The History of the USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is a 44-gun, three-mast frigate built in 1797. To this day it is a commissioned U.S. Navy ship with an active 60-person crew. The ship was involved in the blockade of Tripoli in 1801 and outwitted and defeated a British five-ship team during the War of 1812. The USS Constitution remained on active duty until 1881, was designated a museum in 1907, and completed two more voyages in 1931 and 1997.

Old Ironsides

The Constitution tangles with the HMS Guerriere in the War of 1812.

Under the command of Capt. Issac Hull, the ship earned its nickname "Old Ironsides" in the War of 1812 when it defeated the HMS Guerriere, which couldn't penetrate the Constitution's hull with broadsides.

Flagship

The ship conducted tours of Pacific ports in the 1830s and '40s.

In 1839 it was assigned as the Pacific Squadron's flagship and visited ports on the westside of South America.

Pope's visit

Gun deck of the Constitution.

In 1849 Pope Pius IX boarded the Constitution and was given a 21-gun salute, marking the first time a Pope entered American territory.

Training

The Constitution today at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The Constitution was designated a training ship for the U.S. during the Civil War and outfitted with gas lights and steam pipes for heating.

Overhaul

The historic ship underwent a refitting in 1927.

The ship underwent a massive overhaul in 1876 but the work quality was so poor that it was retired and decommissioned in 1881.

Museum

The Constitution as a museum is a popular tourist destination.

Congress ordered its restoration in 1900 and private funds were used to restore it as a recommissioned museum ship in 1907.

Resources

• More the USS Constitution