She is usually berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard at one end of Boston's Freedom Trail. ==Construction== In 1785, Barbary pirates began to seize American merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea, most notably from Algiers.
In 1793 alone, 11 American ships were captured and their crews and stores held for ransom.
She was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.
To combat this problem, proposals were made for warships to protect American shipping, resulting in the Naval Act of 1794.
It was based on Humphrey's realization that the fledgling United States could not match the European states in the size of their navies, so they were designed to overpower any other frigate while escaping from a ship of the line. Her keel was laid down on 1 November 1794 at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts under the supervision of Captain Samuel Nicholson, master shipwright Colonel George Claghorn and Foreman Prince Athearn of the Martha's Vineyard Athearns.
Simons, Georgia. A peace accord was announced between the United States and Algiers in March 1796, and construction was halted in accordance with the Naval Act of 1794.
The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering in March of 1795 for the frigates that were to be constructed.
Simons, Georgia. A peace accord was announced between the United States and Algiers in March 1796, and construction was halted in accordance with the Naval Act of 1794.
She was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.
Constitution's launching ceremony on 20 September 1797 was attended by President John Adams and Massachusetts Governor Increase Sumner.
After a month of rebuilding the ways, Constitution finally slipped into Boston Harbor on 21 October 1797, with Captain James Sever breaking a bottle of Madeira wine on her bowsprit. ===Armament=== Constitution was rated as a 44-gun frigate, but she often carried more than 50 guns at a time.
Over 900,000 visitors toured "Old Ironsides" that year. ===1995 reconstruction=== Constitution entered dry dock in 1992 for an inspection and minor repair period that turned out to be her most comprehensive structural restoration and repair since she was launched in 1797.
A modern saluting gun was hidden inside the forward long gun on each side during her 1973–1976 restoration in order to restore the capability of firing ceremonial salutes. ==Quasi-War== President John Adams ordered all Navy ships to sea in late May 1798 to patrol for armed French ships and to free any American ship captured by them.
She put to sea on the evening of 22 July 1798 with orders to patrol the Eastern seaboard between New Hampshire and New York.
On 15 January 1799, Constitution intercepted the English merchantman Spencer, which had been taken prize by the French frigate L'Insurgente a few days prior.
It was not until April 1800 that Talbot investigated an increase in ship traffic near Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, and discovered that the French privateer Sandwich had taken refuge there.
Although no longer allowed to pursue French shipping, the squadron was assigned to protect American shipping and continued in that capacity until April 1801, when arrived with orders for the squadron to return to the United States.
In 1801, Yusuf Karamanli of Tripoli was dissatisfied that the United States was paying him less than they paid Algiers, and he demanded an immediate payment of $250,000.
She was placed in ordinary on 2 July 1802. ==First Barbary War== The United States paid tribute to the Barbary States during the Quasi-War to ensure that American merchant ships were not harassed and seized.
The performance of Morris's squadron was so poor, however, that he was recalled and subsequently dismissed from the Navy in 1803. Captain Edward Preble recommissioned Constitution on 13 May 1803 as his flagship and made preparations to command a new squadron for a third blockade attempt.
Intrepid entered Tripoli Harbor on 16 February 1804 under the command of Stephen Decatur, disguised as a merchant ship.
The collision was attributed to an act of God in the form of a sudden change in wind direction. ===Peace treaty=== Captain John Rodgers assumed command of Constitution on 9 November 1804 while she underwent repairs and resupply in Malta.
She resumed the blockade of Tripoli on 5 April 1805, capturing a Tripoline xebec, along with two prizes that the xebec had captured.
Campbell on 29 May 1806. James Barron sailed Chesapeake out of Norfolk on 15 May 1807 to replace Constitution as the flagship of the Mediterranean squadron but he encountered , resulting in the Chesapeake–Leopard affair and delaying the relief of Constitution.
Campbell on 29 May 1806. James Barron sailed Chesapeake out of Norfolk on 15 May 1807 to replace Constitution as the flagship of the Mediterranean squadron but he encountered , resulting in the Chesapeake–Leopard affair and delaying the relief of Constitution.
Isaac Hull took command in June 1810, and he immediately recognized that she needed her bottom cleaned.
"Ten loads" of barnacles and seaweed were removed. Hull departed for France on 5 August 1811, transporting the new Ambassador Joel Barlow and his family; they arrived on 1 September.
Her first duties were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. Constitution is most noted for her actions during the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: , , , , and .
Consequently, the armaments on ships changed often during their careers, and records of the changes were not generally kept. During the War of 1812, Constitution's battery of guns typically consisted of 30 long 24-pounder (11 kg) cannons, with 15 on each side of the gun deck.
Constitution had been gone for more than four years. ==War of 1812== Constitution was recommissioned in December with Captain John Rodgers again taking command to oversee a major refitting.
They arrived home on 18 February 1812. War was declared on 18 June and Hull put to sea on 12 July, attempting to join the five ships of a squadron under the command of Rodgers in President.
The Massachusetts Society of the United Daughters of the War of 1812 spearheaded an effort to raise funds, but they ultimately failed.
He set the precedent that all construction work on Constitution was to be aimed towards maintaining her to the 1812 configuration for which she is most noted.
The project continued to reconstruct her to 1812 specifications, even as she remained open to visitors who were allowed to observe the process and converse with workers.
The "turnaround cruise" is open to the general public based on a "lottery draw" of interested persons each year. The Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston is responsible for planning and performing her maintenance, repair, and restoration, keeping her as close as possible to her 1812 configuration.
The restoration continued the focus toward keeping her appearance of 1812 by replacing her upper sides so that she now resembles what she looked like after her triumph over Guerriere, when she gained her nickname "Old Ironsides".
Constitution returned to São Salvador on 1 January 1813 to disembark the prisoners of Java, where she met with Hornet and her two British prizes.
Constitution emerged from the war undefeated, though her sister ships Chesapeake and President were not so fortunate, having been captured in 1813 and 1815 respectively.
She set course for the West Indies to harass British shipping and had captured five merchant ships and the 14-gun by late March 1814.
Constitution had left Boston not fully supplied, but Lord Nelson's stores supplied a Christmas dinner for the crew. Constitution was cruising off Cape Finisterre on 8 February 1815 when Stewart learned that the Treaty of Ghent had been signed.
Constitution emerged from the war undefeated, though her sister ships Chesapeake and President were not so fortunate, having been captured in 1813 and 1815 respectively.
Constitution was moved to Boston and placed in ordinary in January 1816, sitting out the Second Barbary War. ===Mediterranean Squadron=== Charlestown Navy Yard's commandant Isaac Hull directed a refitting of Constitution to prepare her for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron in April 1820.
Her six-sail battle configuration consisted of jibs, topsails, and driver. Commander Mike Beck began training the crew for the historic sail using an 1819 Navy sailing manual and several months of practice, including time spent aboard the Coast Guard cutter Eagle.
Constitution was moved to Boston and placed in ordinary in January 1816, sitting out the Second Barbary War. ===Mediterranean Squadron=== Charlestown Navy Yard's commandant Isaac Hull directed a refitting of Constitution to prepare her for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron in April 1820.
Jones had them removed and stowed in the cargo hold before he departed on 13 May 1821 for a three-year tour of duty in the Mediterranean.
On 12 April 1823, she collided with the British merchant ship Bicton in the Mediterranean Sea, and Bicton sank with the loss of her captain. Constitution otherwise experienced an uneventful tour, sailing in company with and , until crew behavior during shore leave gave Jones a reputation as a commodore who was lax in discipline.
Constitution arrived in Boston on 31 May 1824, and Jones was relieved of command.
Macdonough resigned his command for health reasons on 9 October 1825.
