View source for USS Constitution

{{Short description|1797 heavy frigate of the U.S. Navy}}
{{For|the 1920s battlecruiser|Lexington-class battlecruiser#Ships in class}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}}
{{Infobox ship
| section1 = {{Infobox ship/image
| image         = USS Constitution fires a 17-gun salute.jpg
| image_caption = ''Constitution'', [[Dressing overall|dressed overall]], fires a 17-gun salute in [[Boston Harbor]], 4 July 2014.
}}
| section2 = {{Infobox ship/career
| hide_header    =
| country        = United States
| flag           = {{USN flag}}
| name           = USS ''Constitution''
| namesake       = [[Constitution of the United States]]<ref name="DANFS" />
| ordered        = 1 March 1794
| builder        = [[Edmund Hartt]]'s shipyard
| original_cost  = *$302,718<ref name="USNFF" />
| laid_down      = 1 November 1794
| launched       = 21 October 1797
| maiden_voyage  = 22 July 1798<ref name="Jennings36">Jennings (1966), p. 36.</ref>
| renamed        = *''Old Constitution'' 1917
* ''Constitution'' 1925
| reclassified   = *IX-21, 1941
* No classification, 1 September 1975
| identification = *[[International Code of Signals|Code letters]]: NAPJ<ref>{{cite web|title=Miscellaneous Photo Index|url=http://www.navsource.net/archives/09/46/46021.htm|website=Navsource|access-date=20 July 2017}}</ref>
* {{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Alpha}}{{ICS|Papa}}{{ICS|Juliet}}
| homeport       = [[Boston Navy Yard|Charlestown Navy Yard]]<ref name="USNFF" />
| nickname       = ''Old Ironsides''
| status         = {{Ship in active service}}
| badge          = [[File:USS Constitution crest.png|153px]]
| notes          = First commander: Captain [[Samuel Nicholson]]
| operator       = US Navy
}}
| section3 = {{Infobox ship/characteristics
| hide_header    =
| header_caption = (as built {{circa|1797}})
| type           = 44-gun ''United States''-class frigate
| tonnage        = 1,576<ref name="Hollis39">Hollis (1900), p. 39.</ref>
| displacement   = 2,200 tons<ref name="DANFS" /><ref name="Hollis39" />
| length         = *{{convert|304|ft|abbr=on}} bowsprit to spanker<ref name="mus">{{cite web |url=http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/collections-history/faq/ |title=FAQ: How big is ''Constitution''? |website=USS Constitution Museum |access-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> or {{convert|175|ft|abbr=on}} between perpendiculars, {{convert|145|ft|abbr=on}} at the keel<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800 – December 1801, December 1800 – March 1801 |page=365 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref>
* {{convert|207|ft|abbr=on}} billet head to taffrail<ref name="mus" />
* {{convert|175|ft|abbr=on}} at waterline<ref name="USNFF" />
| beam           = {{convert|43|ft|6|in|abbr=on}}
| height         = * foremast: {{convert|198|ft|abbr=on}}
* mainmast: {{convert|220|ft|abbr=on}}
* mizzenmast: {{convert|172.5|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="USNFF" />
| draft          = *{{convert|21|ft|abbr=on}} forward
* {{convert|23|ft|abbr=on}} aft<ref name="Hollis39" />
| hold_depth     = {{convert|14|ft|3|in|abbr=on}}<ref name="DANFS" />
| decks          = [[Orlop]], Berth, Gun, Spar
| sail_plan      = {{convert|42710|sqft|abbr=on}} on three masts<ref name="USNFF" />
| propulsion     = Sail (three masts, ship rig)
| speed          = {{convert|13|kn|km/h mph}}<ref name="speed">{{cite web |url=http://usscm.blogspot.com/2012_07_01_archive.html |title=Log Lines |website=Research and Collections at the USS Constitution Museum |access-date=21 August 2015}}</ref>
| boats          = *1 × {{convert|36|ft|abbr=on}} longboat
* 2 × {{convert|30|ft|abbr=on}} cutters
* 2 × {{convert|28|ft|abbr=on}} whaleboats
* 1 × {{convert|28|ft|abbr=on}} gig
* 1 × {{convert|22|ft|abbr=on}} jolly boat
* 1 × {{convert|14|ft|abbr=on}} punt<ref name="USNFF" />
| complement     = 450, including 55 Marines and 30 boys (1797)<ref name="USNFF" />
| armament       = *30 × 24-pounder (11&nbsp;kg) long gun
* 22 × 32-pounder (15&nbsp;kg) carronade
* 2 × 24-pounder (11&nbsp;kg) bow chasers<ref name="USNFF" />
| crew           = 75 officers and crew
}}

|section5={{Infobox NRHP
 |embed=yes
 |nocat=y
 |name=USS ''Constitution'' (frigate)
 |nrhp_type=nhl
 |nrhp_type2 = cp
 |location=[[Charlestown Navy Yard]]
 |coordinates = {{coord|42.3725|-71.0566|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
 |locmapin=Boston#Massachusetts
 |map_width=300
 |added=19 December 1960<ref name="List of NHLs by State" /><ref name="Interior 1986" />
 |refnum=66000789<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
 |partof=[[Boston National Historical Park]]
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 |designated_nrhp_type2 = 26 October 1974
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}}

'''USS ''Constitution''''', also known as '''''Old Ironsides''''', is a [[Full-rigged ship|three-masted]] wooden-hulled heavy [[frigate]] of the [[United States Navy]]. She is the world's [[List of oldest surviving ships|oldest]] commissioned warship still afloat.<ref name="US Navy">{{cite web |title=USS Constitution |url=https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/locations/uss-constitution/ |website=USS Constitution Museum |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=23 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>{{refn|{{HMS|Victory}} is three decades older, but she has been in [[dry dock]] since 1922.<ref name="Victory">{{cite web |url=https://www.nmrn.org.uk/hms-victory/history |title=History of HMS Victory |website=National Museum of the Royal Navy}}</ref>|name="Victory"|group="Note"}} She was launched in 1797, one of [[Original six frigates of the United States Navy|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.<ref>Pickering, Timothy (14 March 1795). [https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-17-02-0439 Letter to George Washington]. ''Founders Online'', National Archives. Retrieved 25 September 2019</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YcwsOf5Tw9IC&q=USS%20Constitution&pg=PA8|title=Ironsides! the Ship, the Men and the Wars of the USS Constitution|last1=Brodine |first1=Charles E.|last2=Crawford|first2=Michael J.|last3=Hughes|first3=Christine F.|publisher=Fireship Press|year=2007|isbn=978-1-934757-14-7|page=8|language=en}}</ref> [[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. Her first duties were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the [[Quasi-War]] with France and to defeat the [[Barbary pirates]] in the [[First Barbary War]].

''Constitution'' is most noted for her actions during the [[War of 1812]] with the United Kingdom, when she captured numerous British merchantmen and five warships: {{HMS|Guerriere|1806|6}}, {{HMS|Java|1811|2}}, {{HMS|Pictou|1813|2}}, {{HMS|Cyane|1806|2}}, and {{HMS|Levant|1813|2}}. The [[USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere|capture of ''Guerriere'']] earned her the nickname "''Old Ironsides''", adding on the public adoration that had repeatedly saved her from scrapping. She continued to serve as flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons, and she circled the world in the 1840s. During the [[American Civil War]], she served as a training ship for the [[United States Naval Academy]]. She carried American artwork and industrial displays to the [[Exposition Universelle (1878)|Paris Exposition of 1878]].

''Constitution'' was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a [[receiving ship]] until being designated a [[museum ship]] in 1907. In 1934, she completed a three-year, 90-port tour of the nation. She sailed under her own power for her 200th birthday in 1997, and again in August 2012 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her victory over ''Guerriere''.

''Constitution''{{'}}s stated mission today is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstration, and active participation in public events as part of the [[Naval History and Heritage Command]]. As she is a fully commissioned Navy ship, her crew of 75 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping her open to visitors year round and providing free tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty Navy personnel, and the assignment is considered to be special duty. She is usually berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard at one end of Boston's [[Freedom Trail]].

==Construction==
{{Main|Original six frigates of the United States Navy}}

In 1785, [[Barbary pirates]], most notably from Algiers, began to seize American merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1793 alone, 11 American ships were captured and their crews and stores held for ransom. To combat this problem, proposals were made for warships to protect American shipping, resulting in the [[Naval Act of 1794]].<ref name="Allen4142">Allen (1909), pp. 41–42.</ref><ref name="Beach2627">Beach (1986), pp. 26–27.</ref> The act provided funds to construct [[Original six frigates of the United States Navy|six frigates]], but it included a clause that the construction of the ships would be halted if peace terms were agreed to with Algiers.<ref name="Beach29">Beach (1986), p. 29.</ref>

[[Joshua Humphreys]]' design was unusual for the time, being deep,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Frigates of the Napoleonic Wars |last=Gardiner |first=Robert |date=2000 |publisher=Chatham |isbn=1-86176-135-X |location=London |page=56 |oclc=43456786}}</ref> long on [[keel]], narrow of [[beam (nautical)|beam]] (width), and mounting very heavy guns. The design called for diagonal
riders intended to restrict [[hogging and sagging]] while giving the ships extremely heavy planking. This design gave the hull a greater strength than a more lightly built frigate. It was based on Humphrey's realization that the fledgling United States could not match the European states in the size of their navies, so they were designed to overpower any other frigate while escaping from a [[ship of the line]].<ref name="Toll4953">Toll (2006), pp. 49–53.</ref><ref name="Beach2930">Beach (1986), pp. 29–30, 33.</ref><ref name="Allen4245">Allen (1909), pp. 42–45.</ref>

Her keel was laid down on 1 November 1794 at [[Edmund Hartt]]'s shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts, under the supervision of Captain [[Samuel Nicholson]], master shipwright Colonel [[George Claghorn]] and Foreman Prince Athearn of the Martha's Vineyard Athearns.<ref name="Hollis48">Hollis (1900), p. 48.</ref><ref name="nvr">{{cite web |title = USS Constitution| work = Naval Vessel Register |url = {{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=constitution}}}}</ref> ''Constitution''{{'}}s hull was built {{convert|21|in}} thick and her [[length between perpendiculars]] was {{convert|175|ft|abbr=on}}, with a {{convert|204|ft|abbr=on}} [[length overall]] and a width of {{convert|43|ft|6|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name="USNFF">{{cite web |title = US Navy Fact File – Constitution |publisher = United States Navy |date = 7 July 2009 |url = http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=100&ct=4 |access-date = 3 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170701203833/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=100&ct=4 |archive-date = 1 July 2017 |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Hollis39" />   In total, {{convert|60|acre}} of trees were needed for her construction.<ref>Jennings (1966), pp. 10–11.</ref> Primary materials consisted of pine and oak, including [[Quercus virginiana|southern live oak]] which was cut from [[Gascoigne Bluff]] and milled near [[St. Simons Island, Georgia]].<ref name="Hollis48" /> [[Slavery in the United States|Enslaved workers]] were used to harvest the oak used for the ship's construction, and [[USS Constitution Museum]] historian Carl Herzog stated that "the forced labor of enslaved people was an expediency that Navy officials and contractors saw as fundamental to the job... enslaved people were essential to the construction of naval warships built to secure the very American freedoms they were denied."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2023/07/19/the-history-of-enslavement-at-bostons-freedom-trail-sites-is-beginning-to-be-told | title=The history of enslavement at Boston's Freedom Trail sites is beginning to be told | date=19 July 2023 }}</ref>

A [[Treaty of Tripoli|peace accord]] was announced between the United States and Algiers in March 1796, and construction was halted in accordance with the Naval Act of 1794.<ref name="NA1794-2">{{cite web
| title = A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774–1875 | publisher = Library of Congress
| url = http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=001/llsl001.db&recNum=474
| access-date =17 September 2011 }}</ref> After some debate and prompting by President Washington, Congress agreed to continue funding the construction of the three ships nearest to completion: {{USS|United States|1797|2}}, {{USS|Constellation|1797|2}}, and ''Constitution''.<ref name="NationalArchives-1">{{cite web|title=Launching the New U.S. Navy|publisher=National Archives|url=https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/new-us-navy/navy-bill.html|access-date=17 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="Allen190947">Allen (1909), p. 47.</ref> ''Constitution''{{'}}s launching ceremony on 20 September 1797 was attended by President [[John Adams]] and Massachusetts Governor [[Increase Sumner]]. Upon launch, she slid down the ways only {{convert|27|ft}} before stopping; her weight had caused the ways to settle into the ground, preventing further movement. An attempt two days later resulted in only {{convert|31|ft}} of additional travel before the ship again stopped. After a month of rebuilding the ways, ''Constitution'' finally slipped into [[Boston Harbor]] on 21 October 1797, with Captain James Sever breaking a bottle of Madeira wine on her bowsprit.<ref name="Hollis55-58">Hollis (1900), pp. 55–58.</ref><ref name="Christening">{{cite web | last = Reilly | first = John | title = Christening, Launching, and Commissioning of U.S. Navy Ships | publisher =Naval History & Heritage Command|date=31 May 2001|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/christening-launching-and-commissioning-of-u-s-navy-ships.html | access-date=14 October 2015}}</ref>

===Armament===
{{See also|Naval artillery in the Age of Sail}}
[[File:USS Constitution fires its cannons as it is tugged through Boston Harbor. (51200023793) (cropped).jpg|thumb|''Constitution'' fires her cannons as she is towed through Boston Harbor in 2021.]]

