Simone Lawson
After the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan, the U.S. government undertook a secret operation to hide the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and other treasured American artifacts. The original parchment versions of the U.S. Constitution, along with other important documents, were placed in four nondescript cases and put on a train to Fort Knox in Kentucky, 600 miles away from Washington, D.C. The fear of an attack on the capital and German bombs and sabotage was palpable, and the relocation of the documents was part of a plan that had begun 14 months earlier as war raged across Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of USS Constitution during the Pearl Harbor attack | Charlestown Navy Yard |
| Date of the Pearl Harbor attack | December 7, 1941 |
| USS Constitution's contribution to the war effort | Re-commissioned as symbolic flagships of the fleet |
| Post-attack commemoration location | Aboard the WWII destroyer, USS Cassin Young |
| Post-attack commemoration date | December 7 |
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What You'll Learn
USS Constitution remained in the Charlestown Navy Yard
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", has a long and storied history dating back to the early 19th century. During World War II, the ship remained in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts. Despite not actively participating in combat operations during the war, the USS Constitution contributed to the war effort in its own unique way.
Leading up to and during World War II, the USS Constitution underwent a symbolic transformation. In 1940, at the request of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a former Assistant Secretary of the Navy and admirer of the ship, the Constitution was re-commissioned along with the 1854 sloop-of-war Constellation. They were designated as the symbolic flagships of the fleet, representing the proud history and tradition of the U.S. Navy.
The USS Constitution's presence in the Charlestown Navy Yard served as a reminder of the Navy's rich heritage and the sacrifices made by those who served. The ship's designation as a flagship also highlighted its significance during a time of global conflict. While the ship itself did not engage in direct combat, its symbolic value inspired those involved in the war effort and united them under a common cause.
During its time in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution underwent maintenance and preservation efforts to ensure its longevity. The ship's crew and dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to maintain its structure and appearance, ensuring that it remained a source of pride for all who visited or served aboard. The ship's rich history and symbolic value during World War II added to its legacy, making it a beloved icon in American naval history.
The USS Constitution's stay in the Charlestown Navy Yard during World War II is a testament to its enduring significance. By remaining in Boston, the ship continued to educate and inspire future generations about the Navy's past while serving as a powerful symbol of American resilience and determination during a critical period in world history. Today, the USS Constitution stands as the oldest commissioned warship still afloat, a floating museum that continues to share its story with visitors from around the world.
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USS Constitution was designated a symbolic flagship
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", is a ship with a long history of service dating back to the early 19th century. It played a significant role during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, capturing numerous British merchant ships and warships. The ship's victory over HMS Guerriere in 1812 earned it the nickname "Old Ironsides" and transformed it into a national symbol of patriotism.
In 1940, at the request of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the USS Constitution was recommissioned and designated a symbolic flagship of the fleet, along with the 1854 sloop-of-war Constellation. This decision held symbolic significance as Roosevelt was a former Assistant Secretary to the Navy and an admirer of the ship. Despite its age and deterioration, the USS Constitution took on a new role during World War II, contributing to the war effort.
The USS Constitution has a unique design, built with a thicker hull and heavier armament compared to standard frigates of its time. It was designed by Joshua Humphreys, who recognized that the young United States could not compete with European states in naval size. Thus, the USS Constitution was constructed to overpower other frigates while being agile enough to escape larger ships.
During its early years of service, the USS Constitution served as the Mediterranean Squadron flagship, patrolling the Mediterranean and protecting vital trade routes and American diplomatic interests. It played a crucial role in maintaining peace in the region, particularly during Greece's struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. The ship's presence as part of the Mediterranean Squadron helped prevent a broader Mediterranean conflict.
The USS Constitution has undergone various refittings and repairs throughout its history to prepare it for different duties. In 1820, it underwent refitting to join the Mediterranean Squadron, and in 1857, it underwent major restoration work. The ship's legacy and popularity led to its use as a training vessel for the Apprentice Training Squadron, sailing to various regions, including the Caribbean and Central America. Despite facing neglect and almost being forgotten, the USS Constitution was revived and returned to its native city of Boston in 1897, where it was celebrated by the locals.
