Old Ironsides
by Ben Prepelka
Title
Old Ironsides
Artist
Ben Prepelka
Medium
Photograph
Description
Preparing to defend America's new found freedom and its shipping interests, President George Washington authorized the construction of six frigates for the fledgling U.S. Navy.
Designed by Joshua Humphreys, the USS Constitution incorporated the best features of French and English ships, yet proved faster than any opponent. Built to carry a crew of 450 hands, the USS Constitution measures 204 feet in length, and displaces 2200 tons. Her hull was built three layers thick of southern live oak, and was fastened with copper bolts and spikes produced at the Paul Revere foundry. Assembled at Boston's Hartt Shipyard in Boston, the USS Constitution was launched October 21, 1797.
The USS Constitution's biggest test came during the War of 1812 with Britain. Her string of victories not only gave a tremendous boost to the morale of the American people, but also earned her the nickname of Old Ironsides.
A stop on Boston's Freedom Trail, Old Ironsides is located in the Charleston Navy Yard.
Uploaded
July 23rd, 2016
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