Constitution put in for repairs during December and into January 1826, until Daniel Todd Patterson assumed command on 21 February.
By August, she had been put into Port Mahon, suffering decay of her spar deck, and she remained there until temporary repairs were completed in March 1827.
Constitution returned to Boston on 4 July 1828 and was placed in reserve. ==Old Ironsides== Constitution was built in an era when a ship's expected service life was 10 to 15 years.
On 14 September 1830, an article appeared in the Boston Advertiser which erroneously claimed that the Navy intended to scrap Constitution.
In contrast to the efforts to save Constitution, another round of surveys in 1834 found her sister ship Congress unfit for repair; she was unceremoniously broken up in 1835. On 24 June 1833, Constitution entered dry dock.
In contrast to the efforts to save Constitution, another round of surveys in 1834 found her sister ship Congress unfit for repair; she was unceremoniously broken up in 1835. On 24 June 1833, Constitution entered dry dock.
Constitution had of hog in her keel and remained in dry dock until 21 June 1834.
In contrast to the efforts to save Constitution, another round of surveys in 1834 found her sister ship Congress unfit for repair; she was unceremoniously broken up in 1835. On 24 June 1833, Constitution entered dry dock.
The addition of busts to her stern escaped controversy of any kind, depicting Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, and Charles Stewart; the busts remained in place for the next 40 years. ===Mediterranean and Pacific Squadrons=== Elliot was appointed captain of Constitution and got underway in March 1835 to New York, where he ordered repairs to the Jackson figurehead, avoiding a second round of controversy.
From April 1837 into February 1838, Elliot collected various ancient artifacts to carry back to America, adding various livestock during the return voyage.
From April 1837 into February 1838, Elliot collected various ancient artifacts to carry back to America, adding various livestock during the return voyage.
Elliot was later suspended from duty for transporting livestock on a Navy ship. As the flagship of the Pacific Squadron under the command of Captain Daniel Turner, she began her next voyage on 1 March 1839 with the duty of patrolling the western coast of South America.
She continued to serve as flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons, and she circled the world in the 1840s.
The return voyage found her at Rio de Janeiro, where Emperor Pedro II of Brazil visited her about 29 August 1841.
On 22 June 1842, she was recommissioned under the command of Foxhall Alexander Parker for duty with the Home Squadron.
After spending months in port she put to sea for three weeks during December, then was again put in ordinary. ===Around the world=== In late 1843, she was moored at Norfolk, serving as a receiving ship.
After several months of labor, Percival reported Constitution ready for "a two or even a three-year cruise." She got underway on 29 May 1844 carrying Ambassador to Brazil Henry A.
She sailed again on 8 September, making port calls at Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zanzibar, and arriving at Sumatra on 1 January 1845.
She arrived at Portsmouth Navy Yard and was decommissioned on 14 June, ending her last duty on the front lines. ===Civil War=== Since the formation of the US Naval Academy in 1845, there had been a growing need for quarters in which to house the students (midshipmen).
She provisioned for six months and sailed for Mazatlán, arriving there on 13 January 1846.
She arrived home in Boston on 27 September and was mothballed on 5 October. ===Mediterranean and African Squadrons=== Constitution began a refitting in 1847 for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron.
Captain John Gwinn commanded her on this voyage, departing on 9 December 1848 and arriving at Tripoli on 19 January 1849.
Captain John Gwinn commanded her on this voyage, departing on 9 December 1848 and arriving at Tripoli on 19 January 1849.
Captain Thomas Conover assumed command on the 18th and resumed routine patrolling for the rest of the tour, heading home on 1 December 1850.
Materials were difficult to find, especially the live oak needed; Lord uncovered a long-forgotten stash of live oak (some ) at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida that had been cut sometime in the 1850s for a ship-building program that never began.
The surviving crew members were carried back to America, where Constitution was put in ordinary once again, this time at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in January 1851. Constitution was recommissioned on 22 December 1852 under the command of John Rudd.
