USS Constitution - Old Ironsides                        

This limited edition art print represents the 44 gun Heavy Frigate U.S.S. Constitution, as she appeared at her launch; 21 October, 1797.

Ordered by Congress in 1794, Constitution was one of the country's first naval vessels, and the true beginning of the U. S. Navy.

Designed by Joshua Humphreys and built by Edmund Hartt’s shipyards in Boston, she cost $302,700.  Overall length was 204 feet; 175 at the water line.  She displaced 2,200 tons and someone looking down from the main masthead, would be looking at the equivalent of a 22 story building.  Constitution carried just under 43,000 square feet of sail; top speed was 13 knots.

Her most famous engagement came during the War of 1812.  It was when in action with HMS Guerriere that she earned her nickname of Old Ironsides.  A ball from the Guerriere apparently hit squarely on one of Constitution’s oak ribs and bounced harmlessly into the sea.

Many times, Old Ironsides was scheduled to be decommissioned, but each time an outpouring of public sympathy and support left her as one of the nation’s warships.  She is still on the list and currently crewed by regular Navy personal.

U.S.S. Constitution is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard and is available for tours.

This is the 9th in a Series of Historic Ships                                              edition size - 500       print size  22" x 16"         $ 85.00

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