Existing comment:
USS Constitution
Boston National Historical Park
Launched in 1797, USS Constitution set sail the next year on the world's oceans to protect American commerce. Her victories soon earned her a permanent place in United States naval history.
On August 19, 1812, USS Constitution took on the British frigate HMS Guerriere. A half hour of intense combat maimed the British ship. According to legend, as the cannon balls of HMS Guerriere bounced harmlessly off the oak-planked sides of USS Constitution, a sailor exclaimed, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" Ever since, USS Constitution has enjoyed the affectionate nickname, "Old Ironsides."
Even after her fighting days were over, USS Constitution continued to represent her country. She cruised around the world in 1844-46, covering 52,000 miles in 852 days. Now berthed permanently in the Charlestown Navy Yard, she is the nation's oldest commissioned warship. |