What ship was nicknamed Old Ironsides?
In August 1812, USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere and earned the nickname “Old Ironsides.”.
What is the purpose of Old Ironsides?
Analyzing 'Old Ironsides'. The subject of this poem, the U.S.S. Constitution, was first commissioned along with five other frigates in 1794 when Congress wished to protect merchant fleets from pirates and British and French interference. The most pivotal moment in its long and storied career occurred during the War of 1812,...
Why is the USS Constitution called the Old Ironsides?
This victory gave rise to the comment “her sides are made of iron,” and her nickname “Old Ironsides.” Hull put back into Boston and passed command to Commodore William Bainbridge, who took Constitution to the South Atlantic. She encountered HMS Java off Brazil on December 29.
What does Old Ironsides by Oliver Wendell Holmes mean?
This sort of biting sarcasm is exactly the tone Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes set for his most famous work, 'Old Ironsides', which is a poem written in 1830 to commemorate a frigate named the U.S.S. Constitution. The first stanza of the poem reads: Shall sweep the clouds no more.'
What is the oldest warship in the world?
By Chris Kolakowski. USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship in the world still afloat. Nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” she is today berthed in Boston and is known as “America’s Ship of State.”. Her story illuminates much about the U.S. Navy during the nation’s first 100 years.
Who was the USS Constitution's captain in the War of 1812?
This victory gave rise to the comment “her sides are made of iron,” and her nickname “Old Ironsides.”. USS Constitution defeating HMS Guerriere in the War of 1812 US Navy History and Heritage Command. Hull put back into Boston and passed command to Commodore William Bainbridge, who took Constitution to the South Atlantic.
Who was the captain of the Constitution?
Constitution spent the next two years cruising the Mediterranean. Captain Hugh Campbell assumed command in 1806. The Chesapeake-Leopard incident in 1807 delayed her relief, and Campbell narrowly averted a mutiny by his homesick crew. Constitution arrived back in Boston in October 1807, fifty months after her departure.
Why was the Ironclad named Ironsides?
The Navy launched an ironclad on 10 May 1862 as part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and they bestowed on her the name New Ironsides to honor Constitution ' s tradition of service. However, New Ironsides ' s naval career was short, as she was destroyed by fire on 16 December 1865.
Who was the commander of the old Ironsides?
Constitution vs Java. Diagram of the battle between Constitution and Java. William Bainbridge, senior to Hull, took command of "Old Ironsides" on 8 September and prepared her for another mission in British shipping lanes near Brazil, sailing with Hornet on 27 October.
What frigate was sighted on August 19th?
A frigate was sighted on 19 August and subsequently determined to be HMS Guerriere (38) with the words "Not The Little Belt" painted on her foretopsail. Guerriere opened fire upon entering range of Constitution, doing little damage. After a few exchanges of cannon fire between the ships, Captain Hull maneuvered Constitution into an advantageous position within 25 yards (23 m) of Guerriere. He then ordered a full double-loaded broadside of grape and round shot which took out Guerriere ' s mizzenmast. Guerriere ' s maneuverability decreased with her mizzenmast dragging in the water, and she collided with Constitution, entangling her bowsprit in Constitution ' s mizzen rigging. This left only Guerriere ' s bow guns capable of effective fire. Hull's cabin caught fire from the shots, but it was quickly extinguished. With the ships locked together, both captains ordered boarding parties into action, but the sea was heavy and neither party was able to board the opposing ship.
What is the oldest ship in the world?
USS Constitution , also known as Old Ironsides, is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is the world's oldest ship of any type still afloat. She was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.
Who was the Captain of the Constitution?
Captain Silas Talbot was recalled to duty to command Constitution and serve as Commodore of operations in the West Indies. After repairs and resupply were completed, Constitution departed Boston on 23 July with a destination of Saint-Domingue via Norfolk and a mission to interrupt French shipping. She took the prize Amelia from a French prize crew on 15 September, and Talbot sent the ship back to New York City with an American prize crew. Constitution arrived at Saint-Domingue on 15 October and rendezvoused with Boston, General Greene, and Norfolk. No further incidents occurred over the next six months, as French depredations in the area had declined. Constitution busied herself with routine patrols and Talbot made diplomatic visits. It was not until April 1800 that Talbot investigated an increase in ship traffic near Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, and discovered that the French privateer Sandwich had taken refuge there. On 8 May the squadron captured the sloop Sally, and Talbot hatched a plan to capture Sandwich by utilizing the familiarity of Sally to allow the Americans access to the harbor. First Lieutenant Isaac Hull led 90 sailors and Marines into Puerto Plata without challenge on 11 May, capturing Sandwich and spiking the guns of the nearby Spanish fort. However, it was later determined that Sandwich had been captured from a neutral port; she was returned to the French with apologies, and no prize money was awarded to the squadron.
Who named the frigate?
President George Washington selected the name Constitution for the frigate. He chose from a list of names supplied by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering. Other suggestions included President, Congress, Defender, and Liberty.
What is the oldest warship in the world?
The USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, is undergoing a two-year restoration that started last week.
What was the name of the ship that fell over the starboard side of the Guerriere?
Thus, Constitution was christened “Old Ironsides.”. After 15 minutes of intense bombardment, the mizzenmast fell over the starboard side of the staggered Guerriere and impaired its ability to maneuver. Within minutes, Guerriere’s bowsprit became entangled with Constitution’s mizzen rigging, and the two interlocked ships rotated clockwise.
What was the name of the ship that defeated HMS Guerriere?
In August 1812, USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere and earned the nickname “Old Ironsides.”
What frigate was used to stop American merchant vessels at sea?
It was HMS Guerriere again. The same frigate that Hull had skillfully eluded a month earlier near New York by taking evasive actions that included dumping 10 tons of drinking water overboard. The same warship that had been notorious for stopping American merchant vessels at sea and impressing their sailors, a practice that partly led to the declaration of war against Great Britain on June 18, 1812.
Which frigate was captured by the Royal Navy in 1806?
Now, two months later, Constitution and Guerriere, a French ship that had been captured by the Royal Navy in 1806, closed in on each other 400 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia. Constitution was the larger frigate, boasting a larger crew, a thicker hull and six more guns. What’s more, it had an unblemished combat record since being launched in 1797. Even if the commander of Guerriere, Captain James Dacres, knew he was outgunned and outmanned, he was still eager for a fight, telling others on board that if he became the first British captain to capture an American vessel, he would “be made for life.” The Royal Navy, after all, had a sterling record in ship-to-ship combat against more formidable opponents than the Americans.
Who was the first Marine to die in combat?
Dacres was wounded in the back, and on the deck of Constitution a musket ball fatally felled Lieutenant William Bush, who became the first U.S. Marine Corps officer to die in combat. During the mayhem, the ships tore free of each other.
How many ensigns did Hull order?
In turn, Hull ordered four American ensigns, including the Stars and Stripes, raised on Constitution. Guerriere opened fire but missed wildly. Constitution launched occasional shots, but Hull, to the unease of his crew, ordered them to hold most of their fire until they engaged the enemy in extremely close action.
What is the Old Ironsides poem about?
Lesson Summary. 'Old Ironsides' is a short poem of only three stanzas that was written by Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1830 about the U.S.S. Constitution - an American frigate originally scheduled for scrapping that year. Old Ironsides was the frigate's nickname. While it might also have spoken out against the dismantling of this famous frigate, ...
What does the second stanza of The Harpies of the Shore mean?
The second stanza recalls the ship's past exploits when her deck was 'red with heroes' blood.' However, these feats are never to be repeated with the ship decommissioned. Likewise, with the structure of its national pride and identity dismantled, a nation can't continue to function - much less revisit the deeds of its glory days. With the lines 'The harpies of the shore shall pluck / The eagle (American symbol) of the sea,' Holmes demonstrates that it's often those who have the least to do with the ship or country's operations that are the most willing to allow it to fall into disrepair.
What does the ensign of Holmes' poem mean?
Though severely worn, the ensign of Holmes's poem is still proudly recognizable. With it torn down, however, the vessel has been surrendered, and what was an honored tradition of fortitude no longer exists. The second stanza recalls the ship's past exploits when her deck was 'red with heroes' blood.'.
What does the last stanza of Old Ironsides mean?
If the final stanza of 'Old Ironsides' is any indication, he would much rather see this ship at the bottom of the ocean than taken apart in a shipyard; just as he'd rather see the nation destroyed than left in the hands of those who would neglect and defame her.
What is the name of the ship that compares the operations of a nation to those of a sailing vessel?
