The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world today. Launched in 1797, it earned the name of “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812.

The USS Constitution was built in Boston and it is permanently docked in the Boston neighborhood of Charlestown since 1934 as part of the Boston National Historic Park. It is normally stationed at the dock but in 1997 it sailed in celebration of its bicentennial construction date and in 2012 it sailed again to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of its victory over the Guerriere.

On August 19, 1812 the USS Constitution defeated the British frigate Guerriere. During the battle British shots failed to penetrate the Constitution’s wooden oak sides and the American sailor named the ship “Old Ironsides”.

Upper Deck

The upper deck is mainly open with the exception of defense cannon stationed around the sides of the ship. The upper deck is primarily used for crew to sail the ship.

The Masts

The USS Constitution is powered by three sailing masts with the mainmast towering to a height of 210 feet, as tall as a 20 story building. All three masts could carry a total of 44 sails that cover almost an acre of canvas.

Lower Decks

Directly below the upper deck is the Gun Deck. The gun deck is where the majority of the naval warfare took place although the top deck has almost as many cannons. The ship was rated for 44 cannons but could carry as many as 55 heavy cannons on two decks when sailing in battle. The cannon range is 1,200 yards.

Other areas in the lower decks are the bunkhouse where sailors slept, the officer’s quarter where each officer had their own room containing a hammock and a small desk, the ward room where the officers ate and gathered and the captain’s quarters at the stern of the gun deck.

View from the outside

The USS Constitution is not a small ship. It is 204 feet in length and 43 feet 6 inches wide with a hull thickness of 21 inches. The twelve cannons on each side of the gun deck can easily be seen protruding out of the hull. The cannons of the top deck aren’t as easily seen but it is obvious where the cannon openings are prepared for battle.

The rear view of the ship is impressive with the spread eagle in the center boasting an American flag on its chest and three stars on each side.

The Dust on My Shoes

Boston Massachusetts is full of historic sites. Many of the most popular sites are in the city center but there are some interesting historical sites outside of the downtown area. The USS Constitution is on the Freedom Trail and does get busy with visitors but it was not crowded during my visit and it was easy to look around and see the ship.

History is always interesting to me but I am not a big fan of spending my vacation in museums unless there is no other way to see the historical place. Visiting the USS Constitution is not like being in a museum, it is an actual historical site that is like visiting living history. Everything can be touched and seen firsthand making it easy to imagine what life was like for the sailors who lived, worked and fought aboard “Old Ironsides”.

Boston is full of historical sites to see and the USS Constitution is probably not at the top of most visitors list of places to see but it is different from most places and it shouldn’t be missed when going to Boston. Make time to see the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world today!

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