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Charlestown, Massachusetts
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Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution earned its nickname 'Old Ironsides' during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs seemed to bounce off its sturdy hull.
Throughout its active service, the USS Constitution emerged victorious in all 33 of its engagements, including notable battles against British ships during the War of 1812.
Oliver Wendell Holmes' 1830 poem 'Old Ironsides' rallied public sentiment to preserve the ship, leading to its restoration instead of dismantling.
The ship was built using live oak from Georgia, white oak from New Jersey, and copper fastenings provided by Paul Revere's foundry in Massachusetts.
The ship is taken out into Boston Harbor several times a year for special events and ceremonies, maintaining its status as a fully operational naval vessel.
The ship is manned by a crew of around 60 active-duty U.S. Navy sailors who are responsible for its upkeep and public tours.
The ship has been restored several times, with major overhauls occurring in the 1920s, 1990s, and most recently from 2015 to 2017 to ensure its preservation.
Designed by Joshua Humphreys, the ship featured a unique hull design that combined speed with heavy armament, making it a formidable opponent on the seas.
The ship's enduring presence and storied history serve as a testament to the early American spirit and naval prowess.
