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 The USS Constitution was one of the six frigates whose construction was authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, part of the initial development of the Navy after the American Revolution. Originally launched in 1797, she is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world and currently sits in the Boston Navy Yard, formerly called the Charlestown Navy Yard. From 1797 to 1934, the USS Constitution served as a warship, blockade runner, training ship, and goodwill ambassador for the U.S. Navy. The ship gained the nickname “Old Ironsides” after the War of 1812, when the frigate HMS Guerriere’s shot was repelled by the live oak sides of the Constitution.
The USS Constitution was built from the lumber of 2,000 live oak trees. The design, featuring diagonal cross-bracing of the ship’s skeleton, is a reason for the structural strength of the ship. Patriot and silversmith Paul Revere supplied the copper spikes and bolts that held the planks in place and the copper sheething that protected the hull. Between 1803 and 1835, the Constitution was reconstructed because of the public’s desire for the ship to remain in commission.
The guns on the Constitution’s spar deck fire 32-pound solid shot out to a range of 400 yards and the 24-pound long guns on the gun decks can pierce 2 feet of wood at 10 yards. During its service, the Constitution would have a 400-500 man crew; 70-75 men alone were needed to heave the 5,400 pound anchor. |
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