USS Constitution is a wooden hulled, three masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy, launched in 1797 as one of the original six frigates authorized by Congress to found the navy. She earned the nickname Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 after cannonballs were seen to bounce off her sturdy oak hull, and she remains commissioned today as the world's oldest ship still afloat.
Facts
SignificanceEarned the nickname Old Ironsides after capturing HMS Guerriere in the War of 1812, and is the oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. 1 Manufacturer or BuilderEdmund Hartt's shipyard 1 Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: USS Constitution Encyclopedia Article
WikipediaLead section
She was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts.
Lead section, first paragraph, launch clause
She was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.
Lead section, second paragraph
The capture of Guerriere earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides", adding on the public adoration that had repeatedly saved her from scrapping.
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