USS Constitution

Action between USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere, 19 August 1812, by Michel Felice Corne

Courtesy U.S. Navy - Naval History and Heritage Command, 80-G-K-26254

 

Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!

USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy. Naval officers and crew still serve aboard the ship today. The USS Constitution is operated by the United States Navy, a partner to the National Parks of Boston. The Naval History and Heritage Command, Detachment Boston in Building 24 at the Charlestown Navy Yard is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and restoration of USS Constitution. Across the pier from Constitution in Building 22 is the USS Constitution Museum. The Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution and provides engaging and hands-on experiences for all visitors. Here you can explore how the ship was built, sailed, and preserved.

 

Visiting Information for USS Constitution

The USS Constitution Museum is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. In accordance with guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston, masks are optional for visitors and staff at the USS Constitution Museum. For more information regarding COVID-19 protocols, please visit the Museum's COVID-19 procedures page.

 

Free admission to USS Constitution.
Admission by donation at the USS Constitution Museum.

Today's Hours:
USS Constitution Hours: Loading...
Tours of the ship are available on the half-hour and last for 30 minutes.
USS Constitution Museum Hours: Loading...
All operating hours

USS Constitution is a historic ship with limited accessibility.

USS Constitution Museum is accessbile.

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

 

US Navy

USS CONSTITUTION

 

The Ship's Educational Voice

USS Constitution Museum

 

---

 

Boston's Most Storied Ship

Prior to independence, the thirteen American colonies enjoyed protection from pirates and foreign navies under the British Royal Navy. However, once the United States won independence, the young nation had to defend itself. In 1794, Congress authorized the construction of six warships to became the new United States Navy. One of these warships, USS Constitution, was built at Hartt's shipyard in the North End of Boston. Construction began in 1794 and Constitution launched on October 21, 1797. The ship sailed its first cruise the next year as the Quasi-War with France emerged. Later it served in engagements with pirates off the Barbary Coast in the Mediterranean.

The greatest glory for Constitution, however, came during the War of 1812. Constitution's crew defeated four British frigates during three separate engagements. In battle, Constitution earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" because it appeared as if enemy cannonballs could not penetrate the ship's strong oak hull.

Before and after these voyages, Constitution had to undergo constant repairs and refits. Most of this work was completed here at the Charlestown Navy Yard. After over 200 years in the Navy, Constitution still calls Charlestown home and relies on the same facilities for maintenance and repair.

Today, USS Constitution occasionally sails through Boston Harbor for special anniversaries and commemorations. USS Constitution and its US Navy crew go underway with the assistance of tugboats as they sail down the coast to Castle Island. In the harbor near Castle Island, the Navy crew fires a cannon salute before they turn around to return to the Charlestown Navy Yard.