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Baltimore's Maritime Heritage
USS Constellation and Lightship Chesapeake
Baltimore's shipbuilding heritage dates back nearly 300 years. By the 1790s, Maryland led the nation in shipbuilding and Baltimore was the undisputed industry leader on the Chesapeake Bay.
Launched in 1854, USS Constellation is the only remaining Civil War-era Sloop of War afloat today. The original Constellation, and namesake of this ship, was built in 1797 in Stoddard Shipyard in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood just a few miles along the Promenade.
As the flagship of the US Africa Squadron, Constellation patrolled the West African coast and intercepted slave ships to rescue men, women, and children from slavery. The last all-sail ship built by the US Navy before the conversion to steam power, she served as a training ship for midshipmen at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. Her last active duty was to serve as the "relief flagship" of the US Atlantic Fleet during World War II. Today, constellation serves another mission -- as a vital link to our nation's nautical past.
Lightship Chesapeake: Beacon of the Bay:
Aptly named for Baltimore's gateway to the world, the Lightship 116 Chesapeake was launched in 1930 to help protect and guide ships to safe harbor with its 1,000-watt light masthead, foghorn and bell. Such floating lighthouses played a critical role in early 20th century navigation, and even served as coastal patrol boats during World War II.
With its then state-of-the-art diesel-electric engines, all-steel body, and powerful signaling equipment, Lightship Chesapeake's rugged construction allowed it to serve in even the roughest weather. Retired in 1970, the Lightship Chesapeake is today a National Historic Landmark and is a proud addition to Baltimore's Inner Harbor "fleet".
Chesapeake Connection:
Throughout the first half of the 20th century, lightships like the Chesapeake were once a common sight along the Bay, marking the entrances to channels and warning of hazards to navigation for commercial shipping. Manned by the US Coast Guard, these lightships also provided weather information and helped in rescue operations. |