Omar Bennett
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat. Built in 1797, it is one of six frigates authorised for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. The USS Constitution has undergone several repairs and refurbishments over the years, including extensive repairs in the 1800s and multiple restorations in the 1900s. The ship holds a significant place in American naval history and tradition, having served in various conflicts such as the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War. Public sentiment and campaigns have also played a role in preserving the ship, with school children across the United States raising funds for its restoration. Today, the USS Constitution serves as a muster station for local reservists and is maintained by the US Navy.
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What You'll Learn
Public sentiment and fundraising
Public sentiment has played a significant role in the longevity of the USS Constitution. In 1830, the ship was deemed unseaworthy and was almost broken up, but public affection for the vessel was stirred by Oliver Wendell Holmes's poem "Old Ironsides". This nickname, "Old Ironsides", was earned during the War of 1812 when British shot was seen to bounce off the ship's oak sides. The public's love for the ship was further demonstrated in the early 20th century when children donated pennies, adults bought souvenirs, and over a million lithographs of the ship were sold, raising over $154,000 for restoration work. The ship's subsequent National Cruise from 1931 to 1934 was a gesture of gratitude to those who contributed to the Save "Old Ironsides" Campaign. Over 4.6 million people visited the ship at 76 ports across the United States.
The USS Constitution has also been maintained through public fundraising. The ship's first repairs, after two failed launch attempts, cost about $118,000, while the ship itself cost about $302,000. In 2009, the USS Constitution was designated America's official "Ship of State", and the Navy pays for its upkeep, which can be very expensive. Its most recent dry dock period lasted two years and cost $15 million.
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Repairs and maintenance
One of the earliest recorded instances of repairs was in 1803, when the copper sheathing on her hull needed to be replaced. Paul Revere supplied the copper sheets necessary for the job, which took 14 days to complete.
In 1815, after years of service, extensive repairs were needed to ready the Constitution for Mediterranean service. Repairs were made to the hull planking, framing, decks, beams, and interior carpentry. The gun deck was also rebuilt to restore its original height.
Following its service in the Mediterranean, the Constitution underwent repairs again in 1855. Although the frames were solid, the lower deck planking, beams, ceilings, and upper deck fixtures were replaced.
In 1857, the Constitution was moved to dry dock for conversion into a training ship. Classrooms were added to the spar and gun decks, and its armament was reduced to 16 guns.
Public sentiment played a role in the preservation of the Constitution as well. In 1830, when the ship was condemned as unseaworthy and recommended for breaking up, Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem "Old Ironsides" rallied public support for its preservation. Rebuilding efforts began in 1833, and in 1844 the Constitution embarked on a circumnavigation of the globe.
Between 1927 and 1931, Lieutenant John A. Lord supervised another significant restoration of the Constitution. School children across the United States raised over $154,000 as part of a "Pennies Campaign" to help restore the ship. Wood was gathered from various states, including live oak from Florida and white oak from Ohio, West Virginia, and Delaware.
From 1992 to 1996, the Constitution underwent another extensive restoration to return structural strength to the nearly 200-year-old warship. In July 1997, to celebrate its 200th anniversary, the Constitution set sail under its own power for the first time in 116 years.
The USS Constitution has also undergone periodic drydocking for maintenance and repairs. Its most recent drydock period lasted two years and cost around $15 million.
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Warship victories
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 and the only currently commissioned US Navy ship to have sunk an enemy warship.
The USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and saw its first action in 1798 when it sailed to the Caribbean to protect American merchant vessels that were being captured by French privateers. This first conflict involving the US Navy came to be known as the Quasi-War with France. The Constitution made several captures during this conflict, and under Captain Silas Talbot's command, achieved the first successful attempt at "underway replenishment", allowing the ship to stay at sea for 347 days out of 366—an impressive feat for the US Navy at the time.
The Constitution also played a significant role in the First Barbary War, where it served as Commodore Edward Preble's flagship. The treaty of peace with the Tripoli pirates was signed aboard the Constitution in 1805.
During the War of 1812, the Constitution achieved another notable victory. On August 19, 1812, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, it defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere. This battle led to the nickname Old Ironsides, as American sailors witnessed British shots failing to penetrate the ship's oak sides.
The Constitution continued its service in the 19th century, including a circumnavigation of the globe beginning in 1844. It was removed from active service in 1882 and opened to the public in Boston Harbor in 1905. The ship underwent several restorations, most notably from 1927 to 1931, and again from 1992 to 1996, allowing it to sail under its own power for its 200th anniversary in 1997.
The USS Constitution's long-lasting presence as a warship is a testament to its historical significance and the ongoing commitment to preserving and showcasing America's naval heritage.
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Naval significance
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 USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to be larger and more heavily armed than the standard frigates of the period, and the Constitution was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts.
The USS Constitution has had a long and illustrious naval career, spanning over two centuries. Its 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 ship also played a significant role in the War of 1812, achieving a brilliant victory over the British frigate Guerriere. This battle earned the ship its nickname, "Old Ironsides," as American sailors witnessed British shots failing to penetrate the ship's oak sides.
Throughout its career, the USS Constitution has undergone extensive repairs and refitting to keep it in service. In the 1850s, it was converted into a training ship for the US Naval Academy, and classrooms were added to its spar and gun decks. The ship also served as a floating classroom, hosting over 4.6 million visitors during its National Cruise from 1931 to 1934. Despite being removed from active service in 1882, the USS Constitution has continued to undergo periodic restorations, demonstrating the commitment of the US Navy to preserving its history and heritage.
The USS Constitution's longevity can be attributed to its sturdy construction, regular repairs, and its significance in American naval history. It has served as a flagship for various squadrons and played a crucial role in protecting trade routes and American diplomatic interests. Its presence as part of the Mediterranean Squadron during Greece's struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire helped prevent a broader Mediterranean conflict. The ship also joined the international fight against slavery as the Africa Squadron flagship, intercepting ships illegally transporting people from Africa to Cuba.
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Current role
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is the world's oldest naval warship still afloat. It is currently designated as America's official "Ship of State", the only ship of state in the world. It serves as a muster station for local reservists and is based at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston.
The USS Constitution was removed from active service in 1882 and opened to the public in Boston Harbour in 1905. After a restoration between 1927 and 1931, the ship embarked on a National Cruise to thank the American schoolchildren who raised $154,000 to help restore the ship. It was towed to over 70 cities on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, hosting over 4.5 million visitors.
In 1992, another restoration process began, which lasted until 1996. This process returned structural strength to the nearly 200-year-old warship. In July 1997, in celebration of her 200th anniversary, the USS Constitution set sail under her own power for the first time in 116 years.
The USS Constitution underwent another restoration from 2015 to 2017, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's commitment to preserving and promoting its heritage.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution has lasted so long due to extensive repairs and restoration efforts. The ship was first launched in 1797 and has undergone multiple repairs and refittings over the years, including being stripped to the frames and rebuilt in 1857.
The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. It is also the only currently commissioned US Navy ship to have sunk an enemy warship.
The USS Constitution serves as a muster station for local reservists and is used to promote and share the history of the ship and the US Navy.
The USS Constitution is currently based at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts.
No, there have been periods where the USS Constitution fell into disrepair. Notably, in 1830, the ship was condemned as unseaworthy and recommended for breaking up. However, public sentiment, influenced by Oliver Wendell Holmes's poem "Old Ironsides," led to the ship's preservation and rebuilding.
