Charlestown Navy Yard

"Boston... must always remain, a Building place & a place of Rendezvous for our Navy..."

- Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert to President John Adams, April 25, 1800

The Charlestown Navy Yard built, repaired, modernized, and resupplied ships for 174 years. From here, ships and their sailors set off to places around the globe. For many sailors, this Charlestown waterfront was the last place they might touch U.S. soil for months, years, or perhaps never again. The ships that left this Yard represented the United States on every continent and served the nation through both times of war and peace.

Operationally, the Yard saw many periods of expansion and decline as the policies of the United States changed over the course of two centuries. Technologically, the Yard saw constant transformation and acted as a hub of innovation. When the Charlestown Navy Yard opened in 1800, it serviced wooden sailing ships and employed tradesmen such as carpenters, ropemakers, and ship riggers. When it closed in 1974, the Yard had welders, electricians, machinists, ironworkers, pipefitters, and engineers. Throughout the operation of the Navy Yard, generations of civilian workers took pride in their work and service to the country.

Explore this extensive history through learning about the ships the Navy Yard built and the people who worked and served here.

Visiting the Charlestown Navy Yard

The Charlestown Navy Yard is a National Park Service site.

Today, explore the heart of the original Navy Yard. Visit the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center where there are park staff available to answer questions, interactive exhibits, and public restrooms. Walk the decks of two historic warships that call the Navy Yard home: the undefeated sailing frigate USS Constitution and the 20^th century Fletcher class destroyer USS Cassin Young. Further engage with this naval history at the USS Constitution Museum. For more information to help you prepare for your visit to the park, see Know Before You Go.

Free admission

Today's Hours:
The Navy Yard grounds are open 24 hours every day.
Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center Hours: Loading...
USS Constitution Hours: Loading...
Tours are currently offered every half-hour and run 30 minutes.
USS Constitution Museum Hours: Loading...
USS Cassin Young Hours: Loading...
All operating hours

USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young are historic ships with limited accessibility.

The Navy Yard, the Visitor Center, and the USS Constitution Museum are accessible.

To ensure safety, all visitors wishing to visit USS Constitution will be subject to a security screening. Visitors 18 and older and must present a valid federal or state issued photo ID at the ship's security entrance.