Facts About the USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is an American warship that gained the nickname of "Old Ironsides" during a naval battle in the War of 1812. The ship was actually named for the Constitution of the United States by then President George Washington and it is the world's oldest commissioned navy vessel still afloat.

Construction

Washington authorized the building of six frigates in 1794, with the USS Constitution being one of these vessels. The ship was constructed in Boston out of as many as 2,000 trees, with its cannons made in Rhode Island and Paul Revere himself making the copper fastenings for the ship's interior.

Early years

The Constitution was launched and christened in 1797 and ordered to sea on July 22nd, 1798. The ship's first duties included protecting American shipping interests from pirates in the West Indies and then in the waters off of Tripoli.

Old Ironsides

The Constitution forever became famous for its exploits in the War of 1812. It successfully defeated five British warships, including the HMS Guerriere during a fight 600 miles to the east of Nova Scotia, Canada, on August 19th, 1812. Captained by Isaac Hull, the ship earned its nickname when a British cannon shot seemingly bounced harmlessly off its sides.

Repairs

Over the years the U.S. Navy has been constantly repairing and refurbishing the USS Constitution. There have been multiple efforts to keep the ship seaworthy and to make it resemble its original self, with millions of dollars being spent towards this end.

Modern day

The ship is at 1 Constitution Road, Charlestown, Massachusetts, at Pier One of the Charleston Navy Yard in Boston. The ship has a naval crew and officers of 60 men and is open to the public with a privately owned and operated museum close by.

Resources

• USS Constitution website