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The US Constitution was moved to the National Archives
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, were collectively referred to as the Charters of Freedom. Before their move to the National Archives in 1952, these documents were under the control of the State Department.
The documents were displayed at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 and were subsequently returned to the State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, DC (now the Eisenhower Executive Office Building). They remained exhibited in a cabinet within the departmental library until 1894 when they were removed due to fading. The documents were then stored away until 1920, when the Secretary of State formed a committee to advocate for their preservation and exhibition.
In 1930, designers for the National Archives planned to add an exhibition hall to house and display the Charters of Freedom. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover announced that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution would be exhibited at the National Archives building. The building's architect, John Russell Pope, commissioned artist Barry Faulkner to paint two large murals above the exhibit cases within the archives' rotunda.
In 1952, the Librarian of Congress agreed that the Charters of Freedom should be transferred to the National Archives. President Truman and Congress approved the move, and the documents were placed in a custom-built, 50-ton, steel and concrete, bomb-and fire-proof safe. The National Archives now held all the key documents of the nation's founding, and the building became one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, DC.
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The US Constitution was put on a train to Fort Knox
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, are collectively referred to as the Charters of Freedom. These documents were displayed at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 and were then returned to the State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, DC, where they remained until 1894. They were removed due to fading and placed in storage until 1920 when efforts were made to preserve and exhibit them.
In 1930, plans for the National Archives included an exhibition hall to house the Charters of Freedom. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover announced that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution would be exhibited at the National Archives building. In 1952, the Librarian of Congress agreed that the Charters of Freedom should be moved to the National Archives, and President Truman approved the transfer.
However, in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, there were fears of a Japanese invasion. To protect the nation's precious documents, they were moved to safer places within the National Archives. The US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and other important records were placed on a train to Fort Knox in Kentucky, accompanied by armed Secret Service officers. This move ensured the safety and preservation of these vital documents during a time of uncertainty and potential threat.
Fort Knox, a highly secure facility, provided an ideal location to safeguard the US Constitution and other essential records during World War II. The relocation demonstrated the proactive measures taken by archivists and officials to protect the nation's historical and legal foundations, even amidst the turmoil of war. The return of these documents to the National Archives after the war further emphasized their significance and the need for specialized preservation and exhibition spaces.
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The US Constitution was stored in a bomb-proof safe
The attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7, 1941, was a pivotal moment in American history. The surprise attack resulted in significant loss of life and damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and it served to unify the nation behind President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his determination to go to war with the Axis powers.
In the aftermath of the attack, there was fear of a Japanese invasion, and officials took steps to safeguard important documents. The U.S. Constitution, along with other crucial documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address, was moved to Fort Knox in Kentucky. This relocation ensured the documents' safety and provided a secure location away from potential invasion routes.
However, even before the attack on Pearl Harbor, plans were in place for the preservation and secure storage of these vital records. The National Archives, completed in October 1934, included an exhibition hall designed to showcase the nation's most important founding documents. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover announced that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution would be exhibited there.
The National Archives building featured a custom-built, 50-ton steel and concrete safe designed to be bomb-proof and fireproof. This safe was constructed by the Mosler Safe Company, ensuring the utmost protection for the documents it housed. The safe included a specially designed elevator that allowed the documents to be stored securely at night and then raised into their display cases during the day.
The U.S. Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, collectively known as the Charters of Freedom, were transferred to the National Archives in 1952. Prior to this move, these documents were under the care of the State Department and were displayed at various locations, including the Centennial Exhibition in 1876 in Philadelphia.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was held at the Library of Congress during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The US Constitution was moved to Fort Knox in Kentucky, along with the Gettysburg Address, shielded by armed Secret Service officers.
The US Constitution is held at the National Archives, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
The US Constitution moved to the National Archives in 1952.
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