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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 ship was launched in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 21, 1797, and has an overall length of 204 feet (62 metres), a displacement of 2,200 tons, and a gun range of 1,200 yards (1,100 metres). The Constitution played a significant role in the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, capturing several British merchant vessels and warships. It has undergone various restorations and continues to be a prominent symbol of American naval history.
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What You'll Learn
The USS Constitution is 204 feet long
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 ship was launched in Boston, Massachusetts, on 21 October 1797, and is 204 feet or 62 metres long. It was one of six original frigates authorised for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and is the third constructed.
The USS Constitution is renowned in American history and was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. Its bolts, fastening its timbers, and copper sheathing on the bottom were made by silversmith and patriot Paul Revere. The ship's first duties were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. The Constitution was also Commodore Edward Preble's flagship in the successful war against the Tripoli pirates (1801–1805). The treaty of peace was signed aboard the ship.
During the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, the USS Constitution captured numerous British merchantmen and five warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The capture of Guerriere earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides", adding to the public adoration that had repeatedly saved her from scrapping. The ship continued to serve as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons and circled the world in the 1840s.
The USS Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until it was designated a museum ship in 1907. It has been based at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston since 1934. The ship sailed under its own power for its 200th birthday in 1997 and again in August 2012 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of its victory over Guerriere.
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It has a displacement of 2,200 tons
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," is a legendary wooden-hulled warship with a rich history. The ship's construction began in 1794, and it was launched in 1797 with impressive dimensions. Among its notable features is its displacement, which refers to the weight of water displaced by a ship and is a crucial factor in determining its overall size.
The Constitution had a displacement of 2,200 tons, which was considerable for its time and contributed to its formidable presence on the high seas. This displacement measurement provides valuable insight into the ship's overall volume and capacity. A ton, in this context, refers to a measurement of volume, specifically the volume occupied by a ton of seawater, which is equivalent to 35 cubic feet or approximately 1 cubic meter.
A displacement of 2,200 tons meant that the Constitution displaced that volume of water, ensuring its buoyancy and providing stability during its voyages. This displacement capacity also accommodated the weight of the ship's armaments, provisions, and crew. The ship had a length of 204 feet (62.2 meters) at the waterline and a beam, or width, of 53 feet (16.2 meters), contributing to its substantial displacement.
The Constitution's displacement of 2,200 tons reflects the ship's impressive size and capacity. It had three masts and was designed with a sturdy hull to withstand the rigors of naval warfare. Its displacement allowed it to carry a substantial amount of cargo and provisions, ensuring that it could sustain long voyages and engage in extended naval campaigns. The ship's displacement also contributed to its maneuverability and overall performance, making it a versatile and formidable warship.
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The main mast is 210 feet high
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 main mast of the USS Constitution is 210 feet high, which is as tall as a 20-story building. The ship was launched in 1797 and is one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. It was the third to be constructed.
The USS Constitution is most noted for its actions during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, when it captured numerous British merchantmen and warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. Its capture of Guerriere earned it the nickname "Old Ironsides". The ship continued to serve as a flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons and circled the world in the 1840s.
The USS Constitution underwent a three-year repair period from 2010 to 2013, during which the entire spar deck was stripped down to the support beams and the decking overhead was replaced to restore its original curvature. This allowed water to drain overboard instead of remaining on the deck. The ship is currently based at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston and is open to the public.
The USS Constitution's main mast is an integral part of the ship's rigging system, which allows it to carry a large number of sails. The ship is known for its impressive sailing capabilities and played a significant role in the early naval history of the United States. The main mast has undergone repairs and maintenance over the years to ensure its structural integrity.
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It carried 55 heavy cannons
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, having been launched in 1797. The Constitution was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794, and the third constructed. It was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Constitution is most famous for its actions during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, capturing numerous British merchantmen and warships. It played a crucial role in defeating the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War and protecting American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France.
The Constitution was a formidable warship, often carrying more than 50 guns. Specifically, it carried 55 heavy cannons on two decks, making it a powerful force in battle. Each commanding officer outfitted armaments according to their preferences and the situation at hand, considering factors such as weight, personnel, and planned routes. This resulted in varying armaments throughout the ship's career, and records of these changes were not consistently kept.
The guns and cannons were designed to be portable and were often exchanged between ships. During the War of 1812, the Constitution's battery of guns typically consisted of 30 long 24-pounder cannons, with 15 on each side of the gun deck. The ship's cannons played a vital role in its victories, earning it a lasting place in American naval history and tradition.
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The ship was built in Boston, Massachusetts
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 ship was built in Boston, Massachusetts, at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in the North End of the city. The keel was laid on November 1, 1794, and the ship was launched on October 21, 1797.
Boston played a significant role in the history of the USS Constitution. The ship arrived in Boston on May 31, 1824, and underwent repairs there in December 1826. In 1881, after being decommissioned, the USS Constitution was moved to the Portsmouth Navy Yard and later returned to Boston, where it has been based since 1934 at the Charlestown Navy Yard, now part of the Boston National Historic Park.
The USS Constitution has a strong connection to the city of Boston and its naval history. The ship's crew primarily consisted of sailors from Massachusetts, and the USS Constitution Museum in Boston extensively researches the lives of its crew members. The museum's work provides valuable insights into the lives and experiences of those who served aboard this iconic vessel.
Boston's role in preserving and commemorating the USS Constitution is also notable. The ship was opened to the public in Boston Harbor in 1905, and after a restoration period from 1927 to 1931, it embarked on a tour of 90 American ports, including both coasts. The Charlestown Navy Yard, its current home, is a significant site for those interested in naval history and the legacy of the USS Constitution.
The USS Constitution's construction in Boston, Massachusetts, was a pivotal moment in American naval history. The ship's subsequent presence and impact in the city, including its crew composition and the efforts to preserve it, have contributed to its enduring legacy.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution ship, also known as Old Ironsides, is 204 feet (62 metres) long, with a displacement of 2,200 tons and a gun range of 1,200 yards (1,100 metres).
The USS Constitution has three masts, which could carry a total of 44 sails.
The crew of the USS Constitution consisted of more than 480 officers, sailors, and Marines during the War of 1812. Today, the active-duty US Navy crew numbers between 60 and 70 men and women.
The USS Constitution was launched on October 21, 1797, in Boston, Massachusetts.
