Malcolm Rivera
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and is famed for its actions during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom. It was during this conflict that the USS Constitution earned its nickname, Old Ironsides, after it defeated the HMS Guerriere, with many of the British ship's cannonballs bouncing harmlessly off its hull.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the ship | USS Constitution |
| Other names | Old Ironsides, America's Ship of State |
| Type of ship | Frigate |
| Year of launch | 1797 |
| Year of earning the nickname | 1812 |
| War | War of 1812 |
| Opponent | HMS Guerriere |
| Opponent's commander | Captain James Dacres |
| Commander of USS Constitution | Captain Isaac Hull |
| Outcome | USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere |
| Reason for the nickname | The 18-pound iron cannonballs launched by Guerriere bounced harmlessly off the American frigate's hull, which was made of white oak and live oak sheathed in copper |
| Current location | Boston |
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What You'll Learn
The USS Constitution's victory over the HMS Guerriere
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the oldest commissioned warship in the world still afloat. It is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. The nickname "Old Ironsides" was earned by the capture of HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.
The USS Constitution sailed from Boston on 2 August 1812, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull. The ship steered towards the blustery waters southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. On 19 August 1812, two weeks after sailing from Boston, the USS Constitution encountered the British frigate HMS Guerriere, under the command of Captain James Richard Dacres. HMS Guerriere was one of the ships in a British squadron that the USS Constitution had outrun a few weeks earlier.
As the HMS Guerriere closed in on the USS Constitution, the British hoisted their colours and fired a broadside. However, the USS Constitution was out of range, and the cannonballs fell short. The USS Constitution returned fire as it slid alongside the HMS Guerriere. The USS Constitution's thick hull, composed of white oak planking and live oak frames, proved resilient to the enemy's cannonballs. Many of the HMS Guerriere's shots rebounded harmlessly off the USS Constitution's hull. During the battle, an American sailor exclaimed, "Huzza! Her sides are made of iron! See where the shot fell out!".
The USS Constitution emerged from the battle with only slight damage, while the HMS Guerriere was severely damaged and forced to surrender. The HMS Guerriere's masts were felled, and the ship was left in a sinking condition. The USS Constitution's crew took the British sailors on board and set the HMS Guerriere on fire. The USS Constitution returned to Boston with news of the victory, which proved important for American morale. The defeat of the HMS Guerriere showcased Captain Isaac Hull's skills as a naval officer and marked the pinnacle of his military career.
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The ship's resilience to damage
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.
Constitution's hull was built with thick wooden planks, measuring 21 inches (530 mm) in thickness. The primary materials used were pine and oak, including southern live oak known for its strength and durability. This sturdy construction contributed to the ship's ability to withstand damage during its encounters with enemy ships.
In addition to its hull design, Constitution's size and armament made it a formidable opponent. It was designed to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of its time. This advantage allowed it to overpower many of its adversaries, such as HMS Java, which surrendered after a fierce battle. Despite taking a direct hit to its helm, Constitution remained in the fight by steering directly with the rudder, showcasing its resilience and adaptability.
Constitution's resilience extended beyond its encounters with enemy ships. During its voyage back to Annapolis in 1865, despite its age, it outpaced its tug, arriving at Hampton Roads ten hours ahead while running at 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph). This demonstrated the ship's enduring seaworthiness and sailing ability, even after decades of service.
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The public's adoration for the ship
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a source of great pride and adoration for the American public. As one of the oldest naval vessels still afloat, it has become a symbol of America's maritime heritage and a tangible link to the nation's early history.
The ship's illustrious career began in 1797 when it was launched at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. Its first duties included protecting American merchant ships during the Quasi-War with France and fighting against the Barbary Pirates in the First Barbary War. However, it was during the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom that the USS Constitution gained its iconic nickname and the admiration of the American people.
In a remarkable battle, the USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere, with many of the Guerriere's shots rebounding harmlessly off its hull. The crew of the USS Constitution was hailed as heroes when they returned to Boston, and the ship earned the nickname "Old Ironsides", inspired by the exclamation of an American sailor: "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!".
The public adoration for the USS Constitution has been so strong that it has repeatedly saved the ship from being scrapped. After being retired from active service in 1881, it served as a receiving ship until it was designated a museum ship in 1907. The ship underwent extensive restoration work to preserve its historical appearance, and it continues to be a beloved attraction, open for tours in Boston.
The USS Constitution remains an enduring symbol of American naval power and history. It has sailed under its own power on significant anniversaries, such as its 200th birthday in 1997 and the 200th anniversary of its victory over HMS Guerriere in 2012. The ship's legacy has also inspired other incarnations of "Old Ironsides", such as the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, which served in various conflicts around the world.
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The USS Constitution's capture of seven more British ships
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. The nickname "Old Ironsides" was earned during the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, when the USS Constitution captured numerous British merchantmen and five warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The capture of Guerriere was particularly significant, as it boosted American morale and patriotism during the war.
- HMS Java: On December 29, 1812, the USS Constitution encountered HMS Java off the coast of Brazil. Despite having its helm wrecked by a British shot, the Constitution kept fighting by steering directly with the rudder. Java ultimately surrendered, and her helm was used as a replacement on the Constitution.
- HMS Pictou: The capture of HMS Pictou was part of the USS Constitution's campaign during the War of 1812.
- HMS Cyane: HMS Cyane was one of the five warships captured by the USS Constitution during the War of 1812.
- HMS Levant: The USS Constitution captured HMS Levant during its campaign against the United Kingdom in the War of 1812.
- Three Barbary Pirate Ships: In 1803, the USS Constitution assisted in a larger attack on Tripoli, Libya, and captured three ships during the blockade.
- British Merchant Ships: During its patrols against the Barbary Pirates, the USS Constitution also captured several British merchant ships. Captain Isaac Hull burned these ships rather than risk taking them back to an American port.
The USS Constitution's capture of these seven British ships, in addition to its notable victory over HMS Guerriere, solidified its reputation as a formidable warship and a symbol of American pride and patriotism.
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The ship's continued service as a flagship
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and was one of the first six frigates authorised for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. It was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts.
During the War of 1812 with the United Kingdom, the Constitution captured numerous British merchant ships and five warships, including HMS Guerriere, which earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides". An American sailor reportedly exclaimed, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" after witnessing many of Guerriere's shots harmlessly rebound off the Constitution's hull. William Bainbridge took command of the Constitution on September 8, 1812, and sailed to the South Atlantic, where they encountered and defeated HMS Java.
In 1814, the Constitution, under the command of Captain Charles Stewart, sailed to the Caribbean, where she captured five merchantmen in three months. During the American Civil War, the Constitution served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy. In 1878, she carried American artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition. The Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 but continues to be a commissioned warship in the US Navy, open for tours in Boston.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It was launched in 1797 and is also known as Old Ironsides.
The USS Constitution earned the nickname Old Ironsides after defeating the HMS Guerriere in August 1812.
The USS Constitution was the larger frigate, with a larger crew, thicker hull, and more guns. The 18-pound iron cannonballs fired by the Guerriere bounced harmlessly off the Constitution's hull, which was made of white oak and live oak sheathed in copper.
Captain Isaac Hull captained the USS Constitution during its battle with the HMS Guerriere.
After defeating the HMS Guerriere, the USS Constitution returned triumphantly to Boston, where it was greeted by cheering crowds. The unexpected victory helped unite America behind the war effort and made Commander Hull a national hero.
