USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides")

Summary: The USS Constitution, America's oldest commissioned warship, is open to visitors in the Charlestown Navy Yard. The 15th site on the Freedom Trail, the Constitution offers a maritime perspective on early American history.

Before touring the USS Constitution, most visitors probably don't know that the expression "let the cat out of the bag" comes from an old Navy punishment ritual, or that "keep a stiff upper lip" comes from a tactic employed by sailors trying to jump ship. Guests graced with an enthusiastic guide will laugh upon hearing these and other Navy stories while learning about the history of the ship fondly called "Old Ironsides."

The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat, originally launched in 1797 to protect American merchant ships from pirates. The first U.S. Navy was formed in 1794 and this ship was the third of its fleet to set sail. For other facts about the Constitution, see our related article.

The Constitution is best known for her success during the War of 1812, when her 21-inch thick wooden hull was not penetrated by a single British cannonball. This remarkable performance earned her the popular nickname, "Old Ironsides," although steel was not yet used to build ships. Since then, Old Ironsides has survived 42 battles, years of neglect, and numerous threats to tear her down. She is now maintained in her original condition by an elite team from the U.S. Navy as a symbol of American freedom, strength, and success as a naval power. A visit to the ship provides a taste of life at sea in the 1700s and 1800s and fits well into the history told by Boston's Freedom Trail.

Tour Information
The U.S. Navy runs free 30 to 40 minute guided tours of the USS Constitution daily. The tours, led by active-duty enlisted sailors, run continually during open hours and the time between tours varies depending on the size of the crowd waiting in line. Note that during the summer, the wait can be up to 1 1/2 hours, so Freedom Trail walkers intent on seeing Old Ironsides may want to consider starting the trail at the Charlestown end. By doing so, the USS Constitution will be their second stop rather than the 15th stop. You also should be sure to make it to Charlestown before 3:30 PM to be included in the last tour of the ship. Visitors not able to make the last tour, or satisfied with a self-guided visit, may board the USS Constitution until sunset each day. There is no admission charge. For the current schedule, visit the official USS Constition web site.

Keep in mind that the USS Constitution is still considered "active" and does leave port on special occasions. In recent years, the Constitution has only left the dock for a yearly "turnabout" (which helps ensure that she weathers evenly). You can enter a lottery to be on the ship during one of its turnabouts via the web site.

What Visitors Should Know Before Joining a Tour Group
All of the Navy-run tours cover the history of Old Ironsides and take groups around her decks. There are, however, a few tour guides that make the visit an interactive learning experience. According to one of the guides we met, this type of tour is overwhelmingly popular and a few sailors are asking that they be instituted ship-wide. If you have a chance to request a certain tour, we highly recommend that you specify the interactive tour to the USS Constitution staff. We were lucky enough to get a spirited, energetic guide with a great sense of humor who pulled various members of the tour group from the crowd to role-play the history of the ship. One guest, an active Marine on vacation, thoroughly enjoyed the experience, saying afterward that it was "just as good" as any VIP tour he has received because of his status in the military.

Getting There
If you are following the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution is the 15th site and can be found between Copp's Hill Burying Ground (#14) and the Bunker Hill Monument (the 16th and final stop). The Freedom Trail's red path guides visitors from the North End over the Charlestown Bridge and provides the easiest way to get to the Navy Yard. The walk from the North end takes no more than ten minutes and the Freedom Trail runs directly on the bridge's pedestrian walkway. You should note, however, that the walkway contains a portion of "see-through" metal grates -- visitors with a fear of bridges, heights or water should consider driving over the bridge instead. A taxi from the North End should run only a few dollars.

By subway, the USS Constitution is located closest to the North Station MBTA stop on the Orange and Green lines. Please see MBTA web site for connections and schedule and fare information. We recommend that you take the subway whenever you visit the downtown area because of the general congestion and difficulty in finding appropriate parking.

If you are determined to drive, however, there is parking information on the official USS Constition web site.

Other Sights at the Charlestown Navy Yard
Although home to one of the most famous ships in the United States, the Charlestown Navy Yard offers more than the USS Constitution. Also berthed here is the USS Cassin Young, a World War II destroyer on loan to the Boston National Historic Park from the U.S. Navy. Guided tours of the Cassin Young are given by National Park Rangers; tour schedules vary by season and staffing restrictions. Visitors may also visit the Navy Yard's Commandant's House on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and the Navy Yard Museum daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. All of these sites are free. For more information to plan your trip, call (617) 242-5670.

The Boston National Historic Park operates a Visitor Center in the Charlestown Navy Yard where you can find literature and touring tips. The Visitor Center is a good place to check the day's schedule -- a bulletin board of Navy Yard attractions, seasonal changes and special events is posted each day.

The USS Constitution Museum
If you are intrigued by the tour of Old Ironsides and would like to know more about her history, you may want to consider visiting the USS Constitution Museum. Although the museum is nearby in the Charlestown Navy Yard, we recommend that you skip it if you are in a rush or not extremely interested in maritime history.

by Allyson Krieger

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