On this day in 1797, the USS Constitution was launched in Boston Harbor
October 21
An event every year that begins at 12:00 am on day 21 of October, repeating indefinitely
On this day in 1797, the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) was launched in Boston Harbor. Still afloat in Boston today, the USS Constitution is the oldest ship commissioned in the United States Navy and the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
Did you know? George Washington named the Constitution.
The nickname, “Old Ironsides,” was earned during the War of 1812, when the crew defeated not one, but FOUR British frigates over three engagements. As noted by a sailor, Old Ironsides’s hull seemed impenetrable against enemy fire: “Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!”
First victory at sea by USS Constitution over HMS Guerriere, Anton Otto Fischer, c. 1960
