2024
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Meet aboard the oldest surviving warship in the world, built in Boston Harbor.
The USS Constitution is the oldest warship still afloat in the world. She was built in 1798 by the U.S. Navy following the Naval Act of 1794, which aimed to provide naval armament for the fledgling United States, which had been recognized as independent by Great Britain ten years earlier. Congress authorized the construction of six large warships. Today, they are considered the "original frigates of the United States Navy". TheUSS Constitution was the third to be built, and is the only one not to have been destroyed.
The frigate was christened by George Washington, the first President of the United States, and commissioned in July 1798. Equipped with 44 cannons, her first mission was to protect the country's coastline. Then, when the period of conflict often referred to as the Quasi-War with the French Republic began, theUSS Constitution 's mission was to protect American merchant ships against French attacks, and to ferret out enemy vessels. She also played a key role in the War of 1812, when the Americans and Great Britain engaged in a bitter maritime conflict. The frigate captured eleven enemy ships and destroyed five. The British, irritated that their guns failed to damage the ship's hull, nicknamed her "Old Ironsides".
While the original frigates were successively destroyed by the U.S. Navy from 1818 onwards, the Constitution enjoyed the support of the local population, who opposed her destruction. In 1833, she entered dry dock to undergo her first renovation. She went on to become a flagship, and when her military career came to an end in 1855, she was used as a training ship in Annapolis during the American Civil War. In 1907, the Constitution officially became a museum. As a state ship, she now occasionally participates in official ceremonies and events.
In 2015, the ship was placed in dry dock to undergo its first major restoration of the 21stcentury . The restoration cost over $12 million. In 2017, after 26 months in dry dock, the ship made her grand return to Boston waters and is set to remain there for the next twenty years.
When you visit theUSS Constitution, you'll meet trained marines who can answer your questions about the ship's history. Don't miss the museum adjacent to the ship to learn more about life on a warship in the 19th century.
Further information
Opening time and information on USS CONSTITUTION
Museum open daily 9.30am to 5pm (US$15). Self-guided tour of the frigate Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Members' reviews on USS CONSTITUTION
It is possible to get on the boat and have the feeling of what the travels were like at that time, as well as understanding a little about how it was used during the American War.
USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.
It was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.
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.
From the moment I stepped foot into the museum, I was transported back in time to an era of adventure, bravery, and naval prowess. The museum's exhibits are meticulously curated, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the USS Constitution, fondly known as "Old Ironsides."
One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the meticulously reconstructed decks of the ship itself. Walking in the footsteps of sailors who served aboard this legendary vessel, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the history that surrounded me. From the towering masts to the intricate rigging, every detail served as a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of those who sailed her.
The museum's interactive exhibits further brought the USS Constitution's story to life, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the challenges and triumphs of life at sea. Whether manning the cannons, hoisting the sails, or navigating through treacherous waters, I found myself fully immersed in the excitement and adventure of naval warfare.
But perhaps what impressed me most was the passion and dedication of the museum staff and volunteers. Their knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious, as they shared captivating stories and insights that deepened my appreciation for the ship and its place in history. Their commitment to preserving the legacy of the USS Constitution is truly commendable and made my visit all the more memorable.
My visit to the USS Constitution Museum was an enriching and inspiring experience that left me with a newfound appreciation for America's maritime heritage. Whether you're a history buff, a naval enthusiast, or simply someone looking for an engaging and educational outing, I cannot recommend this museum highly enough. Prepare to be transported on a journey through time aboard one of the most iconic ships in American history – it's an experience you won't soon forget.