The surviving crew members were carried back to America, where Constitution was put in ordinary once again, this time at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in January 1851. Constitution was recommissioned on 22 December 1852 under the command of John Rudd.
She carried Commodore Isaac Mayo for duty with the African Squadron, departing the yard on 2 March 1853 on a leisurely sail towards Africa and arriving there on 18 June.
About 22 June 1854, he arranged another peace treaty between the leaders of Grahway and Half Cavally. Constitution took the American ship H.N.
The rest of her tour passed uneventfully and she sailed for home on 31 March 1855.
In 1857, Constitution was moved to dry dock at the Portsmouth Navy Yard for conversion into a training ship.
She was recommissioned on 1 August 1860 and moved from Portsmouth to the Naval Academy. At the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, Constitution was ordered to relocate farther north after threats had been made against her by Confederate sympathizers.
She was recommissioned on 1 August 1860 and moved from Portsmouth to the Naval Academy. At the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, Constitution was ordered to relocate farther north after threats had been made against her by Confederate sympathizers.
Her sister ship United States was abandoned by the Union and then captured by Confederate forces at the Gosport Shipyard, leaving Constitution the only remaining frigate of the original six. The Navy launched an ironclad on 10 May 1862 as part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and they bestowed on her the name to honor Constitution's tradition of service.
However, New Ironsides's naval career was short, as she was destroyed by fire on 16 December 1865.
In August 1865, Constitution moved back to Annapolis, along with the rest of the Naval Academy.
In June 1867, her last known plank owner William Bryant died in Maine.
George Dewey assumed command in November and he served as her commanding officer until 1870.
In 1871, her condition had deteriorated to the point where she was retired as a training ship, and then towed to the Philadelphia Navy Yard where she was placed in ordinary on 26 September. ===Paris Exposition=== Constitution was overhauled beginning in 1873 in order to participate in the centennial celebrations of the United States.
In 1871, her condition had deteriorated to the point where she was retired as a training ship, and then towed to the Philadelphia Navy Yard where she was placed in ordinary on 26 September. ===Paris Exposition=== Constitution was overhauled beginning in 1873 in order to participate in the centennial celebrations of the United States.
By late 1875, the Navy opened bids for an outside contractor to complete the work, and Constitution was moved to Wood, Dialogue, and Company in May 1876, where a coal bin and a small boiler for heat were installed.
By late 1875, the Navy opened bids for an outside contractor to complete the work, and Constitution was moved to Wood, Dialogue, and Company in May 1876, where a coal bin and a small boiler for heat were installed.
Her construction dragged on during the rest of 1876 until the centennial celebrations had long passed, and the Navy decided that she would be used as a training and school ship for apprentices. Oscar C.
Constitution returned to her previous duties of training apprentice boys, and Ship's Corporal James Thayer received a Medal of Honor for saving a fellow crew member from drowning on 16 November. Over the next two years, she continued her training cruises, but it soon became apparent that her overhaul in 1876 had been of poor quality and she was determined to be unfit for service in 1881.
She carried American artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition of 1878. Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until being designated a museum ship in 1907.
Badger took command on 9 January 1878 to prepare her for a voyage to the Paris Exposition of 1878, transporting artwork and industrial displays to France.
While docking at Le Havre, she collided with Ville de Paris, which resulted in Constitution entering dry dock for repairs and remaining in France for the rest of 1878.
She got underway for the United States on 16 January 1879, but poor navigation ran her aground the next day near Bollard Head.
She carried American artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition of 1878. Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until being designated a museum ship in 1907.
Constitution returned to her previous duties of training apprentice boys, and Ship's Corporal James Thayer received a Medal of Honor for saving a fellow crew member from drowning on 16 November. Over the next two years, she continued her training cruises, but it soon became apparent that her overhaul in 1876 had been of poor quality and she was determined to be unfit for service in 1881.
In 1896, Massachusetts Congressman John F.
