Jonah Patel
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 naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797. The last recorded instance of the USS Constitution firing her guns was on July 10, 1976, during Operation Sail, when she led a parade of tall ships into Boston Harbor, firing her guns at one-minute intervals for the first time in approximately 100 years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of launch | 1797 |
| Nickname | Old Ironsides |
| Hull material | Three-layered sandwich of oak |
| Hull length | 204 feet |
| Hull width | 43.5 feet |
| Ship displacement | 2,200 tons |
| Number of masts | 3 |
| Original number of guns | 44 |
| Maximum number of guns | 60 |
| Current number of guns | 55 replicas |
| Last live fire | 1975 |
| Current location | Boston Harbour |
| Current purpose | Museum ship |
| Number of visitors per year | 100,000 |
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What You'll Learn
USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum is a privately-run, non-profit museum located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is part of the Boston National Historical Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The museum is situated near the ship USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, at the end of Boston's Freedom Trail. The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat and was launched in 1797.
The museum is housed in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier 2. It tells the story of the USS Constitution and the people who designed, built, and sailed her through its collections and interactive exhibits. The museum is also home to the Samuel Eliot Morison Memorial Library, which includes a comprehensive archival repository of records related to the ship's history.
The USS Constitution Museum offers a variety of exhibits and experiences for visitors. One of the exhibits, "All Hands On Deck," is an interactive exhibit that explores the realities of life at sea during the War of 1812. The museum also showcases the battle between the USS Constitution and HMS Java through artwork, archival records, and artifacts associated with the battle.
The museum's website provides online games, apps, and downloads for visitors to learn more about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. The museum is a top-rated, audience-focused institution with a track record of delighted visitors.
The USS Constitution Museum was founded by Charles Francis Adams IV, who is honoured for his lifelong support of the community and his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. The museum also recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation of the USS Constitution and the ancient art of shipbuilding, such as Don Turner, former head of the USS Constitution Maintenance and Repair Facility.
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Guns removed for 2015-2017 restoration
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The ship underwent a 26-month restoration from 2015 to 2017, during which 85% of her structure was replaced. This included the removal and restoration of her guns, which have a long and fascinating history.
The Constitution's guns were first used in the early 19th century and have been a subject of interest for many years. In 1816, Commodore William Bainbridge noted that during an action with the Java, two of the Constitution's guns were struck by the enemy's round shot but continued to fire actively and remained safe. In 1833, Lieutenant John B. Dale wrote about a gun on the quarterdeck that had a groove in its side, reportedly made by a British ball that killed a man at the wheel.
The guns were likely supplied by contract from the Columbia Iron Works in 1809 and were mentioned in Jones' 1833 survey, possibly remaining with the ship into the 1840s. In 1833, the U.S. Navy Department ordered Captain Thomas ap Catesby Jones to inspect all cannons in the Navy's inventory, including those of the Constitution. Jones' inspection report provided detailed information about the dimensions, weight, and condition of each gun.
During the 2015-2017 restoration, the Constitution underwent significant work, including the replacement of hull planks, copper sheathing, and below-the-waterline caulking. The restoration aimed to maintain the ship's 1812 configuration, as per Commander Tyrone G. Martin's precedent set in the 1970s. The ship's rigging was also overhauled, repaired, and replaced, and new protective coatings were applied to the hull.
The USS Constitution's restoration is an ongoing process, with continuous efforts made to preserve and maintain this iconic warship. The work during the 2015-2017 period was a significant step in ensuring the ship's longevity and historical accuracy.
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Guns in 1812 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, having been launched in 1797. The USS Constitution played a significant role in the War of 1812, utilising its 44 guns in combat against British ships.
The War of 1812 saw a variety of weapons used by both sides, including traditional muskets and gunships. The majority of the weapons employed during the war were infantry small arms. The primary firearm for American foot soldiers was the Springfield Model 1795 Musket, manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts. This muzzle-loaded, smooth-bore firearm was the first of its kind to be produced in the United States.
During the conflict, American militia employed a diverse array of arms, including French, British, and indigenous weapons. The French muskets, such as the Model 1763 and 1766, were leftover from the Revolution and proved influential in the development of the U.S. Musket, Charleville pattern, also known as the Model 1795. The Model 1795 became the official musket of the U.S. during the War of 1812.