Old Ironsides was the frigate's nickname. While it might also have spoken out against the dismantling of this famous frigate, 'Old Ironsides' is also what's known as a 'Ship of State' poem, or a verse work that compares the operations of a nation to those of a sailing vessel.
What does it mean to enroll in a course?
Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams.
What was the nickname for the old ironsides?
During the fray, both ships fired heavily on one another, but the shots from the British craft appeared to bounce off the sides of 'Constitution' as though they were made of iron rather than wood - hence the nickname 'Old Ironsides.'.
Why is the Ironsides ship needed to be repaired?
The ship has needed periodic repairs to keep it seaworthy throughout its long service as a warship, training vessel, barracks, and museum.
What kind of oak did the Navy use for the Constitution?
In November of 1973, Crane was designated as the official, sole supplier of solid white oak for the Constitution.
How did the Constitution get its nickname?
Constitution received its nickname in the battle with the Guerriere when a sailor noticed Guerriere ’s shots failed to penetrate Constitution ’s thick oak hull. “Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!,” the sailor purportedly exclaimed.
What is the name of the structure that Tri-State ships use to replace hull planking?
When work begins on the ship, Tri-State will also begin hauling the logs as needed to Boston for the milling and shaping to replace deteriorated hull planking and supporting structures called “knees.”
Where did the Navy buy oak planks?
The Navy purchased the needed timber on the open market from a private sector supplier near Piqua, Ohio. The steep price immediately had the Navy looking inward to supply its own oak for future restorations and repairs of the ship.
Who designed the frigates?
Realizing the young U.S. Navy could not yet match in size the fleet of England or France, ship designer Joshua Humphreys recommended building swift but powerful frigates that could both out gun and out run any ships of the line.
Who cut the trees for Crane?
Tri-State Timber, LLC. , based in Spencer, cut the trees for Crane. Brett Franklin, an owner of the family company, said knowing the job was for the Constitution made it a bid they wanted to win. “We just thought it was a proud moment to be a part of history,” he said. “It’s patriotic; everybody wanted to get involved.”
Overview
USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is the world's oldest ship still afloat. She was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed. The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of …
Construction
In 1785, Barbary pirates, most notably from Algiers, began to seize American merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1793 alone, 11 American ships were captured and their crews and stores held for ransom. To combat this problem, proposals were made for warships to protect American shipping, resulting in the Naval Act of 1794. The act provided funds to construct six friga…
Quasi-War
President John Adams ordered all Navy ships to sea in late May 1798 to patrol for armed French ships and to free any American ship captured by them. Constitution was still not ready to sail and eventually had to borrow sixteen 18-pound (8.2 kg) cannons from Castle Island before finally being ready. She put to sea on the evening of 22 July 1798 with orders to patrol the Eastern seaboard between New Hampshire and New York. She was patrolling between Chesapeake Bay and Sava…
First Barbary War
The United States paid tribute to the Barbary States during the Quasi-War to ensure that American merchant ships were not harassed and seized. In 1801, Yusuf Karamanli of Tripoli was dissatisfied that the United States was paying him less than they paid Algiers, and he demanded an immediate payment of $250,000 (equivalent to $4,071,500 in 2021). In response, Thomas Jefferson se…
War of 1812
Constitution was recommissioned in December with Captain John Rodgers again taking command to oversee a major refitting. She was overhauled at a cost just under $100,000; however, Rodgers inexplicably failed to clean her copper sheathing, leading him to later declare her a "slow sailer". She spent most of the following two years on training runs and ordinary duty. Isaac Hull t…
Old Ironsides
Constitution was built in an era when a ship's expected service life was 10 to 15 years. Secretary of the Navy John Branch made a routine order for surveys of ships in the reserve fleet, and commandant of the Charlestown Navy Yard Charles Morris estimated a repair cost of over $157,000 for Constitution. On 14 September 1830, an article appeared in the Boston Advertiser which erroneousl…
Museum ship
In 1900, Congress authorized the restoration of Constitution but did not appropriate any funds for the project; funding was to be raised privately. The Massachusetts Society of the United Daughters of the War of 1812 spearheaded an effort to raise funds, but they ultimately failed. In 1903, the Massachusetts Historical Society's president Charles Francis Adams requeste…
Present day
The mission of Constitution is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through active participation in public events and education through outreach programs, public access, and historic demonstration. Her crew of approximately 75 US Navy sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year-roun…