Skip to main content
USNI Logo USNI Logo USNI Logo USNI 150th Anniversary
Donate
  • Cart
  • Join or Log In
  • Search

Main navigation

  • About Us
  • Membership
  • Books & Press
  • USNI News
  • Proceedings
  • Naval History
  • Archives
  • Events
  • Donate
USNI Logo USNI Logo USNI Logo USNI 150th Anniversary
Donate
  • Cart
  • Join or Log In
  • Search

Main navigation (Sticky)

  • About Us
  • Membership
  • Books & Press
  • USNI News
  • Proceedings
  • Naval History
  • Archives
  • Events
  • Donate

Sub Menu

  • Essay Contests
    • About Essay Contests
  • Current Issue
  • Subscribe to Naval History
    • Naval History Digital Subscription
    • Renew Your Subscription
  • Naval History Blog
  • Submisison Guidelines
  • Contact Naval History
    • Media Inquiries
  • All Issues
Constitution
21 October 1797: The Constitution is launched at Hartt’s Shipyard in Boston.
Naval History and Heritage Command

Sub Menu

  • Essay Contests
    • About Essay Contests
  • Current Issue
  • Subscribe to Naval History
    • Naval History Digital Subscription
    • Renew Your Subscription
  • Naval History Blog
  • Submisison Guidelines
  • Contact Naval History
    • Media Inquiries
  • All Issues

Happy Birthday, Old Ironsides: USS Constitution Turning 225

October 2022
Naval History Magazine
Naval History News
View Issue
Comments

The USS Constitution, one of the Navy’s original six frigates as well as its oldest commissioned warship—will celebrate the 225th anniversary of her launching on 21 October.

Of those original six ships that marked the birth of the U.S. Navy—the United States, Constellation, Constitution, Congress, Chesapeake, and President—the Constitution, aka “America’s Ship of State,” is the sole survivor. Their construction was authorized in the legislation entitled “An Act to Provide a Naval Armament.”

Old Ironsides
How “Old Ironsides” got her nickname: the Constitution vs. the Guerriere, 19 August 1812. Credit: Naval History and Heritage Command

Signed by President George Washington on 27 March 1794, “An Act to Provide a Naval Armament” allowed for the purchase or building of six warships. The decision to build six sailing frigates established the U.S. Navy, which defended the vital trade of the American merchant fleet on oceans around the world.

The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) last spring proclaimed 10 May as “U.S. Navy Original Six Frigates Day,” during an event held at the National Museum of the United States Navy. That date marked the 225th anniversary of the launch of the United States, first of the six frigates to be completed.

“The launch of the first six frigates was a significant moment in both U.S. Navy and American History,” said NHHC Deputy Director Patrick C. Burns. “It’s important that we mark this 225th anniversary—some of our country’s earliest heroes, achievements, and traditions are part of the six frigates’ story.”

The 225th anniversary of the Constitution’s launching this October resonates all the more, for the venerated ship offers modern-day visitors a tangible connection to to those long-ago days of the Navy’s creation.

The Constitution
Still inspiring after all these years: The Constitution gets underway in Boston Harbor in celebration of Independence Day, 2022. Credit: U.S. Navy (Alec Kramer)

“When you walk the decks of the USS Constitution, you are following some of the U.S. Navy’s greatest captains—Edward Preble, Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, Thomas McDonough, David Dixon Porter, and George Dewey,” said Margherita M. Desy, a USS Constitution historian with NHHC Detachment Boston.

“USS Constitution is our direct link to the beginnings of the U.S. Navy. Commemorating the 225th anniversary of the launchings of the six original frigates provides an opportunity to reexamine and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of the men, and now women, who have, and continue to, sail the world, keeping sea lanes free for all.”

Related Articles

USS Samuel B. Roberts
NH Naval History News

Wreck of ‘Sammy B,’ Legendary Destroyer Escort, Discovered

October 2022
Nearly 78 years after her loss the wreck of the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) was located in the Philippine Sea and identified in June.
book cover
NH Naval History News

Stillwell Wins Lyman Book Award for Battleship Commander

October 2022
Battleship Commander: The Life of Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee Jr. has been awarded the John Lyman Book Award.
Hershel “Woody” Williams
NH Naval History News

Farewell to Woody Williams, Last Living WWII Medal of Honor Recipient

October 2022
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Hershel W. “Woody” Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, died on 29 June. He was 98.

Quicklinks

Footer menu

  • About the Naval Institute
  • Books & Press
  • Naval History Magazine
  • USNI News
  • Proceedings
  • Oral Histories
  • Events
  • Naval Institute Foundation
  • Photos & Historical Prints
  • Advertise With Us
  • Naval Institute Archives

Receive the Newsletter

Sign up to get updates about new releases and event invitations.

Sign Up Now
Example NewsletterPrivacy Policy
USNI Logo White
Copyright © 2023 U.S. Naval Institute Privacy PolicyTerms of UseContact UsAdvertise With UsFAQContent LicenseMedia Inquiries
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
Powered by Unleashed Technologies
×

You've read 1 out of 5 free articles of Naval History this month.

Non-subscribers can read five free Naval History articles per month. Subscribe now and never hit a limit.