She arrived at the Charlestown Navy Yard under tow on 21 September 1897 and, after her centennial celebrations in October, she lay there with an uncertain future. ==Museum ship== In 1900, Congress authorized the restoration of Constitution but did not appropriate any funds for the project; funding was to be raised privately.
She arrived at the Charlestown Navy Yard under tow on 21 September 1897 and, after her centennial celebrations in October, she lay there with an uncertain future. ==Museum ship== In 1900, Congress authorized the restoration of Constitution but did not appropriate any funds for the project; funding was to be raised privately.
In 1903, the Massachusetts Historical Society's president Charles Francis Adams requested of Congress that Constitution be rehabilitated and placed back into active service. In 1905, Secretary of the Navy Charles Joseph Bonaparte suggested that Constitution be towed out to sea and used as target practice, after which she would be allowed to sink.
In 1903, the Massachusetts Historical Society's president Charles Francis Adams requested of Congress that Constitution be rehabilitated and placed back into active service. In 1905, Secretary of the Navy Charles Joseph Bonaparte suggested that Constitution be towed out to sea and used as target practice, after which she would be allowed to sink.
The State Department refused, but Gulesian initiated a public campaign which began from Boston and ultimately "spilled all over the country." The storms of protest from the public prompted Congress to authorize $100,000 in 1906 for the ship's restoration.
She carried American artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition of 1878. Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until being designated a museum ship in 1907.
By 1907, Constitution began to serve as a museum ship, with tours offered to the public.
On 1 December 1917, she was renamed Old Constitution to free her name for a planned, new .
The most difficult task was the procurement of timber in the quantity and sizes needed, as was the case during her 1920s restoration, as well.
As in the 1920s, education programs aimed at school children helped collect pennies to purchase the sails to make the voyage possible.
The name Constitution was originally destined for the lead ship of the class, but was shuffled between hulls until CC-5 was given the name; construction of CC-5 was canceled in 1923 due to the Washington Naval Treaty.
The incomplete hull was sold for scrap and Old Constitution was granted the return of her name on 24 July 1925. ===1925 restoration and tour=== Admiral Edward Walter Eberle, Chief of Naval Operations, ordered the Board of Inspection and Survey to compile a report on her condition, and the inspection of 19 February 1924 found her in grave condition.
The incomplete hull was sold for scrap and Old Constitution was granted the return of her name on 24 July 1925. ===1925 restoration and tour=== Admiral Edward Walter Eberle, Chief of Naval Operations, ordered the Board of Inspection and Survey to compile a report on her condition, and the inspection of 19 February 1924 found her in grave condition.
In September 1926, Wilbur began to sell copies of a painting of Constitution at 50 cents per copy.
Four chase guns were also positioned, two each at the stern and bow. All of the guns aboard Constitution have been replicas since her 1927–1931 restoration.
Constitution entered dry dock with a crowd of 10,000 observers on 16 June 1927.
Most were cast in 1930, but two carronades on the spar deck were cast in 1983.
She emerged from dry dock on 15 March 1930; approximately 85 percent of the ship had been "renewed" (i.e.
of rigging was made for Constitution at Charlestown Navy Yard ropewalk. Constitution recommissioned on 1 July 1931 under the command of Louis J.
In 1934, she completed a three-year, 90-port tour of the nation.
Constitution returned to her home port of Boston in May 1934 after more than 4.6 million people visited her during the three-year tour. ===1934 return to Boston=== Constitution returned to serving as a museum ship, receiving 100,000 visitors per year in Boston.
Constitution broke loose from her dock on 21 September 1938 during the New England Hurricane and was blown into Boston Harbor where she collided with the destroyer ; she suffered only minor damage. With limited funds available, she experienced more deterioration over the years, and items began to disappear from the ship as souvenir hunters picked away at the more portable objects.
The heating was upgraded to a forced-air system in the 1950s, and a sprinkler system was added that protects her from fire.