''Constitution'' was rated as a 44-gun frigate, but she often carried more than 50 guns at a time.<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 7.</ref> Ships of this era had no permanent battery of guns such as those of modern Navy ships. The guns and cannons were designed to be completely portable and often were exchanged between ships as situations warranted. Each commanding officer outfitted armaments to his liking, taking into consideration factors such as the overall weight of stores, complement of personnel aboard, and planned routes to be sailed. Consequently, the armaments on ships changed often during their careers, and records of the changes were not generally kept.<ref name="Jennings1719">Jennings (1966), pp. 17–19.</ref>

In a letter dated 14 November 1804, she is listed as having thirty 24-pounders, fourteen 12-pounders, and eight 32-pounder carronades, a total of 52 guns.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume V Part 1 of 3 September 7 1804 through April 1805 |page=141 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=19 April 2025}}</ref>

During the War of 1812, ''Constitution''{{'}}s battery of guns typically consisted of 30 long 24-pounder (11&nbsp;kg) cannons, with 15 on each side of the [[gun deck]]. Twenty-two more guns were deployed on the [[Spar (sailing)|spar]] deck, 11 per side, each a short 32-pounder (15&nbsp;kg) [[carronade]]. Four [[chase gun]]s were also positioned, two each at the stern and bow.<ref name="Gundeck">{{cite web| last=Reilly | first=John C Jr. |title=The Constitution Gun Deck |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/c/the-constitution-gun-deck.html |access-date=17 September 2011 |pages=1–13}}</ref>

All of the guns aboard ''Constitution'' have been replicas since her 1927–1931 restoration. Most were cast in 1930, but two carronades on the spar deck were cast in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/collections/FAQs/FAQ_guns.htm |title=FAQ&nbsp;– Guns on board USS ''Constitution'' |website=USS Constitution Museum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728120754/http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/collections-history/faq/ |archive-date=28 July 2012 }}</ref> A modern {{convert|40|mm|abbr=on}} saluting gun was hidden inside the forward long gun on each side during her 1973–1976 restoration in order to restore the capability of firing ceremonial [[Gun salute#Naval cannon fire|salutes]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Cannon Misfires at Boston Pier|work=Chicago Tribune|date=2 February 1995}}</ref>

==Quasi-War==
{{Main|Quasi-War}}

President John Adams ordered all Navy ships to sea in late May 1798 to patrol for armed French ships and to free any American ship captured by them. ''Constitution'' was still not ready to sail and eventually had to borrow sixteen 18-pound (8.2&nbsp;kg) cannons from [[Castle Island (Massachusetts)|Castle Island]] before finally being ready.<ref name="Jennings36" /> She put to sea on the evening of 22 July 1798 with orders to patrol the Eastern seaboard between New Hampshire and New York. She was patrolling between Chesapeake Bay and Savannah, Georgia, a month later when Nicholson found his first opportunity for capturing a [[Prize (law)|prize]]. They intercepted ''Niger'' off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, on 8 September, a 24-gun ship sailing with a French crew en route from Jamaica to Philadelphia which claimed to have been under British orders.<ref name="Jennings44">Jennings (1966), p. 44.</ref> Nicholson had the crewmen imprisoned, perhaps not understanding his orders correctly. He placed a [[prize crew]] aboard ''Niger'' and brought her into Norfolk, Virginia.

''Constitution'' sailed south again a week later to escort a merchant convoy, but her bowsprit was severely damaged in a gale and she returned to Boston for repairs. In the meantime, Secretary of the Navy [[Benjamin Stoddert]] determined that ''Niger'' had been operating under British orders as claimed, and the ship and her crew were released to continue their voyage. The American government paid a restitution of $11,000 ({{Inflation|US|11000|1798|fmt=eq}}) to Britain.<ref name="Martin2426">Martin (1997), pp. 24–26.</ref><ref name="Allen09-6971">Allen (1909), pp. 69–71.</ref>
[[File:Flag of the U. S. S. Constitution.png|thumb|Ship's original flag<ref>[https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83045462/1931-06-14/ed-1/?sp=85&q=A+HISTORIC+FLAG&r=0.36,0.967,0.824,0.347,0 Evening star, June 14, 1931, page 85]</ref>]]
''Constitution'' departed Boston on 29 December. Nicholson reported to Commodore [[John Barry (naval officer)|John Barry]], who was flying his flag in ''United States'' near the island of Dominica for patrols in the [[Caribbean|West Indies]]. On 15 January 1799, ''Constitution'' intercepted the English merchantman ''Spencer'', which had been taken prize by the French frigate ''[[USS Insurgent|L'Insurgente]]'' a few days prior. Technically, ''Spencer'' was a French ship operated by a French prize crew; but Nicholson released the ship and her crew the next morning, perhaps hesitant after the affair with ''Niger''.<ref name="Martin33">Martin (1997), p. 33.</ref><ref name="Allen09-105">Allen (1909), p. 105.</ref> Upon joining Barry's command, ''Constitution'' almost immediately had to put in for repairs to her rigging due to storm damage, and it was not until 1 March that anything of note occurred. On this date, she encountered {{HMS|Santa Margarita|1779|6}},<ref name="Colledge306">Colledge and Warlow (2006), p. 306.</ref><ref name="Winfield213">Winfield (2007), p. 213.</ref> whose captain was an acquaintance of Nicholson's. The two agreed to a sailing duel, which the English captain was confident he would win. But after 11 hours of sailing, ''Santa Margarita'' lowered her sails and admitted defeat, paying off the bet with a cask of wine to Nicholson.<ref name="Hollis6465">Hollis (1900), pp. 64–65.</ref> Resuming her patrols, ''Constitution'' managed to recapture the American sloop ''Neutrality'' on 27 March. On 4 April 1799 she recaptured His Majesty's Packet ''Carteret'' that had been captured by the French on 29 March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v03p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 3 Part 1 of 4 Naval Operations April 1799 to July 1799 Pg. 16 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |access-date=30 March 2024}}</ref> Secretary Stoddert had other plans, however, and recalled ''Constitution'' to Boston. She arrived there on 14 May, and Nicholson was relieved of command.<ref name="Martin3840">Martin (1997), pp. 38, 40.</ref>

===Change of command===
Captain [[Silas Talbot]] was recalled to duty to command ''Constitution'' and serve as Commodore of operations in the West Indies. After repairs and resupply were completed, ''Constitution'' departed Boston on 23 July with a destination of Saint-Domingue via Norfolk and a mission to interrupt French shipping. She departed Norfolk on 14 August. She recaptured the Hamberg ship ''Amelia'' from a French prize crew on 15 September, and Talbot sent the ship back to New York City with an American prize crew. The ship was sold but the Court ordered the money returned to her owners.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  |volume=V: Part 3: Naval Operations January to May, 1800, April 1800 – May 1800 |page=399 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office |via=Imbiblio |access-date=14 July 2024}}</ref> ''Constitution'' arrived at Saint-Domingue on 15 October and rendezvoused with {{USS|Boston|1799|2}}, {{USS|General Greene|1799|2}}, and {{USS|Norfolk|1798|2}}. No further incidents occurred over the next six months, as French depredations in the area had declined. ''Constitution'' busied herself with routine patrols, and Talbot made diplomatic visits.<ref name="Jennings60">Jennings (1966), p. 60.</ref> On 2 February 1800 put men aboard an unidentified American schooner and had her sent to New York for possible illegal trading.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume Part 2 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, February, 1800-March, 1800 Pg. 180 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |access-date=7 June 2024}}</ref> It was not until April 1800 that Talbot investigated an increase in ship traffic near [[Puerto Plata (city)|Puerto Plata]], Santo Domingo, and discovered that the French [[privateer]] ''Sandwich'' had taken refuge there. On 8 May the squadron captured the sloop ''Sally'', and Talbot hatched a plan to capture ''Sandwich'' by utilizing the familiarity of ''Sally'' to allow the Americans access to the harbor.<ref name="Jennings70">Jennings (1966), p. 70.</ref> On 9 May her Tender "Amphitheatre" engaged a French privateer schooner that, after a short action, was run aground and abandoned by her crew. The privateer was captured and refloated and her two prizes, brig "Nymph" and schooner "Esther", were recaptured.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume Part 3 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, April 1800 – May 1800 Pg. 495–496 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |access-date=17 July 2024}}</ref> First Lieutenant [[Isaac Hull]] led 90 sailors and Marines into Puerto Plata without challenge on 11 May, capturing ''Sandwich'' and spiking the guns of the nearby Spanish fort.<ref name="Allen09-184185">Allen (1909), pp. 184–185.</ref> However, it was later determined that ''Sandwich'' had been captured from a neutral port; she was returned to the French with apologies, and no [[prize money]] was awarded to the squadron.<ref name="Quasi">{{cite web|title=A Cutting-Out Expedition, 1800 |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |date=25 October 1999 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/docs/war1812/const2.htm |access-date=17 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006001745/http://www.history.navy.mil/docs/war1812/const2.htm |archive-date=6 October 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Hollis66-68">Hollis (1900), pp. 66–68.</ref>

Routine patrols again occupied ''Constitution'' for the next two months, until 13 July, when the mainmast trouble of a few months before recurred. The ship put into [[Cap-Haïtien|Cape François]] for repairs. While leaving the roads of Cape Francois on 22 July she struck a reef and was pulled off 45 minutes later.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v06.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VI Part 2 of 4: Naval Operations June to November 1800, July–August 1800 |page=169 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=14 August 2024}}</ref> With the terms of enlistment soon to expire for the sailors aboard her, she made preparations to return to the United States and was relieved of duty by ''Constellation'' on 23 July. ''Constitution'' escorted 12 merchantmen to Philadelphia on her return voyage, and on 25 August arrived in [[President Roads]], off Boston, and put in quarantine.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v06.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VI Part 2 of 4: Naval Operations June to November 1800, July–August 1800 |page=285 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=25 August 2024}}</ref> She received new masts, sails, and rigging. Even though peace was imminent between the United States and France, ''Constitution'' again sailed for the West Indies on 17 December as squadron flagship, rendezvousing with {{USS|Congress|1799|2}}, {{USS|Adams|1799|2}}, {{USS|Augusta|1799|2}}, {{USS|Richmond|1798|2}}, and {{USS|Trumbull|1800|2}}. Although no longer allowed to pursue French shipping, the squadron was assigned to protect American shipping and continued in that capacity until April 1801, when {{USS|Herald|1798|2}} arrived with orders for the squadron to return to the United States. ''Constitution'' returned to Boston. Captain Talbot resigned his Commission 8 September 1801 and Lt.[[Isaac Hull]] was ordered to take command in a letter dated 21 September 1801.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800 – December 1801, December 1800 – March 1801 |page=285 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=28 September 2024}}</ref> She was finally scheduled for an overhaul, Captain [[Samuel Nicholson]] was ordered to supervise the work in a letter dated 1 April 1802.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 1 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |page=100 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> It was canceled in a letter dated 18 June with the crew ordered discharged, Capt. Nicholson was relieved by her Sailing Master Nathaniel Harden.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 1 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |page=179 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> She was placed [[Reserve fleet|in ordinary]] on 2 July 1802.<ref name="Martin6366">Martin (1997), pp. 63–66.</ref>

==First Barbary War==
{{See also|First Barbary War}}

The United States paid [[tribute]] to the [[Barbary Coast|Barbary States]] during the Quasi-War to ensure that American merchant ships were not harassed and seized.<ref name="MaclaySmith215216">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, pp. 215–216.</ref> In 1801, [[Yusuf Karamanli]] of [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]] was dissatisfied that the United States was paying him less than they paid Algiers, and he demanded an immediate payment of $250,000 ({{Inflation|US|250000|1801|fmt=eq}}).<ref name="Allen058890">Allen (1905), pp. 88–90.</ref> In response, [[Thomas Jefferson]] sent a squadron of frigates to protect American merchant ships in the Mediterranean and to pursue peace with the Barbary States.<ref name="MaclaySmith228">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, p. 228.</ref><ref name="Allen0592">Allen (1905), p. 92.</ref>

[[File:Constitution1803.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A painting depicting Constitution at sail. The bow of the ship points to the right of the frame|''Constitution'' {{Circa|1803–04|lk=no}}]]

The first squadron under the command of [[Richard Dale]] in {{USS|President|1800|2}} was instructed to escort merchant ships through the Mediterranean and to negotiate with leaders of the Barbary States.<ref name="MaclaySmith228" /> A second squadron was assembled under the command of [[Richard Valentine Morris]] in {{USS|Chesapeake|1799|2}}. The performance of Morris's squadron was so poor, however, that he was recalled and subsequently dismissed from the Navy in 1803.<ref name="Toll173">Toll (2006), p. 173.</ref>

