Simone Lawson
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy and one of the oldest ships still floating. The Constitution has a long and illustrious history, including battles against HMS Guerriere and the Chesapeake–Leopard affair. The ship's cannons have been restored and replaced several times, with the most recent restoration involving the retrofitting of two 24-pound American guns. The USS Constitution fires its cannons daily at 8 am and 8 pm during the summer and during celebrations or commemorations, such as a 21-gun salute on the anniversary of its launch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cannon firing schedule | 8 am and 8 pm in the summer |
| At sunset in other seasons | |
| During celebrations or commemorations | |
| Cannon type | 24-pounder long gun |
| 32-pounder short-range carronade | |
| 18-pounder cannon | |
| 32-pounder carronade | |
| 6-pounder cannon | |
| Cannon weight | 2500 pounds |
| Cannonball weight | 24-pound cannonball |
| 32-pound cannonball | |
| 18-pound cannonball | |
| Cannonball speed | 750 feet per second |
| Muzzle energy | 24,000 foot-pounds |
| Muzzle bore diameter | 6 inches |
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What You'll Learn
- USS Constitution's cannons fired during the War of 1812
- Constitution's cannons fired a salute to Queen Elizabeth II in 1976
- Constitution's cannons fired during the Chesapeake–Leopard affair
- Constitution's cannons fired during battle with HMS Guerriere
- Constitution's cannons fire daily at 8 am and 8 pm in the summer
USS Constitution's cannons fired during the War of 1812
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 is most noted for its actions during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom. During this conflict, the ship captured numerous British merchant vessels and five warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The capture of Guerriere earned the USS Constitution its nickname, "Old Ironsides", as the public adoration for this victory repeatedly saved the ship from being scrapped.
The USS Constitution's encounter with HMS Guerriere began on 19 August, when the British frigate was sighted. The Guerriere opened fire as she came into range, but inflicted little damage. After several exchanges of cannon fire, the USS Constitution manoeuvred into a favourable position and delivered a full double-loaded broadside of grape and round shot, disabling the Guerriere's mizzenmast. With the British ship's manoeuvrability hampered, the two vessels collided, and their bowsprit and mizzen rigging became entangled. This left only the Guerriere's bow guns capable of effective fire, and a fire briefly broke out in the USS Constitution's hull. However, the blaze was quickly extinguished.
In addition to its pivotal role in the War of 1812, the USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious history. In 1807, the ship was involved in the Chesapeake–Leopard affair, an altercation with HMS Leopard that delayed its relief. During this incident, the crew of the USS Constitution became mutinous, refusing to sail further unless their destination was the United States. This mutiny was quelled when the officers threatened to fire a cannon loaded with grapeshot at the crewmen.
Today, the USS Constitution continues to fire ceremonial salutes on special occasions. In 1976, two 24-pounder cannons were retrofitted to the ship for this purpose, allowing it to participate in Boston's celebration of the American bicentennial. The USS Constitution has since fired salutes to commemorate significant events such as the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014 and the ship's own 214th anniversary in 2011.
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Constitution's cannons fired a salute to Queen Elizabeth II in 1976
The USS Constitution is a historic naval vessel that was first launched in 1797. The ship has a rich history and has undergone several restorations over the years, including one that concluded in 1975.
In 1976, the USS Constitution played a significant role in the American bicentennial celebrations in Boston. On July 10, 1976, the ship led a parade of tall ships up Boston Harbor, firing minute guns to welcome vessels from around the world. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Queen Elizabeth II, who was aboard her yacht, HMY Britannia.
The USS Constitution's crew fired a special salute to honour Queen Elizabeth II, who was visiting the United States. This salute was a sign of respect and a traditional way to welcome a visiting head of state. The Queen's yacht acknowledged the salute with a message, saying, "Your salute was magnificent. Britannia sends."
The following day, on July 11, Queen Elizabeth II, along with Prince Philip and Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf, were welcomed aboard the USS Constitution. This marked a historic occasion as it was the only time a sitting British monarch had stepped foot on the decks of the USS Constitution. The crew of the USS Constitution had the honour of hosting the Queen and showcasing the ship's rich history and significance.
The ability to fire salutes from the USS Constitution was made possible by the efforts of Commanding Officer Tyrone G. Martin, who initiated a project to retrofit two 24-pounder American replica guns for saluting purposes. These guns, originally cast during the ship's 1927-1931 restoration, were not intended to fire but were modified with new bolts to hold them in place for firing. The successful test firing of these guns in March 1976 ensured their readiness for the bicentennial celebrations and the salute to Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022).
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Constitution's cannons fired during the Chesapeake–Leopard affair
The Chesapeake–Leopard Affair was a naval engagement between the USS Chesapeake and the HMS Leopard off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, on June 22, 1807. The Leopard, a British fourth-rate ship, intercepted the American frigate Chesapeake, which was unprepared for battle with its guns unwisely stowed and decks scattered with cargo. The British commander requested permission to search the Chesapeake for deserters, but the American commodore James Barron refused to allow his crew to be inspected.
Captain Salusbury Pryce Humphreys of the Leopard then ordered the American ship to submit, but Chesapeake did not comply. In response, Humphreys fired a round across the Chesapeake's bow, followed by broadsides into the American ship. The Chesapeake, with its guns unloaded and decks cluttered, managed to fire only a single shot in reply before surrendering. Three of her crew were killed, and eighteen were wounded, including Barron.
The bloody encounter caused outrage among Americans, with calls for war with Great Britain. The British seized four suspected deserters from the Royal Navy, including Jenkin Ratford, a British tailor who had deserted to the Chesapeake and made himself conspicuous by boasting of his escape in Norfolk's streets. The incident also had consequences for Barron, who was court-martialled, found guilty of neglecting to prepare his ship for action, and suspended from the navy for five years without pay.
The Chesapeake–Leopard Affair occurred during a period of uneasy peace between the United States and Great Britain and highlighted the bitterness and mistrust between the two nations. It caused a storm of protest from the U.S. government, with the British eventually offering to return the three American residents seized and pay reparations for the damage to the Chesapeake. The incident also contributed to a sense of national dishonour and the need to uphold honour through force.
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Constitution's cannons fired during battle with HMS Guerriere
The USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere fought a battle during the War of 1812, about 400 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The USS Constitution, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, sailed from Boston on 2 August 1812. After two weeks of daily gun drills, Hull and his crew sighted the Guerriere, under the command of Captain James Richard Dacres, on 19 August 1812.
Guerriere opened fire first, but the cannonballs fell short. Captain Hull refused to return fire until the USS Constitution slid alongside the Guerriere. After a few exchanges of cannon fire, Hull manoeuvred the USS Constitution into an advantageous position within 25 yards of the Guerriere. He then ordered a full double-loaded broadside, which took out the Guerriere's mizzenmast. With the mizzenmast dragging in the water, the Guerriere's manoeuvrability decreased, and she collided with the USS Constitution, with her bowsprit entangling the latter's mizzen rigging. This left only the Guerriere's bow guns capable of effective fire.
Some of the gunners aboard the Guerriere fired at point-blank range into Hull's cabin, setting the USS Constitution on fire. However, the fire was quickly extinguished. The two locked ships slowly rotated clockwise until they broke free. The Guerriere's foremast and mainmast then fell, leaving her helpless and rolling heavily. The USS Constitution, meanwhile, repaired the damage to her rigging and returned to battle. As she prepared to renew the action, the Guerriere fired a shot in the opposite direction, which was interpreted as an attempt to signal surrender.
By the morning, it was clear that the Guerriere could not be saved, and Captain Hull made the decision to scuttle the ship by igniting the warship's powder in the magazines. The USS Constitution and the prisoners sailed for Boston, arriving on 30 August. The battle established the USS Constitution as a household name and provided an important boost to American morale.
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Constitution's cannons fire daily at 8 am and 8 pm in the summer
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 floating, having been launched in 1797. The Constitution has had a long and illustrious career spanning over 200 years.
The Constitution's cannons typically fire every day at 8 am and 8 pm during the summer. This tradition has been in place since at least 2005. The 8 am cannon firing marks the morning, while the 8 pm firing signals sunset. On certain occasions, the cannons may be fired at other times for celebrations or commemorations, such as a 22-gun salute on President's Day or to mark the moments when planes hit the towers on 9/11.
The Constitution's cannons have undergone several changes throughout its history. During the 1906 restoration, Congress decided to restore the ship's cannons, including creating new casts of cannons for her decks. However, the Naval Constructor in charge of armaments used a French design, resulting in inaccurate replicas. These were eventually replaced during another restoration phase in 1925.
Today, the Constitution continues to fire salutes and participate in celebrations. In 1976, two retrofitted 24-pound American guns were sent back to the ship in time for Boston's celebration of the American bicentennial. On July 10, the Constitution led a parade of tall ships in Boston Harbor, firing minute guns to welcome vessels from around the world. The ship also fired a salute to Queen Elizabeth II, who stepped aboard, marking the only time a sitting British monarch has set foot on the decks of the USS Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution fires its cannons at 8 am and 8 pm during the summer. It also fires its cannons during celebrations or commemorations, such as President's Day or 9/11.
The USS Constitution has had various types of cannons throughout its history. It currently has 24-pound long guns and 32-pound short-range carronades for broadside weaponry.
The USS Constitution fires its cannons daily during the summer at 8 am and 8 pm. It also fires its cannons during special events and celebrations.
The cannons on the USS Constitution have a range of about 750 feet. The cannonballs fired from these cannons can travel at speeds of up to 750 feet per second.
No, the USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and has undergone several restorations since then. It was retired from active service in 1881 and designated a museum ship in 1907.
