlessly off the Constitution's hull. This led to an American sailor exclaiming, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!"
The Constitution's victory over the Guerriere earned it the nickname "Old Ironsides". The battle left the Guerriere badly damaged and it was burned the next morning after transferring the British prisoners onto the Constitution. The Constitution returned to Boston, where Hull and his crew were hailed as heroes. The ship's victory provided confidence and strengthened the young American nation.
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. Today, the Constitution is a museum ship, promoting understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach and historical demonstrations.
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The ship was built using timbers from Maine to Georgia
The USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides", was built using timbers from Maine to Georgia. The ship was constructed at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, and was launched in 1797. The primary materials used in its construction were pine and oak, including southern live oak sourced from Gascoigne Bluff and milled near St. Simons Island, Georgia.
The USS Constitution is known for its actions during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, capturing numerous British merchant ships and warships. The nickname "Old Ironsides" was earned during its battle with HMS Guerriere, when many of the enemy's shots rebounded harmlessly off the ship's hull. An American sailor reportedly exclaimed, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!"
The ship's hull was built with white oak and live oak, with the outer and inner horizontal layers made of white oak and the center vertical layer made of live oak. This heavy timber, with a density of 75 pounds per cubic foot, gave the ship its iron-like strength. The huge internal braces were cut from individual trees, providing a solid structure.
Over the years, the USS Constitution has undergone multiple refittings and restorations to maintain its integrity. The procurement of timber in the required quantities and sizes has often been challenging. During the 1920s restoration, the city of Charleston, South Carolina, donated live-oak trees felled by Hurricane Hugo, and the International Paper Company contributed live oak from its property. In the 1970s, a designated forest of about 80 white oak trees was planted at the Naval Support Activity-Crane base to ensure a continuous supply for future maintenance.
Today, the USS Constitution serves as a museum ship, promoting understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstration, and active participation in public events. Its mission is to preserve the ship's legacy and continue sharing its story with new generations.
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It was launched in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1797
The USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides", was launched in Boston, Massachusetts, on 21 October 1797. It was built 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 the Martha's Vineyard Athearns. The ship's hull was built to be 21 inches thick, with a length of 175 feet between perpendiculars and an overall length of 204 feet. The construction required timber from Maine to Georgia, as well as copper bolts and spikes supplied by Paul Revere, a silversmith and patriot.
The USS Constitution is renowned in American history as one of the first frigates built for the U.S. Navy. It was designed by Joshua Humphreys to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period, serving as the Navy's capital ship. The Constitution had an impressive sailing career, providing protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and playing a significant role in defeating the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.
The ship's most notable achievements occurred during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom. It captured numerous British merchant ships and five warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The engagement with HMS Guerriere earned the Constitution its famous nickname, "Old Ironsides". Cannonballs fired by the British ship were seen to bounce off the Constitution's hull, leading one of the American sailors to exclaim, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!"
Following its victories during the War of 1812, the Constitution continued its illustrious career. It served as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons and even circled the globe in the 1840s. During the American Civil War, it served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy. The Constitution was eventually retired from active service in 1881 and converted into a museum ship in 1907. It underwent restoration from 1927 to 1931 and sailed to 90 American ports, attracting millions of visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" after its victory over HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.
The Constitution was nicknamed "Old Ironsides" because sailors reported seeing cannonballs bounce off its hull.
The Constitution emerged victorious, capturing five warships and numerous British merchant vessels. The Guerriere was left badly damaged and was burned the next morning after its crew were taken as prisoners.
The nickname "Old Ironsides" became a source of public adoration and contributed to the ship's enduring place in American naval tradition. It inspired Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem "Old Ironsides", which helped save the ship from being broken up in 1830.
