Omar Bennett
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 Constitution earned its famous nickname during the War of 1812 when it encountered the HMS Guerriere. Cannonballs fired from the Guerriere literally bounced off the Constitution, leaving both sides bewildered. The ship's dense oak construction is credited for its ability to withstand cannon fire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Old Ironsides |
| Length | 204 feet |
| Launch Year | 1797 |
| Namesake | President George Washington |
| Design | Three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate |
| Armament | 44-gun frigate, often carried more than 50 guns |
| Guns | 24-pound long guns, 32-pound short-range carronades |
| Battles | War of 1812, HMS Guerriere |
| Cannonballs | Some inflicted damage, others bounced off |
| Hull | Dense, layered oak |
| Drinking Water Capacity | 2,300 US gallons |
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What You'll Learn
- The USS Constitution was a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate
- It was larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of its time
- It was well-maintained, with its guns and cannons regularly changed
- Its heavy timbers could absorb more punishment than its opponents
- The British attempts at cannon fire fell short or overshot their mark
The USS Constitution was a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It was launched in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world that is still afloat. The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington, who named the ship, and it was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. Joshua Humphreys designed the Constitution to be larger and more heavily armed than the standard frigates of its time, and it was rated as a 44-gun frigate, though it often carried over 50 guns.
The Constitution's first duties included protecting American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France. It also saw action against the Barbary pirates, the British, and the French in the War of 1812, during which it earned its famous nickname. The Constitution was involved in a notable encounter with HMS Guerriere, during which it withstood cannon fire that seemed to bounce off its sides, bewildering both crews. This was due to the dense layering of different types of oak, which made the ship's surfaces difficult to pierce.
The ship's armaments changed over its career, and records of these changes were often not kept. During the War of 1812, it typically carried thirty 24-pounder cannons, with fifteen on each side of the gun deck, as well as twenty-four 32-pounder carronades and an 18-pounder "chase" gun. The Constitution underwent several restorations in the 20th and 21st centuries, during which its guns were removed, refurbished, and recast. Today, the Constitution's guns are replicas, and it continues to fire a daily salute with two of its cannons, a tradition dating back to 1798.
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It was larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of its time
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It was launched in 1797 and is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. Joshua Humphreys designed the USS Constitution and its sister ships to be larger and more heavily armed than the standard frigates of its time. It was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third to be constructed. The Constitution was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts. Its first duties were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France.
The Constitution was initially rated as a 44-gun frigate but often carried more than 50 guns at a time. Ships of this era had no permanent battery of guns, and their armaments often changed during their careers. Each commanding officer outfitted armaments according to their preferences and other factors such as the weight of stores and the number of personnel aboard. During the War of 1812, the Constitution typically mounted 24 32-pound carronades on the spar deck, a long 18-pound "chase" gun forward, and 30 24-pound long guns on the gun deck.
The Constitution's large size and heavy armament contributed to its ability to withstand cannon fire. In one notable encounter during the War of 1812, the Constitution faced off against the HMS Guerriere, and the two ships exchanged cannon fire. To the surprise of both crews, some of the cannonballs bounced off the Constitution, earning it the nickname "Old Ironsides." The ship's dense construction, with layers of different types of oak, made it difficult for cannonballs to penetrate.
The Constitution's resilience against cannon fire became a source of pride and patriotism. Even today, the ship continues the tradition of firing cannons twice daily, a practice that has drawn some complaints from nearby residents but remains a beloved tribute to the nation's maritime history. The ship has undergone various restorations over the years, and its replica guns and carriages have been refurbished to maintain their condition.
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It was well-maintained, with its guns and cannons regularly changed
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It was launched in 1797 and is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington, who launched the ship, by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering. Joshua Humphreys designed the Constitution and her sister ships to be larger and more heavily armed than the standard frigates of the period.
The Constitution was well-maintained, with its guns and cannons regularly changed. Ships of this era had no permanent battery of guns, and the armaments on ships changed often. Each commanding officer outfitted armaments according to their liking and the weight of stores, personnel, and planned routes. The Constitution was rated as a 44-gun frigate but often carried more than 50 guns at a time. During the War of 1812, for example, she mounted twenty-four 32-pound carronades on the spar deck, a long 18-pound "chase" gun forward, and thirty 24-pound long guns on the gun deck.
