USS Constitution

USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate launched in 1797. Famous for victories in the War of 1812, it remains commissioned by the U.S. Navy.

USS Constitution–Guerriere engagement: A 1812 naval battle in which USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The victory made the ship famous and helped earn its nickname, “Old Ironsides.”
Heavy frigate: A large, heavily armed sailing warship designed to combine frigate speed with substantial combat power. USS Constitution was built to outgun ordinary frigates while remaining faster than ships of the line.
Naval Act of 1794: A United States law authorizing the construction of six frigates for the new federal navy. This act provided the authority and funding for USS Constitution’s construction.
War of 1812: A war between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, fought on land and at sea. Constitution’s celebrated victories occurred within this conflict.
HMS Guerriere: A British Royal Navy frigate captured by USS Constitution in 1812. Its defeat exposed the striking disparity between the ships in their engagement.
USS Constitution–Java engagement: A 1812 battle in which USS Constitution captured the British frigate HMS Java. This second major victory strengthened the ship’s reputation in the War of 1812.
Frigate: A fast, maneuverable warship, historically smaller than a ship of the line and used for combat, scouting, and escort duties. The frigate type defines the ship’s role and sailing qualities.
Joshua Humphreys: An American shipbuilder who designed the original six frigates of the United States Navy. Humphreys devised the large-frigate design used for Constitution.
Isaac Hull: A U.S. Navy officer who commanded USS Constitution during its 1812 victory over HMS Guerriere. Hull’s command helped turn the Guerriere action into a defining naval success.
HMS Java: A British Royal Navy frigate captured by USS Constitution in 1812. Java was another capable British frigate overcome by Constitution during the war.

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Quercus virginianaBroader topic: Live oak was used in the ship’s structural timbers, contributing to its strength.