USS Constitution

Tour "Old Ironsides" in the Charlestown Navy Yard

One of the most interesting sites on Boston's Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution offers free tours conducted by active-duty Navy members from its crew of 70 and a close-up look at the oldest commissioned warship still afloat anywhere in the world.

Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard just a short walk or even shorter ferry ride from Downtown Boston, the USS Constitution spends most of the year anchored wharf-side, easily accessible to visitors who go on the free 30-minute tours. 

Every July 4th, the Constitution appears in Boston Harbor - a magnificent sight!  Additional turn-around cruises occur a few more times each year.

How the USS Constitution became "Old Ironsides"

The 204 foot-long, wood-hulled Constitution, built and launched in 1797 from a shipyard, spent her first years defending American shipping interests from Barbary pirates off the coast of North Africa.  With copper fastenings designed and fabricated by Paul Revere, 3 enormous masts topping as high as 220 feet, and a crew of 450-500, she was one of 6 similar frigates commissioned during this period.

Designed to be fast on the seas but also well-equipped with fire power, the Constitution's heaviest action came during the War of 1812 during numerous battles against the British.  Loaded with more than 50 cannons and guns instead of her official quota of 44, she defeated 5 British warships and captured numerous merchant ships.

Her fame stems from a fierce battle against the British frigate HMS Guerriere during which the two frigates came so close to each other that they collided and nearly capsized. 

Although the American ship pulverized the Guerriere, most of the Guerriere's shots and cannon balls simply bounced off the hull of the Constitution.  By the time she returned to port in Boston, cheering crowds re-christened her "Old Ironsides."

By 1830, the Constitution already far exceeded the average 10-15 year lifespan of a typical wooden frigate, and rumors (later proven untrue) circulated that she would be scrapped.  Poet Oliver Wendell Holmes hastily wrote and published his famous poem, "Old Ironsides," arousing enough public outcry to ensure reconstruction for the famous frigate, finally taken out of active service in 1855.

The USS Constitution now serves as a museum ship, after extensive renovations designed to restore her 1812 configuration.  Her mission is to promote understanding of the Navy's mission in war and peace by offering educational tours and outreach programs.

In preparation for the 200-year anniversary of Old Ironside's action during the war of 1812, she is again undergoing renovations.  Turn-around cruises have been halted while this work takes place, but tours go on as usual. 

USS Constitution tours

Guided tours of the USS Constitution given by members of the active-duty Navy crew rank among the highlights of the Freedom Trail.  You get to see the top deck, gun deck, and berth area, plus you get the thrill of walking around this magnificent 200-year-old ship.   

Best of all are the guides' stories about life aboard the ship 200 years ago, tidbits about her legendary battles, and explanations of the Constitution's important role in American history.  Adding to the authentic ambiance, crew members wear 1812-style uniforms. 

The War of 1812 is sometimes called "America's second War of Independence," and although the Constitution's victories at sea actually did not make a substantive difference in the war's outcome, they played a huge role in the young country's confidence in its ability to prevail for a second time against England.

Children and teens love touring this ship - and so do adults.  For many, getting to go aboard "Old Ironsides" turns out to be the highlight of the Freedom Trail.

Insider Tips

The area of the Charlestown Navy Yard where the Constitution is located is part of the Boston National Historic Park. 

You'll find a variety of interesting Naval and nautical artifacts in the surrounding area. 

There's also a nice children's playground.  The USS Constitution Museum offers free admission and interesting exhibits related to the frigate and Boston's Naval and marine history.   Boston National Park Rangers give free tours of the World War II / Cold War destroyer, the USS Cassin Young, located next to the Constitution.