What was old ironsides

The success of the USS Constitution against the supposedly invincible Royal Navy provided a tremendous boost in morale for the young American republic. The Constitution was one of six frigates that Congress requested be built in to help protect American merchant fleets from attacks by Barbary pirates and harassment by British and French forces. It was constructed in Boston, and the bolts fastening its timbers and copper sheathing were provided by the industrialist and patriot Paul Revere.

Launched on October 21, , the Constitution was feet long, displaced 2, tons, and was rated as a gun frigate although it often carried as many as 50 guns. In July it was put to sea with a crew of and cruised the West Indies, protecting U. In , President Thomas Jefferson ordered the American warship to the Mediterranean to fight Barbary pirates off the coast of Tripoli.

When war broke out with Britain in June , the Constitution was commanded by Isaac Hull, who served as lieutenant on the ship during the Tripolitan War. Finding itself surrounded, the Constitution was preparing to escape when suddenly the wind died. With both sides dead in the water and just out of gunnery range, a legendary slow-speed chase ensued.

At dawn on July 18, a breeze sprang, and the Constitution was far enough ahead of its pursuers to escape by sail. After considerable maneuvering, the Constitution delivered its first broadside, and for 20 minutes the American and British vessels bombarded each other in close and violent action.

The British man-of-war was de-masted and rendered a wreck while the Constitution escaped with only minimal damage. The unexpected victory of Old Ironsides against a British frigate helped unite America behind the war effort and made Commander Hull a national hero. The Constitution went on to defeat or capture seven more British ships in the War of and ran the British blockade of Boston twice. Two years later, the navy considered scrapping the Constitution, which had become unseaworthy, leading to an outcry of public support for preserving the famous warship.

The navy refurbished the Constitution, and it went on to serve as the flagship of the Mediterranean, Pacific, and Home squadrons. SHIP: am - pm. Closed Tue. Closed Wed. Events Newsletter Signup Shop Membership. Old Ironsides? Once in a while, a preponderance of evidence causes us to clarify a cherished story. In the action of the Guerriere the Constitution was hulled three times; in that of the Java four times, and in [the Cyane and Levant ] engagement thirteen times….

This word was used time and again during the period to refer to damage sustained in battle. Oh, better that her shattered hulk Should sink beneath the wave; Her thunders shook the mighty deep, And there should be her grave; Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail, And give her to the God of storms, The lightning and the gale!

What do members of the Coast Guard do every day? Learn more at United States Coast Guard. If you appreciate the legacy of all those who love ships and mariners, the sea, lakes, rivers, and bays, then join us! Become a member of the National Maritime Historical Society today. Old Ironsides Old ships need lots of good friends to keep them afloat. Wooden ships, in particular, are perishable, just like fruit and vegetables.