USS Constitution
by Kristin Elmquist
Title
USS Constitution
Artist
Kristin Elmquist
Medium
Photograph
Description
USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America, she is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. Launched in 1797, Constitution was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed. Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to be the young Navy's capital ships, and so Constitution and her sisters were larger and more heavily armed and built than standard frigates of the period. Built in Boston, Massachusetts, at Edmund Hartt's shipyard, her first duties with the newly formed United States Navy 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 famous for her actions during the War of 1812 against Great Britain, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname of "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping. She continued to actively serve the nation as flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons, and circled the world in the 1840s. During the American Civil War she served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy and carried artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition of 1878. Retired from active service in 1881, she served as a receiving ship until designated a museum ship in 1907 and in 1934 she completed a three-year, 90-port tour of the nation. Constitution 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, historic demonstration, and active participation in public events. As a fully commissioned US Navy ship, her crew of 60 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year round and providing free tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty US Navy personnel and the assignment is considered special duty in the Navy. Traditionally, command of the vessel is assigned to a Navy Commander. She is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, at one end of Boston's Freedom Trail.
Uploaded
October 5th, 2012
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Viewed 2,262 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/25/2024 at 7:31 AM
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Comments (24)
Kristin Elmquist
Thanks, Connie. It was awesome being there in the northeast where so much of our history began. :)
Connie Fox
So happy, Kristin, to come across your fine capture of the USS Constitution. As a ten-year-old visiting San Francisco, I was able to tour this iconic ship when she was berthed there. I still remember climbing the stairs, and the feel of the patina of the aged wood. A Favorite for sure! v/f
Kristin Elmquist
Thanks, Ella, for featuring this image in the Your Best Work Group. I appreciate it. :)
Kristin Elmquist
Thanks, Cindy, for featuring this image in the Vintage America Group. I appreciate it. :)
Hanne Lore Koehler
Gorgeous shot of this magnificent ship, Kristin!!! Thank you for your kindness and support. v/f
Tommy Anderson
Love this Kristin, I just wish there was a like here because I would on all of yours. V/F