The introduction of rifles also played a significant role in the war. Rifles offered significantly improved accuracy over smooth-bore muskets due to the spiral grooves inside the barrel, which stabilised the projectile's flight. However, they had slower reload times and required frequent cleaning due to burnt gunpowder buildup. The main American rifle during the war was the Model 1803, the first rifle manufactured by the U.S.
To counter British warships, the U.S. utilised gunboats commissioned in advance of the war by President Thomas Jefferson. These "Jeffersonian gunboats" were designed for coastal defence and riverine operations. They were small, ranging from 50 to 75 feet in length and 18 feet in width, with shallow drafts. Each gunboat was equipped with two to three guns, including swivel-mounted 18- to 24-pounders and 32-pounders on traversing carriages.
The USS Constitution's encounter with HMS Guerriere in August 1812 is a notable example of naval combat during the War of 1812. After exchanging cannon fire, Captain Hull manoeuvred the USS Constitution into a favourable position and ordered a full double-loaded broadside, disabling Guerriere's mizzenmast. This left Guerriere entangled with the USS Constitution, with only its bow guns capable of effective fire. The USS Constitution's superior firepower and manoeuvring ultimately led to its victory in this engagement.
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1833 survey of cannons
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 world's oldest ships still afloat, having been launched in 1797. The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious career spanning over 200 years and is considered a national icon.
In 1833, the U.S. Navy Department ordered Captain Thomas ap Catesby Jones, Inspector of Ordnance, to conduct a comprehensive survey of all existing cannons in the U.S. Navy's inventory. This was a challenging task, as the Navy's guns were scattered across six different navy yards, totalling 2,242 pieces of varying calibres. Captain Jones and his team meticulously measured and inspected each gun, recording their dimensions, weight, condition, and providing remarks on their form and condition.
The survey, known as the "Inspection Returns of Ordnance at the U.S. Navy Yards," is a valuable resource for modern-day researchers. It provides detailed information about the Navy's ordnance at that time, including the guns of the USS Constitution. By 1833, the Constitution had been laid up for five years and had recently entered a new drydock for repairs. As per standard procedure, all stores, rigging, and guns were landed and stored. The guns were carefully handled and coated with a protective layer.
Jones' survey categorised the guns by type and ship affiliation. He specifically identified the guns belonging to the sloop Boston, the ship-of-the-line Independence, and the Constitution. The Constitution was rated as a 44-gun frigate but often carried more than 50 guns. The ship's armaments varied depending on the commanding officer's preferences and considerations such as weight, crew, and sailing routes. The 1833 survey provides valuable insights into the types and conditions of the Constitution's guns at that time.
The USS Constitution has had a long and active service history, with notable engagements such as the Chesapeake–Leopard affair, patrols during the Quasi-War with France, and battles against Barbary pirates. The ship underwent repairs and restoration work over the years, including a period of leisure repair after public outcry over its potential scrapping in 1830. The Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until becoming a museum ship in 1907, where it remains a living example of America's maritime heritage.
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1934 tour
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.
In 1934, the USS Constitution completed a three-year tour of 90 port cities across the United States. The tour began in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with a 21-gun salute, and the ship was towed by the minesweeper Grebe. During the tour, the USS Constitution travelled north to Bar Harbor, Maine, then south into the Gulf of Mexico, through the Panama Canal Zone, and north again to Bellingham, Washington, on the Pacific Coast. Over 4.6 million people visited the ship during this tour.
The USS Constitution returned to its home port of Boston in May 1934 and resumed its role as a museum ship. It received around 100,000 visitors per year and was maintained by a small crew who lived on the ship. The heating system was upgraded to a forced-air system in the 1950s, and a sprinkler system was added to protect the ship from fires.
The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious career, serving in various capacities since its launch in 1797. It has undergone several restorations and upgrades to preserve its historical configuration and ensure its longevity. Today, the ship is open to the public and continues to play an active role in educational and ceremonial events, promoting an understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution last fired her guns in July 1975 during Operation Sail, when she led a parade of tall ships up Boston Harbour.
The USS Constitution originally carried 44 guns but could carry up to 60 during wartime. Today, the ship's guns are replicas, with 55 being made for the ship during her 1906-1907 restoration.
The USS Constitution is a three-masted, wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.