Captain [[Edward Preble]] ordered to take command of ''Constitution'' in a letter dated 14 May 1803<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 3 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |page=405 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> as his flagship and made preparations to command a new squadron for a third blockade attempt. She was recommissioned on 20 May.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 3 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |page=410 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> The copper sheathing on her hull needed to be replaced and [[Paul Revere]] supplied the copper sheets necessary for the job that took 14 days, ending on 25 June.<ref name="Toll 176">Toll (2006), p. 176.</ref><ref name="Allen05-137">Allen (1905), p. 137.</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 3 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |page=462 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=20 November 2024}}</ref> She departed Boston on 14 August, and she encountered an unknown ship in the darkness on 6 September, near the [[Rock of Gibraltar]]. ''Constitution'' went to general quarters, then ran alongside the unknown ship. Preble hailed her, only to receive a hail in return. He identified his ship as the United States frigate ''Constitution'' but received an evasive answer from the other ship. Preble replied: "I am now going to hail you for the last time. If a proper answer is not returned, I will fire a shot into you." The stranger returned, "If you give me a shot, I'll give you a broadside." Preble demanded that the other ship identify herself and the stranger replied, "This is His Britannic Majesty's ship ''Donegal'', 84 guns, Sir Richard Strachan, an English commodore." He then commanded Preble, "Send your boat on board." Preble was now devoid of all patience and exclaimed, "This is United States ship ''Constitution'', 44 guns, Edward Preble, an American commodore, who will be damned before he sends his boat on board of any vessel." And then to his gun crews: "Blow your matches, boys!"<ref group="Note">This was the instruction for the gun crews to blow on their slow matches to make them white hot for igniting a cannon. The modern-day equivalent might be "prepare to fire".</ref> Before the incident escalated further, however, a boat arrived from the other ship and a British lieutenant relayed his captain's apologies. The ship was in fact not ''Donegal'' but instead ''HMS Maidstone'', a 32-gun frigate. ''Constitution'' had come alongside her so quietly that ''Maidstone'' had delayed answering with the proper hail while she readied her guns.<ref name="Toll180">Toll (2006), p. 180.</ref> This act began the strong allegiance between Preble and the officers under his command, known as "Preble's boys", as he had shown that he was willing to defy a presumed ship of the line.<ref name="MaclaySmith241242">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, pp. 241–242.</ref><ref name="Allen05-142">Allen (1905), p. 142.</ref>

''Constitution'' arrived at Gibraltar on 12 September, where Preble waited for the other ships of the squadron. His first order of business was to arrange a treaty with [[Sultan]] [[Slimane of Morocco]], who was holding American ships hostage to ensure the return of two vessels that the Americans had captured. ''Constitution'' and {{USS|Nautilus|1799|2}} departed Gibraltar on 3 October and arrived at [[Tangier]] on the 4th. ''Adams'' and {{USS|New York|1800|2}} arrived the next day. With four American warships in his harbor, the Sultan was glad to arrange the transfer of ships between the two nations, and Preble departed with his squadron on 14 October, heading back to Gibraltar.<ref name="Toll183">Toll (2006), p. 183.</ref><ref name="MaclaySmith244">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, p. 244.</ref><ref name="Allen05-143145">Allen (1905), pp. 143–145.</ref>

===Battle of Tripoli Harbor===
{{Main|Second Battle of Tripoli Harbor}}

[[File:Burning of the uss philadelphia.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A painting of a ship on fire. She floats in the water with flames reaching high over her masts|{{USS|Philadelphia|1799|2}} burning in Tripoli Harbor]]

{{USS|Philadelphia|1799|2}} ran aground off Tripoli on 31 October under the command of [[William Bainbridge]] while pursuing a Tripoline vessel. The crew was taken prisoner; ''Philadelphia'' was refloated by the Tripolines and brought into their harbor.<ref name="Hollis8889">Hollis (1900), pp. 88–89.</ref><ref name="MaclaySmith248;250">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, pp. 248, 250.</ref> To deprive the Tripolines of their prize, Preble planned to destroy ''Philadelphia'' using the captured ship ''Mastico'', which was renamed {{USS|Intrepid|1798|2}}. ''Intrepid'' entered Tripoli Harbor on 16 February 1804 under the command of [[Stephen Decatur]], disguised as a merchant ship. Decatur's crew quickly overpowered the Tripoline crew and set ''Philadelphia'' ablaze.<ref name="Allen05-167172">Allen (1905), pp. 167–172.</ref><ref name="MaclaySmith264267">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, pp. 264–267.</ref>

[[File:NH 65536-KN.jpg|left|thumb|USS ''Constitution'' participating in the bombardment of [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]], 3 August 1804; painting by [[Michele Felice Cornè]] (1752–1845)]]

Preble withdrew the squadron to [[Syracuse, Sicily]], and began planning for a summer attack on Tripoli. He procured a number of smaller [[gunboat]]s that could move in closer to Tripoli than was feasible for ''Constitution'', given her deep draft.<ref name="Martin99">Martin (1997), p. 99.</ref> ''Constitution'', {{USS|Argus|1803|2}}, {{USS|Enterprise|1799|2}}, {{USS|Scourge|1804|2}}, {{USS|Syren|1803|2}}, the six gunboats, and two bomb ketches arrived the morning of 3 August and immediately began operations. Twenty-two Tripoline gunboats met them in the harbor; ''Constitution'' and her squadron severely damaged or destroyed the Tripoline gunboats in a series of attacks over the coming month, taking their crews prisoner. ''Constitution'' primarily provided gunfire support, bombarding the shore batteries of Tripoli—yet Karamanli remained firm in his demand for ransom and tribute, despite his losses.<ref name="Allen05-184197">Allen (1905), pp. 184–197.</ref><ref name="MaclaySmith272284">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, pp. 272–284.</ref>

Preble outfitted ''Intrepid'' as a "floating volcano" with {{convert|100|ST|MT|abbr=on}} of gunpowder aboard in a final attempt of the season. She was to sail into Tripoli harbor and blow up in the midst of the corsair fleet, close under the walls of the city. ''Intrepid'' made her way into the harbor on the evening of 3 September under the command of [[Richard Somers]], but she exploded prematurely, killing Somers and his entire crew of thirteen volunteers.<ref name="Hollis111112">Hollis (1900), pp. 111–112.</ref><ref name="Allen05-206209">Allen (1905), pp. 206–209.</ref>

''Constellation'' and ''President'' arrived at Tripoli on the 9th with [[Samuel Barron (1765–1810)|Samuel Barron]] in command; Preble relinquish his command of the squadron to Barron, who was senior in rank.<ref name="Allen05-199">Allen (1905), p. 199.</ref> On 11 September Barron ordered Capt. Stephen Decatur to relieve Preble as Captain so Preble could return to the US.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume V Part 1 of 3 September 7 1804 through April 1805 |page=15 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=27 March 2025}}</ref> ''Constitution'' was ordered to Malta on the 11th for repairs as she was very leaky, and, while en route, on 12 September,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume V Part 1 of 3 September 7 1804 through April 1805 |page=17 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=27 March 2025}}</ref> captured two Greek vessels attempting to deliver wheat into Tripoli.<ref name="Hollis115">Hollis (1900), p. 115.</ref> Also on the 12th, a collision with ''President'' severely damaged ''Constitution''{{'}}s bow, stern, and [[Figurehead (object)|figurehead]] of Hercules. The collision was attributed to an act of God in the form of a sudden change in wind direction.<ref name="Martin115116">Martin (1997), pp. 115–116.</ref><ref name="Toll250251">Toll (2006), pp. 250–251.</ref>

===Peace treaty===
On 24 September Captain Stephan Decatur was ordered by Preble to sail to Malta and take command of ''Constitution''.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume V Part 1 of 3 September 7 1804 through April 1805 |page=49 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=27 March 2025}}</ref> Captain Decatur took command from Capt. Preble at Malta on 28 October and Capt. Preble took up quarters on shore.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume V Part 1 of 3 September 7 1804 through April 1805 |page=104 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=10 April 2025}}</ref> Captain [[John Rodgers (naval officer, War of 1812)|John Rodgers]] assumed command of ''Constitution'' on 9 November 1804 while she underwent repairs and resupply in Malta. She resumed the blockade of Tripoli on 5 April 1805. On 25 April 1805 she captured a Tripoline privately owned armed [[xebec]], along with two Neapolitan prizes that the xebec had captured.<ref name="Hollis117">Hollis (1900), p. 117.</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume V Part 3 of 3 September 7 1804 through April 1805 |page=539 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=28 May 2025}}</ref> On 10 May 1805 she captured a ketch leaving Tripoli.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume VI Part 1 of 4 May 1805 through 1807 |page=9 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=28 May 2025}}</ref> Meanwhile, Commodore Barron gave [[William Eaton (soldier)|William Eaton]] naval support to [[Battle of Derne|bombard Derne]], while a detachment of US Marines under the command of [[Presley O'Bannon]] was assembled to attack the city by land. They captured it on 27 April.<ref name="MacSmith300">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, p. 300.</ref> A peace treaty with Tripoli was signed aboard ''Constitution'' on 3 June, in which she embarked the crew members of ''Philadelphia'' and returned them to Syracuse.<ref name="Toll261262">Toll (2006), pp. 261–262.</ref> She was then dispatched to [[Tunis]] and arrived there on 30 July. Seventeen additional American warships had gathered in its harbor by 1 August: ''Congress'', ''Constellation'', ''Enterprise'', {{USS|Essex|1799|2}}, {{USS|Franklin|1795|2}}, {{USS|Hornet|1805 sloop|2}}, {{USS|John Adams|1799|2}}, ''Nautilus'', ''Syren'', and eight gunboats. Negotiations went on for several days until a short-term blockade of the harbor finally produced a peace treaty on 14 August.<ref name="Hollis118120">Hollis (1900), pp. 118–20.</ref><ref name="Allen05-268269">Allen (1905), pp. 268–69.</ref>

Rodgers remained in command of the squadron, sending warships back to the United States when they were no longer needed. Eventually, all that remained were ''Constitution'', ''Enterprise'', and ''Hornet''. They performed routine patrols and observed the French and Royal Navy operations of the [[Napoleonic Wars]].<ref name="Jennings168">Jennings (1966), p. 168.</ref> Rodgers turned over the command of the squadron and ''Constitution'' to Captain Hugh G. Campbell on 29 May 1806.<ref name="Hollis120">Hollis (1900), p. 120.</ref>

[[James Barron]] sailed ''Chesapeake'' out of Norfolk on 15 May 1807 to replace ''Constitution'' as the flagship of the Mediterranean squadron, but he encountered {{HMS|Leopard|1790|6}}, resulting in the [[Chesapeake–Leopard affair|''Chesapeake''–''Leopard'' affair]] and delaying the relief of ''Constitution''.<ref name="MacSmith305">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, p. 305.</ref> ''Constitution'' continued patrols, unaware of the delay. She arrived in late June at [[Livorno|Leghorn]], where she took aboard the disassembled [[Tripoli Monument]] for transport back to the United States. Campbell learned the fate of ''Chesapeake'' when he arrived at [[Málaga]], and he immediately began preparing ''Constitution'' and ''Hornet'' for possible war against Britain. The crew became mutinous upon learning of the delay in their relief and refused to sail any farther unless the destination was the United States. Campbell and his officers threatened to fire a cannon loaded with grapeshot at the crewmen if they did not comply, thereby putting an end to the conflict. Campbell and the squadron were ordered home on 18 August and set sail for Boston on 8 September, arriving there on 14 October. ''Constitution'' had been gone for more than four years.<ref name="Martin122126">Martin (1997), pp. 122–126.</ref><ref name="Allen05-272273">Allen (1905), pp. 272–273.</ref>

==War of 1812==
{{See also|War of 1812}}

[[File:Chase of the Constitution, July 1812.jpg|thumb|alt=A painting of a ship with all sails up and a pursuing squadron behind her. In the foreground are small boats.|''Constitution'' during the chase]]

''Constitution'' was recommissioned in December with Captain John Rodgers again taking command to oversee a major refitting. She was overhauled at a cost just under $100,000; however, Rodgers inexplicably failed to clean her [[copper sheathing]], leading him to later declare her a "slow {{not a typo|sailer}}". She spent most of the following two years on training runs and ordinary duty.<ref name="Hollis124125">Hollis (1900), pp. 124–125.</ref> Isaac Hull took command in June 1810, and he immediately recognized that she needed her bottom cleaned. "Ten {{not a typo|waggon}}<!-- This is a quote, Do not correct spelling --> loads" of barnacles and seaweed were removed.<ref name="Martin128130131">Martin (1997), pp. 128, 130–131.</ref>

Hull departed for France on 5 August 1811, transporting the new Ambassador [[Joel Barlow]] and his family; they arrived on 1 September. Hull remained near France and the Netherlands through the winter months, continually holding sail and gun drills to keep the crew ready for possible hostilities with the British. Tensions were high between the United States and Britain after the events of the [[Little Belt affair|''Little Belt'' affair]] the previous May, and ''Constitution'' was shadowed by British frigates while awaiting dispatches from Barlow to carry back to the United States. They arrived home on 18 February 1812.<ref name="Hollis125131">Hollis (1900), pp. 125–131.</ref><ref name="MacSmith331333">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, pp. 331–333.</ref>

War was declared on 18 June and Hull put to sea on 12 July, attempting to join the five ships of a squadron under the command of Rodgers in ''President''. He sighted five ships off Egg Harbor, New Jersey, on 17 July and at first believed them to be Rodgers' squadron but, by the following morning, the lookouts determined that they were a British squadron out of Halifax: {{HMS|Aeolus|1801|6}}, {{HMS|Africa|1781|2}}, {{HMS|Belvidera|1809|2}}, {{HMS|Guerriere|1806|2}}, and {{HMS|Shannon|1806|2}}. They had sighted ''Constitution'' and were giving chase.<ref name="Hollis142146">Hollis (1900), pp. 142–146.</ref><ref name="Teddy83">Roosevelt (1883), p. 83.</ref>

Constitution was becalmed and unable to run from the five British ships, but Hull acted on a suggestion from his First Lieutenant [[Charles Morris (naval officer)|Charles Morris]]. He ordered the crew to put boats over the side to tow the ship out of range, using [[kedge anchor]]s to draw the ship forward and wetting the sails to take advantage of every breath of wind.<ref name="Hollis146148">Hollis (1900), pp. 146–148.</ref> The British ships soon imitated the tactic of kedging and remained in pursuit. The resulting 57-hour chase in the July heat forced the crew of ''Constitution'' to employ myriad tactics to outrun the squadron, finally pumping overboard {{convert|2300|USgal|kl|abbr=on}} of drinking water.<ref name="Jennings211">Jennings (1966), p. 211.</ref> Cannon fire was exchanged several times, though the British attempts fell short or overshot their mark, including an attempted [[Broadside (naval)|broadside]] from ''Belvidera''. On 19 July, ''Constitution'' pulled far enough ahead of the British that they abandoned the pursuit.<ref name="Toll344">Toll (2006), p. 344.</ref><ref name="Teddy8388">Roosevelt (1883), pp. 83–88.</ref>

''Constitution'' arrived in Boston on 27 July and remained there just long enough to replenish her supplies. Hull sailed without orders on 2 August to avoid being blockaded in port,<ref name="Jennings216">Jennings (1966), p. 216.</ref> heading on a northeast route towards the British shipping lanes near Halifax and the [[Gulf of Saint Lawrence]]. ''Constitution'' captured three British merchantmen, which Hull burned rather than risk taking them back to an American port. On 16 August, he learned of a British frigate {{convert|100|nmi|km mi|abbr=on}} to the south and sailed in pursuit.<ref name="Hollis154157">Hollis (1900), pp. 154–157.</ref><ref name="Teddy8889">Roosevelt (1883), pp. 88–89.</ref>

===''Constitution'' vs. ''Guerriere''===
{{Main|USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere}}

[[File:USS Constitution v HMS Guerriere.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A painting depicts two ships at battle. Constitution is at the right of the frame with torn sails. Guerriere is in the middle of the frame with damaged masts and a lot of cannon smoke around her deck.|''Constitution'' and ''Guerriere'' in battle]]

A frigate was sighted on 19 August and subsequently determined to be {{HMS|Guerriere|1806|6}} (38) under Captain [[James Richard Dacres (Royal Navy officer, born 1788)|James Dacres]] with the words "Not The Little Belt" painted on her foretopsail.<ref name="Toll348">Toll (2006), p. 348.</ref>{{refn|The words painted on the sail were in reference to the [[Little Belt affair|''Little Belt'' affair]], when {{USS|President|1800|6}} had fired on HMS ''Little Belt'' the year before. Captain John Rodgers of ''President'' had mistakenly identified ''Little Belt'' as ''Guerriere'', and Captain James Dacres of ''Guerriere'' had written a challenge of combat to him.<ref name="Toll348" />|group=Note}} ''Guerriere'' opened fire upon entering range of ''Constitution'', doing little damage. After a few exchanges of cannon fire between the ships, Captain Hull maneuvered ''Constitution'' into an advantageous position within {{convert|25|yd|m}} of ''Guerriere''. He then ordered a full double-loaded broadside of grape and round shot, which took out ''Guerriere''{{'}}s mizzenmast.<ref name="Jennings 224">Jennings (1966), p. 224.</ref><ref name="Teddy8990">Roosevelt (1883), pp. 89–90.</ref> ''Guerriere''{{'}}s maneuverability decreased with her mizzenmast dragging in the water, and she collided with ''Constitution'', entangling her bowsprit in ''Constitution''{{'}}s mizzen rigging. This left only ''Guerriere''{{'}}s bow guns capable of effective fire. Hull's cabin caught fire from the shots, but it was quickly extinguished. With the ships locked together, both Hull and Dacres ordered boarding parties into action, but the sea was heavy and neither party was able to board the opposing ship.<ref name="Teddy9091">Roosevelt (1883), pp. 90–91.</ref>

At one point, the two ships rotated together counter-clockwise, with ''Constitution'' continuing to fire broadsides. When the two ships pulled apart, the force of the bowsprit's extraction sent shock waves through ''Guerriere''{{'}}s rigging. Her foremast collapsed, and that brought the mainmast down shortly afterward.<ref name="Hill160">Hill (1905), p. 160.</ref> ''Guerriere'' was now a dismasted, unmanageable hulk with close to a third of her crew wounded or killed, while ''Constitution'' remained largely intact. Dacres was eventually brought onto ''Constitution'' where he presented his sword to Hull as a sign of surrender, but Hull refused to accept it saying he could not accept the sword from a man who had fought so gallantly.<ref>Toll (2006), pp. 352–353.</ref>

Hull had surprised the crew of ''Guerriere'' with his ship's heavier broadsides and sailing ability. Adding to their astonishment, many of ''Guerriere''{{'}}s shots had rebounded harmlessly off ''Constitution''{{'}}s hull. An American sailor reportedly exclaimed "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" and ''Constitution'' acquired the nickname "Old Ironsides".<ref>Toll (2006), p. 350.</ref> The battle left ''Guerriere'' so badly damaged that she was not worth towing to port, and Hull ordered her to be burned the next morning, after transferring the British prisoners onto ''Constitution''.<ref name="Teddy94">Roosevelt (1883), p. 94.</ref> ''Constitution'' arrived back in Boston on 30 August, where Hull and his crew found that their news of their victory spread fast, and they were hailed as heroes.<ref>Toll (2006), p. 354.</ref>

===''Constitution'' vs ''Java''===
[[File:Constitution-Java battle plan.png|thumb|alt=A penciled line drawing depicting two ships and their course of engagement|Diagram of the battle between ''Constitution'' and ''Java'']]

William Bainbridge, senior to Hull, took command of "Old Ironsides" on 8 September and prepared her for another mission in British shipping lanes near Brazil, sailing with {{USS|Hornet|1805 brig|2}} on 27 October. They arrived near [[São Salvador do Mundo, Cape Verde|São Salvador]] on 13 December, sighting {{HMS|Bonne Citoyenne|1796|6}} in the harbor.<ref name="Hollis177178">Hollis (1900), pp. 177–178.</ref> ''Bonne Citoyenne'' was reportedly carrying $1.6 million in spice to England, and her captain refused to leave the neutral harbor lest he lose his cargo. ''Constitution'' sailed offshore in search of prizes, leaving ''Hornet'' to await the departure of ''Bonne Citoyenne''.<ref name="Hollis178179">Hollis (1900), pp. 178–179.</ref> On 29 December, she met with {{HMS|Java|1811|6}} under Captain [[Henry Lambert]]. At the initial hail from Bainbridge, ''Java'' answered with a broadside that severely damaged ''Constitution''{{'}}s rigging. She was able to recover, however, and returned a series of broadsides to ''Java''. A shot from ''Java'' destroyed ''Constitution''{{'}}s helm (wheel), so Bainbridge directed the crew to steer her manually using the [[tiller]] for the remainder of the engagement.<ref>Toll (2006), p. 376.</ref> Bainbridge was wounded twice during the battle. ''Java''{{'}}s bowsprit became entangled in ''Constitution''{{'}}s rigging, as in the battle with ''Guerriere'', allowing Bainbridge to continue raking her with broadsides. ''Java''{{'}}s foremast collapsed, sending her fighting top crashing down through two decks below.<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 235.</ref>

Bainbridge drew off to make emergency repairs and re-approached ''Java'' an hour later. She was a shambles, an unmanageable wreck with a badly wounded crew, and she surrendered.<ref>Toll (2006), p. 381.</ref> Bainbridge determined that ''Java'' was far too damaged to retain as a prize and ordered her burned, but not before having her helm salvaged and installed on ''Constitution''.<ref name="Hollis186">Hollis (1900), p. 186.</ref> ''Constitution'' returned to São Salvador on 1 January 1813 to disembark the prisoners of ''Java'', where she met with ''Hornet'' and her two British prizes. Bainbridge ordered ''Constitution'' to sail for Boston on 5 January,<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 236.</ref> being far away from a friendly port and needing extensive repairs, leaving ''Hornet'' behind to continue waiting for ''Bonne Citoyenne'' in the hopes that she would leave the harbor, though she did not.<ref>Toll (2006), pp. 403–404.</ref> ''Java'' was the third British warship in three months to be captured by U.S. Navy, and ''Constitution''{{'}}s victory prompted the British Admiralty to order all Royal Navy frigates not to engage the heavier American frigates one-on-one; only British ships of the line or squadrons were permitted to attack them.<ref name="NHC6">{{cite web
|title=Defeat of HMS ''Java'', 1812
|publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command
|date=25 October 1999
|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/docs/war1812/const6.htm
|access-date=13 July 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011181038/http://www.history.navy.mil/docs/war1812/const6.htm
|archive-date=11 October 2011
}}</ref><ref>Hollis (1900), p. 189.</ref> ''Constitution'' arrived in Boston on 15 February to even greater celebrations than Hull had received a few months earlier.<ref>Hollis (1900), p. 188.</ref>

===Marblehead and blockade===
Bainbridge determined that ''Constitution'' required new spar deck planking and beams, masts, sails, and rigging, as well as replacement of her copper bottom. However, personnel and supplies were being diverted to the [[Great Lakes]], causing shortages that kept her in Boston intermittently with her sister ships ''Chesapeake'', ''Congress'', and ''President'' for the majority of the year.<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 237.</ref> [[Charles Stewart (1778–1869)|Charles Stewart]] took command on 18 July and struggled to complete the construction and recruitment of a new crew,<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 182, 184.</ref> finally making sail on 31 December. She set course for the West Indies to harass British shipping and had captured five merchant ships and the 14-gun {{HMS|Pictou|1813|6}} by late March 1814. She also pursued {{HMS|Columbine|1806|6}} and HMS ''Pique'', though both ships escaped after realizing that she was an American frigate.<ref>Hollis (1900), pp. 190–191.</ref>

Her mainmast split off the coast of Bermuda on 27 March, requiring immediate repair. Stewart set a course for Boston, where British ships {{HMS|Junon|1810|6}} and {{HMS|Tenedos|1812|2}} commenced pursuit on 3 April. Stewart ordered drinking water and food to be cast overboard to lighten her load and gain speed, trusting that her mainmast would hold together long enough for her to make her way into [[Marblehead, Massachusetts]].<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 239.</ref> The last item thrown overboard was the supply of spirits. Upon ''Constitution''{{'}}s arrival in the harbor, the citizens of Marblehead rallied in support, assembling what cannons they possessed at Fort Sewall, and the British called off the pursuit.<ref>Toll (2006), p. 448.</ref> Two weeks later, ''Constitution'' made her way into Boston, where she remained blockaded in port until mid-December.<ref>Hollis (1900), pp. 191–193.</ref>

===HMS ''Cyane'' and HMS ''Levant''===
{{Main|Capture of HMS Cyane}}

Captain [[Sir George Collier, 1st Baronet|George Collier]] of the Royal Navy received command of the 50-gun {{HMS|Leander|1813|6}} and was sent to North America to deal with the American frigates targeting British shipping.<ref name="Gardiner170-1">Gardiner (2006), pp. 170–171.</ref> Meanwhile, Charles Stewart saw his chance to escape from Boston Harbor and made her good on the afternoon of 18 December, and ''Constitution'' again set course for Bermuda.<ref name="Martin191-192">Martin (1997), pp. 191–192.</ref> Collier gathered a squadron consisting of ''Leander'', {{HMS|Newcastle|1813|2}}, and {{HMS|Acasta|1797|2}} and set off in pursuit, but he was unable to overtake her.<ref name="Tracy">Tracy (2006), p. 89.</ref> On 24 December, ''Constitution'' intercepted the merchantman ''Lord Nelson'' and placed a prize crew aboard. ''Constitution'' had left Boston not fully supplied, but ''Lord Nelson''{{'}}s stores supplied a Christmas dinner for the crew.<ref name="Martin191-192" />

''Constitution'' was cruising off [[Cape Finisterre]] on 8 February 1815 when Stewart learned that the [[Treaty of Ghent]] had been signed. He realized, however, that a state of war still existed until the treaty was ratified, and ''Constitution'' captured the British merchantman ''Susanna'' on 16 February; her cargo of animal hides was valued at $75,000.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 193–195.</ref>

On 20 February, ''Constitution'' sighted the small British ships ''Cyane'' and {{HMS|Levant|1813|2}} sailing in company and gave chase.<ref name="Abbot XVI" /> ''Cyane'' and ''Levant'' began a series of broadsides against her, but Stewart outmaneuvered both of them and forced ''Levant'' to draw off for repairs. He concentrated fire on ''Cyane'', which soon struck her colors.<ref name="Abbot XVI" /> ''Levant'' returned to engage ''Constitution'' but she turned and attempted to escape when she saw that ''Cyane'' had been defeated.<ref>Hill (1905), p. 172.</ref> ''Constitution'' overtook her and, after several more broadsides, she struck her colors.<ref name="Abbot XVI" /> Stewart remained with his new prizes overnight while ordering repairs to all ships. ''Constitution'' had suffered little damage in the battle, though it was later discovered that she had twelve 32-pound British cannonballs embedded in her hull, none of which had penetrated.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 200.</ref> The trio then set a course for the [[Cape Verde]] Islands and arrived at Porto Praya on 10 March.<ref name="Abbot XVI" />

The next morning, Collier's squadron was spotted on a course for the harbor, and Stewart ordered all ships to sail immediately;<ref name="Abbot XVI">Abbot 1896, Volume II, Part II, Chapter XVI</ref> he had been unaware until then of Collier's pursuit.<ref>Toll (2006), p. 450.</ref> ''Cyane'' was able to elude the squadron and make sail for America, where she arrived on 10 April, but ''Levant'' was overtaken and recaptured. Collier's squadron was distracted with ''Levant'' while ''Constitution'' made another escape from overwhelming forces.<ref name="Hill175" />

''Constitution'' set a course towards [[Guinea]] and then west towards Brazil, as Stewart had learned from the capture of ''Susanna'' that {{HMS|Inconstant|1783|6}} was transporting gold bullion back to England, and he wanted her as a prize. ''Constitution'' put into [[Maranhão]] on 2 April to offload her British prisoners and replenish her drinking water.<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 244.</ref> While there, Stewart learned by rumor that the Treaty of Ghent had been ratified, and set course for America, receiving verification of peace at San Juan, Puerto Rico, on 28 April. He then set course for New York and arrived home on 15 May to large celebrations.<ref name="Abbot XVI" /> ''Constitution'' emerged from the war undefeated, though her sister ships ''Chesapeake'' and ''President'' were not so fortunate, having been captured in 1813 and 1815 respectively.<ref name="Chesapeake">{{cite DANFS | title = Chesapeake
| url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/chesapeake-i.html
| access-date =4 April 2011|link=off}}</ref><ref name="President">{{cite DANFS | title = President | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/p/president-i.html| access-date =4 April 2011|link=off }}</ref> ''Constitution'' was moved to Boston and placed in ordinary in January 1816, sitting out the [[Second Barbary War]].<ref name="Hill175">Hill (1905), p. 175.</ref>

===Mediterranean Squadron===
Charlestown Navy Yard's commandant Isaac Hull directed a refitting of ''Constitution'' to prepare her for duty with the [[Mediterranean Squadron (United States)|Mediterranean Squadron]] in April 1820. They removed Joshua Humphreys' diagonal riders to make room for two iron freshwater tanks, and they replaced the copper sheathing and timbers below the waterline.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 210.</ref> At the direction of Secretary of the Navy [[Smith Thompson]], she was also subjected to an unusual experiment in which manually operated paddle wheels were fitted to her hull. The paddle wheels were designed to propel her at up to {{convert|3|kn|km/h mph}} if she was ever becalmed, by the crew using the ship's [[Capstan (nautical)|capstan]].<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 211–212.</ref> Initial testing was successful, but Hull and ''Constitution''{{'}}s commanding officer [[Jacob Jones (naval officer)|Jacob Jones]] were reportedly unimpressed with paddle wheels on a US Navy ship. Jones had them removed and stowed in the cargo hold before he departed on 13 May 1821 for a three-year tour of duty in the Mediterranean.<ref name="Hill175" /> On 12 April 1823, she collided with the British merchant ship ''Bicton'' in the Mediterranean Sea, and ''Bicton'' sank with the loss of her captain.<ref name="MC210523">{{Cite news |title=Ship News |newspaper=The Morning Chronicle |date=21 May 1823 |issue=16875 }}</ref>

''Constitution'' otherwise experienced an uneventful tour, sailing in company with {{USS|Ontario|1813|2}} and {{USS|Nonsuch|1813|2}}, until crew behavior during shore leave gave Jones a reputation as a commodore who was lax in discipline. The Navy grew weary of receiving complaints about the crews' antics while in port and ordered Jones to return. ''Constitution'' arrived in Boston on 31 May 1824, and Jones was relieved of command.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 214, 219–220.</ref> [[Thomas Macdonough]] took command and sailed on 29 October for the Mediterranean under the direction of John Rodgers in {{USS|North Carolina|1820|2}}. With discipline restored, ''Constitution'' resumed uneventful duty. Macdonough resigned his command for health reasons on 9 October 1825.<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 249.</ref> ''Constitution'' put in for repairs during December and into January 1826, until [[Daniel Todd Patterson]] assumed command on 21 February. By August, she had been put into Port Mahon, suffering decay of her spar deck, and she remained there until temporary repairs were completed in March 1827. ''Constitution'' returned to Boston on 4 July 1828 and was placed in reserve.<ref>Hill (1905), p. 176.</ref><ref name="Hollis217">Hollis (1900), p. 217.</ref>

==Old Ironsides==
''Constitution'' was built in an era when a ship's expected service life was 10 to 15 years.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 193.</ref> Secretary of the Navy [[John Branch]] made a routine order for surveys of ships in the reserve fleet, and commandant of the Charlestown Navy Yard Charles Morris estimated a repair cost of over $157,000 for ''Constitution''.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 233.</ref> On 14 September 1830, an article appeared in the [[Boston Daily Advertiser|Boston ''Advertiser'']] which erroneously claimed that the Navy intended to scrap ''Constitution''.<ref name="Timeline">{{cite web | last = Maffeo | first = Steven | title = USS Constitution Timeline | publisher = United States Navy | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/History.htm | access-date =2 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523113304/http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/History.htm|archive-date=23 May 2009}}</ref><ref group="Note">The ''Advertiser'' reported that the Secretary of the Navy had ordered her to be sold or broken up. Martin presents a valid argument and explanation of Navy procedures for aging ships as to why this was not true and must have been misreported.</ref> Two days later, the poem "[[Old Ironsides (poem)|Old Ironsides]]" by [[Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.|Oliver Wendell Holmes]] was published in the same newspaper and, soon, republished throughout the country. The poem ignited public indignation and inciting efforts to save "Old Ironsides" from the scrap yard. Secretary Branch approved the costs, and ''Constitution'' began a leisurely repair period while awaiting completion of the [[dry dock]] then under construction at the yard.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 234–235.</ref> Her renovation had been approved in February 1831, but the dry dock would not be complete for another two years, delaying the work.<ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 172">Carlson (2010), p. 172</ref> In contrast to the efforts to save ''Constitution'', another round of surveys in 1834 found her sister ship ''Congress'' unfit for repair; she was unceremoniously broken up in 1835.<ref name="Toll474">Toll (2006), p. 474.</ref><ref name="Congress">{{cite DANFS | title = Congress | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/congress-iii.html | access-date =5 April 2011|link=off }}</ref>

On 24 June 1833, ''Constitution'' entered dry dock. Captain [[Jesse Elliott]], the new commander of the Navy yard, oversaw her reconstruction. ''Constitution'' had {{convert|30|in|abbr=on}} of [[Hogging and sagging|hog]] in her keel and remained in dry dock until 21 June 1834. This was the first of many times that souvenirs were made from her old planking; Isaac Hull ordered walking canes, picture frames, and even a [[Phaeton (carriage)|phaeton]], which was presented to President [[Andrew Jackson]].<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 237–238.</ref> By early 1835 she was again in usable condition.<ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 172" />

Meanwhile, Elliott directed the installation of a new figurehead of President Jackson under the bowsprit, which became a subject of much controversy due to Jackson's political unpopularity in Boston at the time.<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 253.</ref> Elliot was a [[Jacksonian democracy|Jacksonian Democrat]],<ref>Jennings (1966), p. 252.</ref> and he received death threats. Rumors circulated about the citizens of Boston storming the navy yard to remove the figurehead themselves.<ref name="Toll474" /><ref name="Hollis223">Hollis (1900), p. 223.</ref>

A merchant captain named Samuel Dewey accepted a small wager as to whether he could complete the task of removal.<ref name="Hollis224225" /> Elliot had posted guards on ''Constitution'' to ensure the safety of the figurehead, but Dewey crossed the Charles River in a small boat, using the noise of thunderstorms to mask his movements, and managed to saw off most of Jackson's head.<ref name="Hollis224225">Hollis (1900), pp. 224–225.</ref> The severed head made the rounds between taverns and meeting houses in Boston until Dewey personally returned it to Secretary of the Navy [[Mahlon Dickerson]]; it remained on Dickerson's library shelf for many years.<ref name="Carpenter281282">Carpenter (1897), pp. 281–282.</ref><ref name="Hollis224">Hollis (1900), p. 224.</ref> The addition of [[Bust (sculpture)|busts]] to her stern escaped controversy of any kind, depicting Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, and Charles Stewart; the busts remained in place for the next 40 years.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 240.</ref>

===Mediterranean and Pacific Squadrons===
Elliot was appointed captain of ''Constitution'' and got underway in March 1835 to New York, where he ordered repairs to the Jackson figurehead, avoiding a second round of controversy.<ref name="Hollis227">Hollis (1900), p. 227.</ref> Departing on 16 March ''Constitution'' set a course for France to deliver [[Edward Livingston]] to his post as Minister. She arrived on 10 April and began the return voyage on 16 May. She arrived back in Boston on 23 June, then sailed on 19 August to take her station as flagship in the Mediterranean, arriving at Port Mahon on 19 September. Her duty over the next two years was uneventful as she and ''United States'' made routine patrols and diplomatic visits.<ref name="Jennings-1966" /><ref name="Martin" /> From April 1837 into February 1838, Elliot collected various ancient artifacts to carry back to America, adding various livestock during the return voyage. ''Constitution'' arrived in Norfolk on 31 July. Elliot was later suspended from duty for transporting livestock on a Navy ship.<ref name="Jennings-1966">Jennings (1966), p. 256.</ref><ref name="Martin">Martin (1997), pp. 253, 255–256.</ref>

As the flagship of the [[Pacific Squadron]] under the command of Captain [[Daniel Turner (naval officer)|Daniel Turner]], she began her next voyage on 1 March 1839 with the duty of patrolling the western coast of South America. Often spending months in one port or another, she visited Valparaíso, Callao, Paita, and Puna while her crew amused themselves with the beaches and taverns in each locality.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 256–263.</ref> The return voyage found her at Rio de Janeiro, where Emperor [[Pedro II of Brazil]] visited her about 29 August 1841. Departing Rio, she returned to Norfolk on 31 October. On 22 June 1842, she was recommissioned under the command of [[Foxhall A. Parker Sr.|Foxhall Alexander Parker]] for duty with the [[Home Squadron]]. After spending months in port she put to sea for three weeks during December, then was again put in ordinary.<ref name="Jennings-1966" />

===Around the world===
In late 1843, she was moored at Norfolk, serving as a receiving ship. Naval Constructor Foster Rhodes calculated that it would require $70,000 to make her seaworthy. Acting Secretary [[David Henshaw (American politician)|David Henshaw]] faced a dilemma. His budget could not support such a cost, yet he could not allow the country's favorite ship to deteriorate. He turned to Captain [[John Percival]], known in the service as "Mad Jack". The captain traveled to Virginia and conducted his own survey of the ship's needs. He reported that the necessary repairs and upgrades could be done at a cost of $10,000. On 6 November, Henshaw told Percival to proceed without delay, but stay within his projected figure. After several months of labor, Percival reported ''Constitution'' ready for "a two or even a three-year cruise."<ref>{{cite book | isbn = 1-55750-204-8 | oclc = 48655760 | title = Mad Jack Percival: Legend of the Old Navy | last = Ellis | first = James H. | publisher = Naval Institute Press| location = Annapolis | year = 2002 | pages = 153–154 }}</ref>

She got underway on 29 May 1844 carrying Ambassador to Brazil [[Henry A. Wise]] and his family, arriving at Rio de Janeiro on 2 August after making two port visits along the way. She sailed again on 8 September, making port calls at Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zanzibar, and arriving at Sumatra on 1 January 1845. Many of her crew began to suffer from dysentery and fevers, causing several deaths, which led Percival to set course for Singapore, arriving there 8 February. While in Singapore, Commodore [[Henry Ducie Chads]] of HMS ''Cambrian'' paid a visit to ''Constitution'', offering what medical assistance his squadron could provide. Chads had been the Lieutenant of ''Java'' when she surrendered to William Bainbridge 33 years earlier.<ref name="Martin266276">Martin (1997), pp. 266–276.</ref> The relationship between the United States and [[Brunei]] began on 6 April, when she was anchored in [[Brunei Bay]] in which a Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was formed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timeline of the U.S.-Brunei Relationship |url=https://bn.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/policy-history/io/ |access-date=9 May 2022 |website=U.S. Embassy in Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}}</ref>

Leaving Singapore, ''Constitution'' arrived at Turon, Cochinchina (present-day [[Da Nang, Vietnam]]), on 10 May. Not long after, Percival was informed that French missionary [[Dominique Lefèbvre]] was being held captive under sentence of death. He went ashore with a squad of Marines to speak with the local [[Mandarin (bureaucrat)|Mandarin]]. Percival demanded the return of Lefèbvre and took three local leaders hostage to ensure that his demands were met. When no communication was forthcoming, he ordered the capture of three [[Junk (ship)|junks]], which were brought to ''Constitution''. He released the hostages after two days, attempting to show good faith towards the Mandarin, who had demanded their return. During a storm, the three junks escaped upriver; a detachment of Marines pursued and recaptured them. The supply of food and water from shore was stopped, and Percival gave in to another demand for the release of the junks in order to keep his ship supplied, expecting Lefèbvre to be released. He soon realized that no return would be made, however, and Percival ordered ''Constitution'' to depart on 26 May.<ref name="Martin279283">Martin (1997), pp. 279–283.</ref>

She arrived at Canton, China, on 20 June and spent the next six weeks there, while Percival made shore and diplomatic visits. Again the crew suffered from dysentery due to poor drinking water, resulting in three more deaths by the time that she reached Manila on 18 September, spending a week there preparing to enter the Pacific Ocean. She then sailed on 28 September for the Hawaiian Islands, arriving at Honolulu on 16 November. She found Commodore [[John D. Sloat]] and his flagship {{USS|Savannah|1842|2}} there; Sloat informed Percival that ''Constitution'' was needed in Mexico, as the United States was preparing for war after the [[Texas annexation]]. She provisioned for six months and sailed for Mazatlán, arriving there on 13 January 1846. She sat at anchor for more than three months until she was finally allowed to sail for home on 22 April, rounding Cape Horn on 4 July. Arriving in Rio de Janeiro, the ship's party learned that the [[Mexican–American War|Mexican War]] had begun on 13 May, soon after their departure from Mazatlán. She arrived home in Boston on 27 September and was mothballed on 5 October.<ref name="Martin284289">Martin (1997), pp. 284–289.</ref>

===Mediterranean and African Squadrons===
{{further|Anti-Slavery operations of the United States Navy}}
[[File:General Jackson - Harpers Weekly, news media image (1875c).jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A wooden representation of President Andrew Jackson|The Andrew Jackson figurehead as depicted by ''Harpers Weekly'' in 1875]]

''Constitution'' began a refitting for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron, entering dry dock in January 1848.<ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 172" /> The figurehead of Andrew Jackson that caused so much controversy 15 years earlier was replaced with another likeness of Jackson, this time without a top hat and with a more Napoleonic pose. Captain [[John Gwinn]] commanded her on this voyage, departing on 9 December 1848 and arriving at Tripoli on 19 January 1849. She received [[Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies|King Ferdinand II]] and [[Pope Pius IX]] on board at [[Gaeta]] on 1 August, giving them a [[21-gun salute]]. This was the first time that a [[Papal visits to the United States|Pope set foot on American territory or its equivalent]].<ref name="auto">Martin (1997), p. {{page needed|date=August 2017}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2001/december/popes-first-american-visit|title= The Pope's First American Visit|first= Tyrone G.|last= Martin|date= December 2001|website= www.usni.org|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250416222730/https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2001/december/popes-first-american-visit|archive-date= 2025-04-16|url-status= live|df= mdy-all|quote= The occasion was the first time a pope set foot on U.S. territory. (A commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy has the same legal status as a piece of U.S. soil, in the same way any of its embassies around the world does.)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/2015/09/23/the-pope-deck/|title= The Pope Deck|first= Matthew|last= Brenckle|date= 23 September 2015|website= ussconstitutionmuseum.org|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250312185719/https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/2015/09/23/the-pope-deck/|archive-date= 12 March 2025|url-status= live|df= mdy-all|quote= While Pope Paul VI's whirlwind trip in 1965 was the first time a pontiff set foot in the United States proper, he was not the first to traipse on American territory. Thanks to a bit of legal contortionism that honor goes to Pope Pius IX in 1849! You see, a nation's warships are considered sovereign territory, and so to walk the decks of an American naval vessel is to tread on American "soil."}}</ref>

At [[Palermo]] on 1 September, Captain Gwinn died of chronic [[gastritis]] and was buried near [[Lazaretto]] on the 9th. Captain [[Thomas Conover]] assumed command on the 18th and resumed routine patrolling for the rest of the tour, heading home on 1 December 1850. She was involved in a severe collision with the English brig ''Confidence'', cutting her in half, which sank with the loss of her captain. The surviving crew members were carried back to America, where ''Constitution'' was put in ordinary once again, this time at the [[Brooklyn Navy Yard]], in January 1851.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 291–299.</ref>

''Constitution'' was recommissioned on 22 December 1852 under the command of John Rudd. She carried Commodore [[Isaac Mayo]] for duty with the [[African Squadron]], departing the yard on 2 March 1853 on a leisurely sail towards Africa and arriving there on 18 June. Mayo made a diplomatic visit in Liberia, arranging a treaty between the Gbarbo and the [[Grebo people|Grebo]] tribes. Mayo resorted to firing cannons into the village of the Gbarbo in order to get them to agree to the treaty. About 22 June 1854, he arranged another peace treaty, between the leaders of Grahway and Half Cavally.<ref name="auto" /> On 31 July 1854, he arranged a compact with the King of [[Lagos]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ardhi.unl.edu/item/ardhi.treaty.00003|title=Compact by King and Chiefs of Lagos, 1854|publisher=ardhi.unl.edu|access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref>

''Constitution'' took the American ship ''[[H.N. Gambrill (ship)|H.N. Gambrill]]'' as a prize near [[Angola]] on 3 November. ''H.N. Gambrill'' was involved in the slave trade and proved to be ''Constitution''{{'s}} final capture.<ref name="AfricanSquadron">{{cite web
|title=Seizing a Slaver, 1853
|publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command
|date=25 October 1999
|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/uss-constitutions-battle-record0/seizing-a-slaver-1853.html
|access-date=4 August 2011
}}</ref> The rest of her tour passed uneventfully and she sailed for home on 31 March 1855. She was diverted to [[Havana, Cuba]], arriving there on 16 May and departing on the 24th. She arrived at [[Portsmouth Naval Shipyard|Portsmouth Navy Yard]] and was decommissioned on 14 June, ending her last duty on the front lines.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 301–310.</ref>

===Civil War===
{{See also|American Civil War}}

Since the formation of the [[United States Naval Academy|US Naval Academy]] in 1845, there had been a growing need for quarters in which to house the students (midshipmen). In 1857, ''Constitution'' was moved to dry dock at the [[Portsmouth Navy Yard]] for conversion into a [[training ship]]. Some of the earliest known photographs of her were taken during this refitting, which added classrooms on her spar and gun decks and reduced her armament to only 16 guns. Her rating was changed to a "2nd rate ship". She was recommissioned on 1 August 1860 and moved from Portsmouth to the Naval Academy.<ref name="Carpenter282">Carpenter (1897), p. 282.</ref><ref>Martin (1997), p. 312.</ref>
[[File:USS Constitution ready for launch.jpg|thumb|alt=A photograph of a ship out of the water and under repair|left|The earliest known photograph of ''Constitution'', undergoing repairs in 1858]]

At the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, ''Constitution'' was ordered to relocate farther north after threats had been made against her by Confederate sympathizers.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 314.</ref> Several companies of Massachusetts volunteer soldiers were stationed aboard for her protection.<ref>Abbot 1896, Volume II, Part III, Chapter II</ref> {{USS|R. R. Cuyler|1860|2}} towed her to New York City, where she arrived on 29 April. She was subsequently relocated, along with the Naval Academy, to [[Fort Adams]] in [[Newport, Rhode Island]], for the duration of the war. Her sister ship ''United States'' was abandoned by the Union and then captured by Confederate forces at the Gosport Shipyard, leaving ''Constitution'' the only remaining frigate of the original six.<ref name="Timeline" /><ref name="UnitedStates">{{cite DANFS | title = United States | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/u/united-states-frigate.html | access-date =20 September 2011|link=off }}</ref>

The Navy launched an [[ironclad]] on 10 May 1862 as part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and they bestowed on her the name {{USS|New Ironsides||2}} to honor ''Constitution''{{'}}s tradition of service. However, ''New Ironsides''{{'}} naval career was short, as she was destroyed by fire on 16 December 1865.<ref name="NewIronsides">{{cite DANFS | title = New Ironsides | url = https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/n/new-ironsides.html | access-date =20 September 2011|link=off }}</ref> In August 1865, ''Constitution'' moved back to Annapolis, along with the rest of the Naval Academy. During the voyage, she was allowed to drop her tow lines from the tug and continue alone under wind power. Despite her age, she was recorded running at {{convert|9|kn|km/h mph}} and arrived at Hampton Roads ten hours ahead of the tug.<ref name="Timeline" /> Andersonville Prisoners- "Thorp and his fellow soldiers were transported to Jacksonville, Fla., then on USS Constitution to "Camp Parole" in Annapolis, Md. There, they were issued rations, clothing and back pay before being sent to their respective regimental headquarters for discharge."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dev.historynet.com/inside-andersonville-an-eyewitness-account-of-the-civil-wars-most-infamous-prison.htm |last=Skoch |first=George|date=October 2007|title=Inside Andersonville: An Eyewitness Account of the Civil War's Most Infamous Prison |work=[[World History Group|History Net]]|access-date=22 August 2019}}</ref>

As ''Constitution'' settled in again at the academy, a series of upgrades was installed that included steam pipes and radiators to supply heat from shore, along with [[gas lighting]]. From June to August each year, she would depart with midshipmen for their summer training cruise and then return to operate for the rest of the year as a classroom. In June 1867, her last known [[plank owner]] William Bryant died in Maine. [[George Dewey]] assumed command in November; he served as her commanding officer until 1870. In 1871, her condition had deteriorated to the point where she was retired as a training ship, and then towed to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where she was placed in ordinary on 26 September.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 319–322.</ref>

===Paris Exposition===
[[File:Constitution1874b.png|thumb|right|alt=Photograph of a ship out of the water and partially disassembled|Philadelphia Navy Yard 1874]]

''Constitution'' was overhauled beginning in 1873 in order to participate in the centennial celebrations of the United States. Work began slowly and was intermittently delayed by the transition of the [[Philadelphia Navy Yard]] to League Island. By late 1875, the Navy opened bids for an outside contractor to complete the work, and ''Constitution'' was moved to [[Dialogue & Company|Wood, Dialogue, and Company]] in May 1876, where a coal bin and a small boiler for heat were installed. The Andrew Jackson figurehead was removed at this time and given to the [[United States Naval Academy Museum|Naval Academy Museum]], where it remains today.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 322–24.</ref> Her construction dragged on during the rest of 1876 until the centennial celebrations had long passed, and the Navy decided that she would be used as a training and school ship for apprentices.<ref>Abbot 1896, Volume II, Part IV, Chapter II</ref>

[[Oscar C. Badger]] took command on 9 January 1878 to prepare her for a voyage to the [[Exposition Universelle (1878)|Paris Exposition of 1878]], transporting artwork and industrial displays to France.<ref name="ParisExpo">{{cite journal|title=The Paris Exposition|journal=Manufacturer and Builder|volume=10|issue=11|type=Uncorrected OCR text|date=November 1878|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/ncps:@field(DOCID+@lit(ABS1821-0010-699))::|access-date=28 August 2011|page=248}}</ref> Three railroad cars were lashed to her spar deck and all but two cannons were removed when she departed on 4 March. While docking at Le Havre, she collided with ''[[French ship Ville de Paris (1851)|Ville de Paris]]'', which resulted in ''Constitution'' entering dry dock for repairs and remaining in France for the rest of 1878. She got underway for the United States on 16 January 1879, but poor navigation ran her aground the next day near Bollard Head, [[Dorset]], [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]].<ref name="Martin325328" /> She was refloated with the assistance of the [[tugs]] ''Commodore'', ''Lightning'', ''Lothair'', ''Royal Albert'', ''Malta'' and ''Telegraph''.<ref name="AJ180179">{{Cite news |title=Disasters at Sea |newspaper=Aberdeen Journal |location=Aberdeen |date=18 January 1879 |issue=7463 }}</ref> She was towed into the Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, Hampshire, England, where only minor damage was found and repaired.<ref name="Martin325328">Martin (1997), pp. 325–328.</ref>

Her problem-plagued voyage continued on 13 February when her [[rudder]] was damaged during heavy storms, resulting in a total loss of steering control, with the rudder smashing into the hull at random. Three crewmen went over the stern on ropes and [[Bosun's chair|boatswain's chairs]] and secured it. The next morning, they rigged a temporary steering system. Badger set a course for the nearest port, and she arrived in Lisbon on 18 February. Slow dock services delayed her departure until 11 April and her voyage home did not end until 24 May.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 328–330.</ref> Carpenter's Mate [[Henry Williams (Medal of Honor)|Henry Williams]], Captain of the Top [[Joseph Matthews (Medal of Honor)|Joseph Matthews]], and Captain of the Top [[James Horton (Medal of Honor)|James Horton]] received the [[Medal of Honor]] for their actions in repairing the damaged rudder at sea.<ref name="MOH">{{cite web
|title=Navy Medal of Honor: Interim Period 1871–1898
|publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command
|date=14 April 1997
|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/moh/moh4.htm
|access-date=4 August 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805052757/http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/moh/moh4.htm
|archive-date=5 August 2011
}}</ref> ''Constitution'' returned to her previous duties of training apprentice boys,<ref>Martin (1997), p. 330.</ref> and Ship's Corporal [[James Thayer (Medal of Honor)|James Thayer]] received a Medal of Honor for saving a fellow crew member from drowning on 16 November.<ref name="MOH" />

Over the next two years, she continued her training cruises, but it soon became apparent that her overhaul in 1876 had been of poor quality, and in 1881 she was determined to be unfit for service. Funds were lacking for another overhaul, so she was decommissioned, ending her days as an active-duty naval ship. She was moved to the Portsmouth Navy Yard and used as a [[receiving ship]]. There, she had a housing structure built over her spar deck, and her condition continued to deteriorate, with only a minimal amount of maintenance performed to keep her afloat.<ref name="Carpenter282" /><ref>Martin (1997), p. 337.</ref> In 1896, Massachusetts Congressman [[John F. Fitzgerald]] became aware of her condition and proposed to Congress that funds be appropriated to restore her enough to return to Boston.<ref name="NYT01-1897">{{cite news | title = Gossip of the Capital |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | date = 24 January 1897
| url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/01/24/102536995.pdf
| access-date =28 August 2011 }}</ref> She arrived at the Charlestown Navy Yard under tow on 21 September 1897<ref>Martin (1997), p. 338.</ref> and, after her centennial celebrations in October, she lay there with an uncertain future.<ref name="Carpenter282" /><ref name="NYT10-1897">{{cite news
| title = Honor to Old Ironsides |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | date = 21 October 1897
| url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/10/22/102064650.pdf
| access-date =28 August 2011 }}</ref>

==Museum ship==
[[File:Constitutionasbarracksship.jpg|thumb|alt=A ship tied to dock with a housing structure over top of the decks|As a barracks ship in Boston {{Circa|1905|lk=no}}]]

In 1900, Congress authorized the restoration of ''Constitution'' but did not appropriate any funds for the project; funding was to be raised privately. The Massachusetts Society of the United Daughters of the War of 1812 spearheaded an effort to raise funds, but they ultimately failed.<ref name="Martin340">Martin (1997), p. 340.</ref> In 1903, the [[Massachusetts Historical Society]]'s president [[Charles Francis Adams III|Charles Francis Adams]] requested of Congress that ''Constitution'' be rehabilitated and placed back into active service.<ref name="MHS1907">{{cite book | title = Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society | publisher = [[Massachusetts Historical Society]] | location = Boston | year = 1907 | volume = XX }}</ref>

In 1905, Secretary of the Navy [[Charles Joseph Bonaparte]] suggested that ''Constitution'' be towed out to sea and used as target practice, after which she would be allowed to sink. Moses H. Gulesian read about this in a Boston newspaper; he was a businessman from [[Worcester, Massachusetts]], and he offered to purchase her for $10,000.<ref name="Martin340" /><ref name="Tashjian">Tashjian (1975), pp. 256–257.</ref> The State Department refused, but Gulesian initiated a public campaign which began from Boston and ultimately "spilled all over the country."<ref name="Tashjian" /> The storms of protest from the public prompted Congress to authorize $100,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=100000|start_year=1906}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) in 1906 for the ship's restoration. First to be removed was the barracks structure on her spar deck, but the limited amount of funds allowed just a partial restoration.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 341.</ref> By 1907, ''Constitution'' began to serve as a museum ship, with tours offered to the public. On 1 December 1917, she was renamed ''Old Constitution'' to free her name for a planned new {{sclass|Lexington|battlecruiser}}. The name ''Constitution'' was originally destined for the lead ship of the class, but was shuffled between hulls until CC-5 was given the name; construction of CC-5 was canceled in 1923 due to the [[Washington Naval Treaty]]. The incomplete hull was sold for scrap and ''Old Constitution'' was granted the return of her name on 24 July 1925.<ref name="DANFS">{{cite DANFS|title=Constitution|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/constitution.html|access-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

===1925 restoration and tour===
[[File:1924-02 RPPC Old Ironsides coming into Houston.jpg|thumb|USS Constitution coming into Houston 1924]]

Admiral [[Edward Walter Eberle]], Chief of Naval Operations, ordered the [[Board of Inspection and Survey]] to compile a report on her condition, and the inspection of 19 February 1924 found her in grave condition. Water had to be pumped out of her hold every day just to keep her afloat, and her stern was in danger of falling off. Almost all deck areas and structural components were filled with rot, and she was considered to be on the verge of ruin. Yet the Board recommended that she be thoroughly repaired in order to preserve her as long as possible. The estimated cost of repairs was $400,000. [[Secretary of the Navy]] [[Curtis D. Wilbur]] proposed to Congress that the required funds be raised privately, and he was authorized to assemble the committee charged with her restoration.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 342–343.</ref>

The first effort was sponsored by the national [[Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks|Elks Lodge]]. Programs presented to schoolchildren about "Old Ironsides" encouraged them to donate pennies towards her restoration, eventually raising $148,000. In the meantime, the estimates for repair began to climb, eventually reaching over $745,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=745000|start_year=1926}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) after costs of materials were realized.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 344.</ref> In September 1926, Wilbur began to sell copies of a painting of ''Constitution'' at 50&nbsp;cents per copy ({{Inflation|US|.5|1926|fmt=eq}}). The silent film ''[[Old Ironsides (film)|Old Ironsides]]'' portrayed ''Constitution'' during the First Barbary War. It premiered in December and helped spur more contributions to her restoration fund. The final campaign allowed memorabilia to be made of her discarded planking and metal. The committee eventually raised more than $600,000 after expenses, still short of the required amount, and Congress approved up to $300,000 to complete the restoration. The final cost of the restoration was $946,000 (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US|.946|1954|r=1}}&nbsp;million in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 344–347.</ref>

Lieutenant John A. Lord was selected to oversee the reconstruction project, and work began while fund-raising efforts were still underway. Materials were difficult to find, especially the live oak needed; Lord uncovered a long-forgotten stash of live oak (some {{convert|1500|ST|MT|abbr=on|disp=sqbr}}) at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]], Florida, that had been cut sometime in the 1850s for a shipbuilding program that never began.<ref name=":0" /> ''Constitution'' entered dry dock on 16 June 1927.<ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 172" /><ref name=":0" /> Meanwhile, Charles Francis Adams had been appointed as Secretary of the Navy, and he proposed that ''Constitution'' make a tour of the United States upon her completion, as a gift to the nation for its efforts to help restore her. She emerged from dry dock on 15 March 1930; approximately 85 percent of the ship had been "renewed" (i.e. replaced) to make her seaworthy.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/2015/05/07/maintaining-and-restoring-an-icon-update/|title = Maintaining and Restoring an Icon|date = 7 May 2015}}</ref> Many amenities were installed to prepare her for the three-year tour of the country, including water piping throughout, modern toilet and shower facilities, electric lighting to make the interior visible for visitors, and several [[pelorus (instrument)|peloruses]] for ease of navigation.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 345–349.</ref> {{Convert|40|miles|km|spell=In}} of rigging was made for ''Constitution'' at Charlestown Navy Yard [[ropewalk]].<ref>{{citation|title=Ropemakers for the Navy: Part II|publisher=USS Constitution Museum    |date=21 October 2016 |url=https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/2016/10/21/ropemakers-navy-part-ii/}}</ref>

[[File:Constitutionpanamacanal1932.png|thumb|upright|left|alt=Photograph of a ship being towed through a canal|Transiting the Panama Canal 1932]]

''Constitution'' recommissioned on 1 July 1931 under the command of Commander Louis J. Gulliver with a crew of 60 officers and sailors, 15 Marines, and a pet monkey named Rosie as their mascot. The tour began at [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]], with much celebration and a 21-gun salute, scheduled to visit 90 port cities along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. Due to the heavy itinerary, she was towed by the minesweeper {{USS|Grebe|AM-43|2}}. She went as far north as [[Bar Harbor, Maine]], south and into the Gulf of Mexico, then through the [[Panama Canal Zone]], and north again to [[Bellingham, Washington]], on the Pacific Coast. ''Constitution'' returned to her home port of Boston in May 1934 after more than 4.6&nbsp;million people visited her during the three-year tour.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 349–355.</ref>

===1934 return to Boston===
''Constitution'' returned to serving as a museum ship, receiving 100,000 visitors per year in Boston. She was maintained by a small crew who were berthed on the ship, requiring more reliable heating. The heating was upgraded to a forced-air system in the 1950s, and a sprinkler system was added that protects her from fire. ''Constitution'' broke loose from her dock on 21 September 1938 during the [[1938 New England hurricane|New England Hurricane]] and was blown into Boston Harbor, where she collided with the destroyer {{USS|Ralph Talbot|DD-390|2}}; she suffered only minor damage.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 356–357.</ref>

[[File:USS Constitution 150 Anniversary Issue of 1947-3c.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|right|alt=A postage stamp accurately depicts ''Constitution'' at sail. The ship sails to the right side of the stamp.|USS ''Constitution'' Commemorative stamp, 150th anniversary issue of 1947]]

With limited funds available, she experienced more deterioration over the years, and items began to disappear from the ship as souvenir hunters picked away at the more portable objects.<ref>Martin (1997), pp. 357–358.</ref> ''Constitution'' and {{USS|Constellation|1854|6}} were recommissioned in 1940 at the request of President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt|Franklin Roosevelt]].<ref>{{Cite letter|last=Stark|first=H.R.|recipient=Commandant, First Naval District|date=15 August 1940|title=Commissioning of Constitution and Constellation| url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FDRL_OF365_USS_Constitution_Recommission_15_August_1940002_Page_1_Image_0001.jpg#/media/File:FDRL_OF365_USS_Constitution_Recommission_15_August_1940002_Page_1_Image_0001.jpg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite letter|last=Callaghan|first=D.J.|recipient=President F.D. Roosevelt|date=19 August 1940|title=Memorandum for the President| url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FDRL_OF365_USS_Constitution_Recommission_15_August_1940002_Page_2_Image_0001.jpg#/media/File:FDRL_OF365_USS_Constitution_Recommission_15_August_1940002_Page_2_Image_0001.jpg}}</ref><ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 175">Carlson (2010), p. 175</ref> ''Constitution'' was assigned the hull classification symbol IX-21.<ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 172" /><ref name="DANFS" /> In early 1941, she began to serve as a [[Military prison|brig]] for officers awaiting court-martial.<ref name="auto" />

The United States Postal Service issued a stamp commemorating ''Constitution'' in 1947.<ref name=":1" /> An Act of Congress in 1954 made the Secretary of the Navy responsible for her upkeep.<ref name=":1">Martin (1997), p. 359.</ref><ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 176">Carlson (2010), p. 176</ref> Under this legislation, ''Constitution'' was required to remain in Boston.<ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 176" /> On 19 December 1960, the [[United States Department of the Interior]] designated ''Constitution'' a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref name="List of NHLs by State">{{cite web |date=4 May 1970 |title=List of NHLs by State |url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/list-of-nhls-by-state.htm |access-date=11 April 2026 |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref><ref name="Interior 1986">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pCCq4wgR90kC&pg=RA7-PP1 |title=Catalogue of National Historic Landmarks |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |year=1986 |page=7-PP1 |access-date=10 April 2026}}</ref> In December 1963, ''Constitution'' was docked at Charlestown for four months of repairs.<ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 176" />

===Restoration===
In 1970, another survey was performed on her condition, finding that repairs were required but not as extensively as needed in the 1920s. The US Navy determined that a commander was required as commanding officer—typically someone with about 20 years of seniority; this would ensure the experience to organize the maintenance that she required.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 363.</ref> Funds were approved in 1972 for her restoration.<ref name="Martin365" /> She entered dry dock in April 1973, remaining until April 1974.<ref name="Martin365" /><ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 177">Carlson (2010), p. 177</ref> During this period, large quantities of [[Northern Red Oak|red oak]] were removed and replaced. The red oak had been added in the 1950s as an experiment to see if it would be more durable than the live oak, but it had mostly rotted away by 1970.<ref name="Martin365" /> ''Constitution'' again began receiving visitors in 1975.<ref name="Carlson 2010 p. 177" />

===Bicentennial celebrations===
Commander [[Tyrone G. Martin]] became her captain in August 1974, as preparations began for the upcoming United States Bicentennial celebrations. He set the precedent that all construction work on ''Constitution'' was to be aimed towards maintaining her to the 1812 configuration for which she is most noted.<ref name="Martin365">Martin (1997), p. 365.</ref> In September 1975, her hull classification of IX-21 was officially canceled.<ref name="DANFS" />

The privately run [[USS Constitution Museum]] opened on 8 April 1976, and Commander Martin dedicated a tract of land as "[[Constitution Grove]]" one month later, located at the [[Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division|Naval Surface Warfare Center]] in Indiana. The {{convert|25000|acres|km2}} now supply the majority of the white oak required for repair work.<ref name="AmericanForests" /> On 10 July, ''Constitution'' led the parade of [[tall ship]]s up Boston Harbor for [[Operation Sail]], firing her guns at one-minute intervals for the first time in approximately 100&nbsp;years.<ref name="CSM08-09-76">{{Cite news |work = [[The Christian Science Monitor]] | date = 9 August 1976 | page = 28 | title = Old Ironsides: still a star}}</ref> On 11 July, she rendered a 21-gun salute to [[HMY Britannia|Her Majesty's Yacht ''Britannia'']], as [[Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Philip]] arrived for a state visit.<ref name="ChiTrib12-30-76">{{Cite news | work = Chicago Tribune | date = 30 December 1976 | page = C12 | title = Happy 200th party for U. S.}}</ref> The royal couple were [[Boatswain's call|piped]] aboard and privately toured the ship for approximately 30 minutes with Commander Martin and Secretary of the Navy [[J. William Middendorf]]. Upon their departure, the crew of ''Constitution'' rendered three cheers for the Queen. Over 900,000 visitors toured "Old Ironsides" that year.<ref>Martin (1997), p. 368.</ref>

