U.S.S Constitution (Old Ironsides)

The frigate U.S.S. Constitution was constructed after the U.S. War of Independence, together with five other fast frigates, to protect American Shipping from the Barbary Pirates.  The United States engaged in a war with the Barbary Pirates between the War of Independence and the War of 1812.  A frigate is a navel vessel of war carrying 30-44 guns. 

It was a faster warship than the larger multi-gun deck “ships-of-the-line” and, therefore, could escape superior enemy firepower while still serving as a powerful warship.  The U.S.S. Constitution served its country admirably in the War of 1812 and never lost a battle.  Because of her thick solid-oak construction, enemy cannonballs would be seen to bounce off her sides, hence gaining the name “Old Ironsides.”  The ship is currently preserved and on display in the Boston Harbor.  Once slated for demolition, a poem written by Oliver Wendell Holmes, M.D., so aroused the American citizens that it was decided to preserve and rebuild the U.S.S. Constitution.  She currently sits as a floating museum and serves as the Flagship of the United States Navy. 

Once a year, she is taken out to sea where some cannons are discharged over the water, and then she is returned to her berth in the Boston Harbor.  As a floating museum, she can be visited by people interested in maritime history. 

Copies of the painting by Grant R. Fairbanks, M.D. can be made available for purchase.

Artwork unfinished.
Old Ironsides by Oliver Wendell Holmes

Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!
Long has it waved on high,
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky;
Beneath it rung the battle shout,
And burst the cannon’s roar;—
The meteor of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more.
 
Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood,
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were hurrying o’er the flood,
And waves were white below,
No more shall feel the victor’s tread,
Or know the conquered knee;—
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The eagle of the sea!
 
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!