Visiting “Old Ironsides” in Boston

When we arrived in Littleton, Mass., which is near Concord, Mass. (Site of” Shot heard around a world”), we decided to visit the U.S.S. Constitution(“Old Ironsides”). It is the world’s oldest ship still on the water and on active duty. The day was sunny and warm.

It is located across the river from downtown Boston.  It is still considered to be a regular navy ship and is manned by active duty crew.

One of my hobbies is drawing old sailing ships. I have photographed this and other sailing ships as a guide for my hobby.

During her famous battle with the British Frigate Guerriere in the War of 1812, Old Ironsides got her nickname. “Using his heavier broadsides and his ship’s sailing ability, Hull had managed to surprise the British. Adding to their astonishment, many of their shot rebounded harmlessly off Constitution‘s hull. An American sailor reportedly exclaimed “Huzzah! her sides are made of iron!” and Constitution acquired the nickname “Old Ironsides”. The sides are 24” of solid oak. The British shot just bounced off.

Below are the vital statistic for “Old Ironsides”:

  • Career (US)       
  • Name:  USS Constitution
  • Ordered:             1 March 1794
  • Builder:                Edmund Hartt’s Shipyard
  •  Cost:      $302,718 (1797)
  • Laid down:          1 November 1794
  • Launched:           21 October 1797
  • Maiden voyage:               22 July 1798
  • Homeport:          Charlestown Navy Yard
  • Nickname:          “Old Ironsides”
  • Status:  In active service
  • General characteristics (As built ca. 1797)
  • Type:     44-gun frigate
  • Tonnage:             1,576
  • Displacement:   2,200 tons
  • Length: 304 ft (93 m) bowspirit to spanker
  • Beam:   43 ft 6 in (13.26 m)
  • Height: foremast: 198 ft (60 m)
  • mainmast: 220 ft (67 m)
  • mizzenmast:172.5 ft (52.6 m)
  •  Draft:    21 ft (6.4 m) forward
  • 23 ft (7.0 m) aft
  • Depth of hold:   14 ft 3 in (4.34 m)
  • Decks:   Orlop, Berth, Gun, Spar
  • Propulsion:         Sail (three masts, ship rig)
  • Sail plan:              42,710 sq ft (3,968 m2) on three masts
  • Speed:  13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph)
  • Complement:    450 including 55 Marines and 30 boys (1797)
  • Armament:         30 × 24-pounder (11 kg) long gun
  • 20 × 32-pounder (15 kg) carronade
  • 2 × 24-pounder (11 kg) bow chasers[2]

Some trivia: Do you know why Marines are called “Jarheads”? During the early part of the 1800’s, Marines were aboard Navy vessels. They were part of the boarding parties when engaging enemy ships. They were also snipers, positioned in the foretops and rigging. Most Navy sailors were short, but the Marines were typically 6 feet tall. In the photos of the berthing deck, you can see that there wasn’t much headroom. Many a Marine, at 6 feet tall, would “Jar” their heads on the beams, ergo “Jarhead”.

Remember “Whistle while you work” from Snow White? Well, when the officers had mess(Dinner), a  crewman would have to go to the galley on deck and get the food. To make sure the crewman didn’t eat or spit in the officers food, they would have to whistle, ergo “Whistle while you work”.

Here are photos that we took on “Old Ironsides”: