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.
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Old Ironsides
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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
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In 1839 it was assigned as the Pacific Squadron's flagship and visited ports on the westside of South America.
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Pope's visit
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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
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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
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The ship underwent a massive overhaul in 1876 but the work quality was so poor that it was retired and decommissioned in 1881.
Museum
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Congress ordered its restoration in 1900 and private funds were used to restore it as a recommissioned museum ship in 1907.
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Resources
- Photo Credit U.S. Navy
