USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. She was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed. The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering in March or May for the frigates that were to be constructed. Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to be the young Navy's capital ships, and so Constitution and her sister ships were larger and more heavily armed and built than standard frigates of the period. She was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts.
US warship Constitution defeats British warship Guerriere
USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat.
Historical Significance
USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy.
Events Before
US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)
US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)
First US colonists on the Pacific coast arrive at Cape Disappointment, Washington
First US colonists on the Pacific coast arrive at Cape Disappointment, Washington
Venezuelan Declaration of Independence: Seven provinces declare independence from Spain
The Venezuelan Declaration of Independence (Spanish: Acta de la Declaración de Independencia de Venezuela) is a document drafted and adopted by Venezuela on July 5, 1811, through which Venezuelans...
English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (19) elopes to Scotland with 1st wife Harriet Westbrook (16)
Percy Bysshe Shelley ( BISH; 4 August 1792 – 8 July 1822) was an English writer who is considered one of the major English Romantic poets.
British East India Company force led by Baron Minto conquers Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies. Stamford Raffles
British East India Company force led by Baron Minto conquers Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies. Stamford Raffles is appointed lieutenant-governor.
Events After
Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is published by Thomas Egerton in the United Kingdom
Pride and Prejudice is the second published novel (but third to be written) by English author Jane Austen, written when she was aged 20–21, and later published in 1813. A novel of manners, it follows…
John Tyler (23) later 10th US President, marries 1st wife Letitia Christian Tyler (22)
John Tyler (23) later 10th US President, marries 1st wife Letitia Christian Tyler (22)
Austrian composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel (35) weds German opera singer Elisabeth Röckel (20) in Vienna, Austria, until hi
Austrian composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel (35) weds German opera singer Elisabeth Röckel (20) in Vienna, Austria, until his death in 1837
South American independence leader Simón Bolívar enters Mérida, leading the invasion of Venezuela, and is proclaimed El
South American independence leader Simón Bolívar enters Mérida, leading the invasion of Venezuela, and is proclaimed El Libertador (The Liberator)
American naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry defeats the British in the Battle of Lake Erie
Oliver Hazard Perry (August 23, 1785 – August 23, 1819) was a United States Navy officer from South Kingstown, Rhode Island.
More from the 1810s
Leading Romantic poet Lord Byron (27) marries Anne Isabella Milbanke (22) by special licence, at Seaham Hall in County D
Leading Romantic poet Lord Byron (27) marries Anne Isabella Milbanke (22) by special licence, at Seaham Hall in County Durham
Field Marshal Blücher's troops cross the Rhine at Kaub
Field Marshal Blücher's troops cross the Rhine at Kaub
US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)
US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)
French church annuls marriage of Napoleon I and Empress Joséphine
Joséphine Bonaparte was the first wife of Emperor Napoleon I and as such Empress of the French from 18 May 1804 until their marriage was annulled on 10 January 1810.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 19, 1812?
- USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. She was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.
- Why is US warship Constitution defeats British warship Guerriere significant?
- USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy.