The USS Constitution, or “Old Ironsides,” is a durable ship commissioned by President George Washington in 1797. It was built to protect American commerce and sailors from attacks in the Mediterranean and was designed to be strong and fast. During the War of 1812, it defeated several British warships. The ship was believed to have been broken up in 1830 but was restored in 1833 and now serves as a naval ambassador to the public.
The USS Constitution, also known as the “Old Ironsides,” is a famous and durable ship commissioned by President George Washington. The wooden frigate, or naval fighting vessel, which could hold more than 40 guns, first sailed on October 21, 1797, and is particularly noted for its exploits during the War of 1812. Removed from active service in 1855, the USS Constitution resides in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Massachusetts, and the ship is a popular stop along the Freedom Trail.
The warship was built in response to attacks on US shipping in the Mediterranean immediately after the Revolutionary War. To protect American commerce and sailors who were being enslaved, the United States authorized the creation of a Navy, which included the creation of six frigates. One such frigate was the USS Constitution.
Designed by Joshua Humphreys and Josiah Fox, Constitution was built to be strong enough to overwhelm any enemy vessel within her class and fast enough to outrun more powerful foes. The wood used for the vessel came from trees from all over the country. The ship’s hull is made of three layers of oak that is 24 inches (about 61 cm) thick in places. This three-layered design allowed the cannonballs to bounce off the ship, giving it the nickname “Old Ironsides”. Paul Revere, the famous patriot, built the copper clasps of the Constitution.
USS Constitution was capable of traveling more than 15 miles per hour (about 24 kilometers per hour) and carried a crew of over 450 men. Thanks to her technological innovations, the frigate was capable of carrying much heavier guns than other comparable warships. USS Constitution used diagonal riders incorporating massive pieces of wood that evenly transferred the frigate’s weight while preventing warping. This advantage allowed USS Constitution to carry up to 60 guns capable of firing at a range of 1,200 yards (about 1,097 meters).
During the War of 1812, Old Ironsides flexed its muscles. In 1812, the ship defeated HMS Guerriere in a battle that lasted just over half an hour. American forces lost just seven men in the battle. During the war with Great Britain, Constitution also scored decisive victories at sea on HMS Java in 1812. In 1815, Constitution had the last of her major battles, defeating both HMS Cyane and HMS Levant.
Old Ironsides was believed to have been broken up in 1830. However, sympathy for the vessel was fueled by a poem written by Oliver Wendell Holmes. In 1833, Congress appropriated funds for the ship’s restoration. From 1927 to 1931, the Constitution underwent a major revision. In 1934, Old Ironsides was taken to a Boston shipyard and now serves as a naval ambassador to the public.
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