The mighty USS Constitution, a vessel renowned as one of the most famous warships in American history, marked its 227th birthday on October 21, 2024. A symbol of the valor exhibited by the U.S. Navy in the nation’s formative years, the USS Constitution holds the distinguished honor of being the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Known affectionately as “Old Ironsides,” the vessel continues to sail as a living museum, offering a tangible connection to the country’s naval past and maritime triumphs.
This year’s anniversary was particularly significant as the Constitution embarked on a commemorative sail in Boston Harbor, where it participated in a series of ceremonial events to honor its storied past. At 11:30 a.m., the ship fired a majestic 21-gun salute near Fort Independence, followed by a 17-gun salute as it passed by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston. This latter site holds special meaning in the vessel’s history, as it is close to the original location of Edmund Hartt’s Shipyard, where the ship was built in 1797. The spectacle was witnessed by hundreds of spectators, with Coast Guard and police boats escorting the vessel and helicopters buzzing overhead.
The U.S. Navy commemorated the occasion with a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This ship’s undefeated battle record of 33-0 set the tone for America’s Warfighting Navy, and we continue that legacy of warfighting excellence every single day.” The Constitution’s combat record remains unmatched in U.S. naval history, with the ship being the only active-duty Navy vessel to have sunk an enemy warship in combat, a distinction earned during the War of 1812.
Launched on October 21, 1797, the USS Constitution was one of the six original frigates authorized for construction under the Naval Act of 1794, an act that laid the groundwork for the fledgling U.S. Navy. Designed by naval architect Joshua Humphreys, the ship was constructed over three years at Hartt’s shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. Humphreys envisioned a formidable warship capable of outpacing and overpowering its adversaries, which led to the Constitution’s unique design—a 44-gun frigate with a strong oak hull that would later earn her the nickname “Old Ironsides” due to her ability to withstand enemy fire.
Despite its official designation as a 44-gun frigate, the Constitution often carried more than 50 guns on board, as was common practice in that era. Unlike modern naval vessels, ships of the 18th and 19th centuries featured portable guns, allowing for greater flexibility during battle. The Constitution’s firepower and durability would soon make it a feared opponent on the high seas.
Today, USS Constitution is moored at Pier 1 in the former Charlestown Navy Yard, a key historical site along Boston’s Freedom Trail. Instead of serving in battle, the ship now functions as a floating museum, educating the public about the Navy’s role in shaping American history. Managed by active-duty Navy personnel, the ship remains open to visitors year-round, offering free tours, educational programs, and the opportunity to step aboard a piece of living history.
The USS Constitution’s most famous exploits took place during the War of 1812, a conflict between the United States and Great Britain that ultimately cemented America’s place as a rising naval power. In the early stages of the war, tensions were high as British ships harassed American vessels and blockaded ports. On July 12, 1812, just weeks after the U.S. declared war on Britain, Captain Isaac Hull, commanding officer of the Constitution, made the bold decision to set sail without orders, intending to join forces with Commodore John Rodgers’ fleet.
What followed was one of the most legendary naval pursuits in history. On July 17, the USS Constitution encountered a British squadron consisting of five warships, including the HMS Guerriere. Realizing that his ship was outnumbered and outgunned, Hull and his crew employed a series of ingenious tactics to escape the British, including using small boats to tow the ship and wetting the sails to catch even the slightest breeze. After a tense two-day chase, the Constitution outmaneuvered the British squadron, earning a reprieve from what could have been a disastrous engagement.
Just one month later, the USS Constitution would meet the HMS Guerriere again in a battle that would forever etch the ship’s name in the annals of naval history. On August 19, 1812, the two frigates engaged in a fierce battle that lasted just 20 minutes. The British ship fired first, but the Constitution’s thick oak hull proved impenetrable to enemy cannonballs, seemingly “bouncing” them off its sides. This earned the ship its enduring nickname, “Old Ironsides.” The Constitution’s superior maneuverability and firepower overwhelmed the Guerriere, which was left a dismasted wreck. The victory was a significant morale booster for the United States and demonstrated the effectiveness of the young nation’s naval forces.
Later that year, under the command of Captain William Bainbridge, the Constitution achieved another decisive victory, this time against the HMS Java. The battle lasted for three hours, with the Constitution once again emerging victorious, further enhancing its legendary status.
Following the War of 1812, the USS Constitution continued to serve with distinction. In the Mediterranean, she patrolled against the Barbary pirates who had long threatened American merchant ships, and later, during the Civil War, she was employed as a training ship for midshipmen. However, by the 1830s, the Constitution had begun to show signs of wear and was slated for decommissioning. Public outcry ensued, with Americans rallying to save the iconic ship from the scrapyard. The public campaign, bolstered by the efforts of civic organizations and patriotic individuals, resulted in the ship’s restoration and continued service.
In 1844, the Constitution embarked on an ambitious 30-month circumnavigation of the globe, serving as a diplomatic and military symbol of the United States. Her role as a training vessel during the Civil War and her continued presence in the Mediterranean further solidified her importance in American naval history.
Over the years, the USS Constitution faced several threats of being scrapped, most notably in 1905. However, thanks to a groundswell of support from schoolchildren and patriotic donors, the ship was saved and underwent a significant restoration in 1925. Recommissioned in 1931, the Constitution embarked on a nationwide tour, visiting 90 port cities and receiving over 4.6 million visitors. This tour solidified her status as a cherished national icon and a symbol of American perseverance and strength.
In 1941, the Constitution was placed in permanent commission by an act of Congress, ensuring that the ship would continue to be maintained and preserved for future generations. Today, the USS Constitution is a key part of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s efforts to educate the public about the Navy’s role in American history.
As the oldest commissioned warship still afloat, the USS Constitution serves not only as a museum but also as a living testament to the U.S. Navy’s enduring legacy. The ship is staffed by active-duty Navy sailors, many of whom view their assignment to the Constitution as a special honor. The crew participates in educational outreach, historical reenactments, and ceremonial events, helping to bring the ship’s history to life for the thousands of visitors who come aboard each year.
To keep the tradition alive, the crew fires a blank round from the ship’s saluting battery twice a day—once at 8 a.m. and again at sunset. These daily salutes are a reminder of the ship’s ongoing role in American naval heritage. Additionally, the USS Constitution continues to play a vital role in public events, such as Boston’s annual Harborfest, where it serves as a focal point for celebrations of the nation’s maritime history.