The red oak had been added in the 1950s as an experiment to see if it would last better than the live oak, but it had mostly rotted away by 1970. ===Bicentennial celebrations=== Commander Tyrone G.
The red oak had been added in the 1950s as an experiment to see if it would last better than the live oak, but it had mostly rotted away by 1970. ===Bicentennial celebrations=== Commander Tyrone G.
Funds were approved in 1972 for her restoration, and she entered dry dock in April 1973, remaining until April 1974.
A modern saluting gun was hidden inside the forward long gun on each side during her 1973–1976 restoration in order to restore the capability of firing ceremonial salutes. ==Quasi-War== President John Adams ordered all Navy ships to sea in late May 1798 to patrol for armed French ships and to free any American ship captured by them.
Funds were approved in 1972 for her restoration, and she entered dry dock in April 1973, remaining until April 1974.
Funds were approved in 1972 for her restoration, and she entered dry dock in April 1973, remaining until April 1974.
Martin became her captain in August 1974, as preparations began for the upcoming United States Bicentennial celebrations.
In September 1975, her hull classification of IX-21 was officially canceled. The privately run USS Constitution Museum opened on 8 April 1976, and Commander Martin dedicated a tract of land as "Constitution Grove" one month later, located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indiana.
In September 1975, her hull classification of IX-21 was officially canceled. The privately run USS Constitution Museum opened on 8 April 1976, and Commander Martin dedicated a tract of land as "Constitution Grove" one month later, located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indiana.
Most were cast in 1930, but two carronades on the spar deck were cast in 1983.
The city of Charleston, South Carolina donated live oak trees that had been felled by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and the International Paper Company donated live oak from its own property.
The $12 million project was completed in 1995. ===Sailing on 200th anniversary=== As early as 1991, Commander David Cashman had suggested that Constitution should sail to celebrate her 200th anniversary in 1997 rather than being towed.
Over 900,000 visitors toured "Old Ironsides" that year. ===1995 reconstruction=== Constitution entered dry dock in 1992 for an inspection and minor repair period that turned out to be her most comprehensive structural restoration and repair since she was launched in 1797.
In 1993, the Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment Boston reviewed Humphreys' original plans and identified five main structural components that were required to prevent hogging of the hull, as Constitution had of hog at that point.
The $12 million project was completed in 1995. ===Sailing on 200th anniversary=== As early as 1991, Commander David Cashman had suggested that Constitution should sail to celebrate her 200th anniversary in 1997 rather than being towed.
When she emerged from dry dock in 1995, a more serious effort began to prepare her for sail.
She sailed under her own power for her 200th birthday in 1997, and again in August 2012 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her victory over Guerriere. Constitution's stated mission today is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstration, and active participation in public events as part of the Naval History & Heritage Command.
The $12 million project was completed in 1995. ===Sailing on 200th anniversary=== As early as 1991, Commander David Cashman had suggested that Constitution should sail to celebrate her 200th anniversary in 1997 rather than being towed.
They discussed arranging an exchange program between the two ships. Constitution emerged from a three-year repair period in November 2010.
She sailed under her own power for her 200th birthday in 1997, and again in August 2012 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her victory over Guerriere. Constitution's stated mission today is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstration, and active participation in public events as part of the Naval History & Heritage Command.
The crew of Constitution under Commander Matt Bonner sailed Constitution under her own power on 19 August 2012, the anniversary of her victory over Guerriere.
She entered dry dock in May 2015 for a scheduled restoration, before returning to sea. Constitution is berthed at Pier One of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, at the terminus of Boston's Freedom Trail.
Bonner was Constitution's 72nd commanding officer. On 18 May 2015, the ship entered Dry Dock 1 in Charlestown Navy Yard to begin a two-year restoration program.
After the restoration was complete, she was returned to the water on 23 July 2017.
In November 2017, Commander Nathaniel R.
All text is taken from Wikipedia. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License .
Page generated on 2021-08-05