Boston Freedom Trail

16. USS Constitution

Boston, MA

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The USS Constitution, docked in Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, is a wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate built for the U.S. Navy. A Joshua Humphreys design, the ship is one of the six original frigates constructed for the early U.S. Navy. Built in Edmund Hartt's shipyard, the USS Constitution was larger and more heavily armed than the other frigates of this era. Created narrow in width, long in keel, and mounted with heavy guns, the ship was unique from the European frigates. Its hull was stronger than the lightly built European frigate. The United States could not compete with the size of European nations' navies, so Humphreys designed the USS Constitution for more power and speed. The USS Constitution is made of pine and oak, including southern live oak, cut and milled near St. Simons, Georgia. Constitution's hull is built 21 inches thick. Her length between perpendiculars is 175 feet. Overall, she is 204 feet long and 43 feet, 6 inches wide. Paul Revere forged her copper bolts and breasthooks. The copper casing, fitted to protect the ship from worm, is from England. Launched on September 20, 1797, the USS Constitution was first assigned to protect American merchant ships from Barbary Pirate raids. Yet, her most famous exploits were during the War of 1812 against Great Britain. She captured merchant vessels and defeated five British naval ships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant, earning her the nickname "Old Ironsides." After the war, she remained active in the Mediterranean and African squadrons. In the 1840's she toured global waters. Although she retired from active service in 1881, in 1907, she was commemorated as a museum ship. In 1997 and 2012, to honor the 200 years anniversary of her launch and the victory over the Guerriere, she sailed with her own power. Now, the USS Constitution endures as a fully commissioned US Navy Ship, the oldest one afloat. Active US Navy personnel on special duty assignment, including a Navy commander. Her current mission is to promote history about Navy's role in war and peace.