The Constitution's guns and cannons were regularly refurbished and replaced during restorations in the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1906, Congress decided to restore the Constitution, including casting new cannons for her decks. However, the designer used a French design, resulting in inaccurate guns that were later scrapped in 1925. During the 1927-1931 restoration, most of the present guns were cast, except for two 1812-era replica carronades on the after quarter deck. The replica long guns and carronades were refurbished again during the 2015-2017 restoration.
The Constitution's guns were not always accurate or effective, but they were regularly maintained and improved. The ship's armaments were a key factor in its success, and the ability to adapt and change its guns allowed the Constitution to remain in service for over two centuries. The Constitution's guns and cannons were well-maintained through regular changes, refurbishments, and restorations, ensuring their effectiveness and accuracy in battle.
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Its heavy timbers could absorb more punishment than its opponents
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It was launched in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world that is still afloat. The Constitution was initially rated as a 44-gun frigate but often carried over 50 guns.
The Constitution earned its nickname, Old Ironsides, during the War of 1812. During a battle with the HMS Guerriere, the Constitution was struck by 18-pound cannonballs that bounced off the ship's sides, leaving the sailors of both ships bewildered. The Constitution's hull was built with a combination of different types of oak, making its surfaces dense and difficult to pierce. Its heavy timbers could absorb more punishment than its opponents, rendering it immune to cannons.
The Constitution's designer, Joshua Humphreys, intended for it to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of its time. The ship's heavy timber construction played a crucial role in its ability to withstand cannon fire. The dense oak layers provided exceptional protection against enemy attacks.
The Constitution's durability and resilience in the face of cannon fire were not only due to its heavy timber construction but also the tactics employed by its crew. In one instance, the Constitution was pursued by five British ships. During the 57-hour chase, the crew employed various tactics to outrun the British squadron, demonstrating their skill and determination.
The Constitution's reputation as a formidable warship was solidified through its encounters with the French, Barbary pirates, and the British during the War of 1812. Its ability to withstand cannon fire, coupled with the dedication and resourcefulness of its crew, contributed to its longevity and its place in naval history.
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The British attempts at cannon fire fell short or overshot their mark
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It was launched in 1797 and is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The Constitution saw action against the French, Barbary pirates, and the British during the War of 1812.
During one particular engagement with five British ships, the Constitution found herself becalmed and unable to escape her pursuers. The crew employed various tactics to try and outrun the British squadron, including towing the ship with boats, kedge anchors, and wetting the sails to catch any available wind. Despite these efforts, the British ships remained in pursuit and a 57-hour chase ensued.
Cannon fire was exchanged several times during the pursuit, but the British attempts at cannon fire fell short or overshot their mark. This included an attempted broadside from the Belvidera. The Constitution's superior speed and manoeuvrability likely contributed to the British cannons' inability to find their target. The British ships were unable to get close enough to the Constitution to accurately adjust their aim, resulting in their shots either falling short or flying over the American frigate.
The Constitution's design and construction may have also played a role in her ability to withstand cannon fire. The ship was designed to be larger and more heavily armed than standard frigates of the period. Additionally, the use of layered oak in her construction may have contributed to her reputation for being immune to cannon fire. During the War of 1812, the Constitution encountered the HMS Guerriere, and the two ships engaged in battle. The Constitution's sailors watched as 18-pound cannonballs flew towards them, expecting them to penetrate the walls of the ship. However, to their surprise, many of the cannonballs bounced off the ship's sides or fell into the sea without causing significant damage. Some damage was inflicted, but the Constitution's sturdy construction clearly contributed to her resilience in the face of enemy fire.
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Frequently asked questions
The USS Constitution was not completely immune to cannons, but its hull was incredibly durable. The ship's hull was made from a combination of different types of oak, making it dense and difficult to pierce. This meant that some cannonballs would bounce off the ship, rather than penetrate it.
The USS Constitution earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" due to its durable hull.
The USS Constitution was launched in 1797.
The USS Constitution was equipped with up to 54 cannons, though it was originally rated as a 44-gun frigate.