===1992–1995 dry docking and reconstruction===
''Constitution'' entered dry dock in 1992 for an inspection and minor repair period that turned out to be her most comprehensive structural restoration and repair since she was launched in 1797. Multiple refittings over the 200 years of her career had removed most of her original construction components and design, as her mission changed from a fighting warship to a training ship and eventually to a receiving ship. In 1993, the Naval History & Heritage Command [[Naval History & Heritage Command#USS Constitution and NHHC Detachment Boston|Detachment Boston]] reviewed Humphreys' original plans and identified five main structural components that were required to prevent [[Hogging and sagging|hogging]] of the hull,<ref name="CSM7261994">{{Cite news | work = The Christian Science Monitor | date = 26 July 1994 | page = 12 | title = 'Old Ironsides' Gets a Major Overhaul |author = Nichols, Judy }}</ref> as ''Constitution'' had {{convert|13|in|abbr=on}} of hog at that point. Using a 1:16 scale model of the ship, they were able to determine that restoring the original components would result in a 10% increase in hull stiffness.<ref name="PatrickOtten">{{cite web|last=Otten |first=Patrick |title=USS Constitution Rehabilitation and Restoration |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |date=March 1997 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/constitution/restore.htm |access-date=25 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509160909/http://www.history.navy.mil/constitution/restore.htm |archive-date=9 May 2011 }}</ref>

Three hundred scans were completed on her timbers using [[radiography]] to find any hidden problems otherwise undetectable from the outside—technology that was unavailable during previous reconstructions. The repair crew used sound-wave testing, aided by the United States Forest Service's Forest Products Laboratory, to determine the condition of the remaining timbers that might have been rotting from the inside.<ref name="CSM7261994" /> The {{convert|13|in|abbr=on}} of hog was removed from her keel by allowing the ship to settle naturally while in dry dock. The most difficult task was the procurement of timber in the quantity and sizes needed, as was the case during her 1920s restoration as well. The city of Charleston, South Carolina, donated live-oak trees that had been felled by [[Hurricane Hugo]] in 1989, and the [[International Paper Company]] donated live oak from its own property.<ref name="AmericanForests">{{cite journal | last = Nickens | first = Eddie | title = Restoring Old Ironsides&nbsp;– frigate USS Constitution | journal = American Forests | date = November–December 1993}}</ref> The project continued to reconstruct her to 1812 specifications, even as she remained open to visitors who were allowed to observe the process and converse with workers.<ref name="CSM7261994" /> The $12&nbsp;million project was completed in 1995.<ref name="ChiTrib07-22-97">{{Cite news | work = Chicago Tribune | date = 22 July 1997 | page = 1 | title = As Time Briefly Stands Still, Old Ironsides Sails Solo Again on its 200th Birthday |first=Fox|last=Butterfield }}</ref>

===Sailing on 200th anniversary===
{{multiple image
| direction = vertical
| width     =
| footer    =
| width1    = 220
| image1    = USS Constitution Sail200d.jpg
| alt1      = Photo of Constitution under sail with two escorts as navy jets fly overhead
| caption1  = ''Constitution'' [[Unassisted sailing|sails unassisted]] for the first time in 116 years, 21 July 1997.
| width2    = 220
| image2    = WalterCronkiteathelm.jpg
| alt2      = Walter Cronkite steering a ship
| caption2  = [[Walter Cronkite]] takes the helm.
}}

As early as 1991, Commander David Cashman had suggested that ''Constitution'' should sail to celebrate her 200th anniversary in 1997 rather than being towed. The proposal was approved, though it was thought to be a large undertaking since she had not sailed in over 100&nbsp;years.<ref name="MarbleheadMag">{{cite web|last=Cuticchia |first=Rosalie A. |title=Celebrating The History of the U.S.S. ''Constitution'' |work=Marblehead Magazine |url=http://www.legendinc.com/Pages/MarbleheadNet/MM/Articles/USSConstitutionHistory.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210231815/http://www.legendinc.com/Pages/MarbleheadNet/MM/Articles/USSConstitutionHistory.html |archive-date=10 December 2011 }}</ref> When she emerged from dry dock in 1995, a more serious effort began to prepare her for sail. As in the 1920s, education programs aimed at school children helped collect pennies to purchase the sails to make the voyage possible. Her six-sail battle configuration consisted of jibs, topsails, and driver.<ref name="Sail200-1">{{cite web |title=Sail200 |publisher=United States Navy |date=21 July 1997 |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/nav_legacy.asp?id=241 |access-date=13 October 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208094750/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/nav_legacy.asp?id=241 }}</ref>

Commander Mike Beck began training the crew for the historic sail using an 1819 Navy sailing manual and several months of practice, including time spent aboard the Coast Guard cutter ''[[USCGC Eagle (WIX-327)|Eagle]]''.<ref name="LAT-05-04-97">{{Cite news | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 4 May 1997 | page = 28 | title = 'Old Ironsides' Readied for Seagoing Birthday | author = Jon Marcus }}</ref> On 20 July, ''Constitution'' was towed from her usual berth in Boston to an overnight mooring in Marblehead, Massachusetts. En route, she made her first sail in 116 years, at a recorded {{convert|6|kn|km/h mph}}.<ref name="fitz-enz">Fitz-Enz (2004), p. 226.</ref><ref name="CityofMarblehead">{{cite web|title=Visiting & Town History |work=Marblehead Massachusetts Official Website |url=http://www.marblehead.org/index.asp?NID=10 |access-date=3 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214131312/http://www.marblehead.org/index.asp?NID=10 |archive-date=14 February 2009 }}</ref><ref name="LAT07-22-97">{{Cite news | work = Los Angeles Times | date = 22 July 1997 | page = 1 | title = Constitution Sails on Waves of Time | last = Mehren | first = Elizabeth }}</ref>

On 21 July, she was towed {{convert|5|nmi|km mi}} offshore, where the tow line was dropped and Commander Beck ordered six sails set (jibs, topsails, and spanker). She then sailed for 40&nbsp;minutes on a south-south-east course with true wind speeds of about {{convert|12|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}}, attaining a top recorded speed of {{convert|4|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="LAT07-22-97" /> Her modern US naval combatant escorts were the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|Ramage|DDG-61|2}} and frigate {{USS|Halyburton|FFG-40|2}}. They rendered [[Manning the rail|passing honors]] to "Old Ironsides" while she was under sail, and she was overflown by the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the [[Blue Angels]]. Inbound to her permanent berth at Charlestown, she rendered a 21-gun salute to the nation off [[Fort Independence (Massachusetts)|Fort Independence]] in Boston Harbor.<ref name="Sail200-1" />

==Present day==
[[File:US Navy 050730-N-0335C-002 U.S. Navy Cmdr. Thomas C. Graves and Executive Officer Lt. Brad Coletti look on during USS Constitution change of command ceremony.jpg|thumb|Officers and crew of USS ''Constitution'', July 2005]]

The mission of ''Constitution'' is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through active participation in public events and education through outreach programs, public access, and historic demonstration.<ref name="MandV">{{cite web|title=USS ''Constitution'' Mission and Vision Statement |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817190453/http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/index.html |archive-date=17 August 2012 }}</ref> Her crew of approximately 75 US Navy sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year-round and providing free tours. The crewmen are all active-duty members of the US Navy, and the assignment is considered to be special duty. She entered dry dock in May 2015 for a scheduled restoration, before returning to sea.<ref name="NNS091021-35">{{cite web|last=Brown |first=Eric |title=Hundreds Join Old Ironsides' Return to Sea for 212th Birthday |publisher=Navy News Service |date=21 October 2009 |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49131 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007005925/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=49131 |archive-date=7 October 2012 }}</ref><ref name="bostonglobe.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/05/18/uss-constitution-dry-docked-tuesday-for-restorations/6hjUR0fhPAGf7deCWUEN1O/story.html | title= USS Constitution to begin restorations |website=Boston Globe |date=18 May 2015}}</ref>{{refn|name="Victory"|group="Note"}}

''Constitution'' is berthed at Pier One of the former Charlestown Navy Yard and is open to the public year-round.<ref name="MuseumInfo" /> She is a stop on the [[Freedom Trail]], a path connecting historic sites in Boston;<ref name="Brown x730">{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Thomas N. |date=29 September 1985 |title=Historic Boston on the Freedom Trail |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/travel/1985/09/29/historic-boston-on-the-freedom-trail/71f7054a-7d3c-4521-9f6b-312076ce3855/ |access-date=14 March 2026 |website=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref name="Pietrzyk v160">{{cite book |last=Pietrzyk |first=Cindi D. |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Boston_s_Freedom_Trail/rKh7BAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA68&printsec=frontcover |title=Boston's Freedom Trail: Trace the Path of American History |date=1 September 2011 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0-7627-6849-3 |page=68 |access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref> sequentially, she is between [[Copp's Hill Burying Ground]] and the [[Bunker Hill Monument]].<ref name="p294176592">{{Cite news |last=Carpenter |first=Richard P. |date=7 June 1998 |title=Follow the red-brick line |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-follow-the-red-brick-li/193826775/ |access-date=20 March 2026 |work=The Boston Globe |pages=M1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-follow-the-red-brick-li/193826835/ M17] |via=Newspapers.com |issn=0743-1791 |id={{Pq|405222934}}}}</ref><ref name="The Freedom Trail Map">{{cite web |title=Map |url=https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/sites/default/files/content/page/hero-image/ft-map.pdf |access-date=20 March 2026 |website=The Freedom Trail}}</ref> The privately run [[USS Constitution Museum|USS ''Constitution'' Museum]] is nearby, located in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier Two.<ref name="MuseumInfo">{{cite web|title=USS Constitution Museum Charlestown Massachusetts |website=USS Constitution Museum |url=https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/visit/plan/ |access-date=28 August 2012}}</ref> ''Constitution'' typically makes at least one "turnaround cruise" each year, during which she is towed into Boston Harbor to perform underway demonstrations, including a gun drill; she then returns to her dock in the opposite direction to ensure that she weathers evenly.<ref name="LAT03-14-75">{{Cite news|work=Los Angeles Times|date=14 March 1975|page=2|title=Old Ironsides Returns to Service Again}}</ref> The "turnaround cruise" is open to the general public based on a "lottery draw" of interested persons each year.<ref name="lottery">{{cite web |title=Restoration |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/restoration.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104085449/http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/restoration.html |archive-date=4 November 2012 }}</ref>

The Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston is responsible for planning and performing her maintenance, repair, and restoration, keeping her as close as possible to her 1812 configuration. The detachment estimates that approximately 10–15 percent of the timber in ''Constitution'' contains original material installed during her initial construction period in the years 1795–1797.<ref name="FAQ – Original">{{cite web|url=http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/collections-history/faq/ |title=FAQ |website=USS Constitution Museum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728120754/http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/collections-history/faq/ |archive-date=28 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Navy maintains ''Constitution'' Grove at [[Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division]] near Bloomington, Indiana to ensure a supply of mature white oak.<ref name="MilCom1">{{cite web|url=https://www.military.com/history/why-us-navy-manages-its-own-private-forest.html|publisher=Military.com|last=Stilwell|first=Blake|title=Why the US Navy Manages Its Own Private Forest|date=18 April 2022 }}</ref>

In 2003, the special effects crew from the production of ''[[Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World]]'' spent several days using ''Constitution'' as a computer model for the fictional French frigate ''Acheron'', using stem-to-stern digital image scans.<ref name="Wpost1">{{cite news|last=Hendrix |first=Steve |title=Now Playing at a Theater Near You: Old Ironsides |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=16 November 2003 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2003/11/16/AR2005041501687.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220130457/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2003/11/16/AR2005041501687_pf.html |archive-date=20 February 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Lieutenant Commander John Scivier of the Royal Navy, commanding officer of {{HMS|Victory}}, paid a visit to ''Constitution'' in November 2007, touring the local facilities with Commander William A. Bullard III. They discussed arranging an exchange program between the two ships.<ref name="RoyalNavyVisit">{{cite web|last=Weis |first=Clay |title=HMS Victory Commanding Officer Visits USS Constitution |publisher=United States Navy |date=21 November 2007 |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=33462 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003160324/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=33462 |archive-date=3 October 2012 }}</ref>

[[File:Commander Billie J. Farrell (January 2021) (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Commander (United States)|Commander]] [[Billie J. Farrell]], first female [[Captain (naval)#Etiquette|captain]] of ''Constitution'', seen here in January 2022]]

''Constitution'' emerged from a three-year repair period in November 2010. During this time, the entire spar deck was stripped down to the support beams, and the decking overhead was replaced to restore its original curvature, allowing water to drain overboard and not remain standing on the deck.<ref name="NNS101108-09" /> In addition to decking repairs, 50 hull planks and the main hatch were repaired or replaced. The restoration continued the focus toward keeping her appearance of 1812 by replacing her upper sides so that she now resembles what she looked like after her triumph over ''Guerriere'', when she gained her nickname "Old Ironsides".<ref name="NNS101108-09">{{cite news|first=Kathryn E. |last=Macdonald |title=USS Constitution Completes Latest Restoration |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57058 |publisher=Navy News Service |location=Boston |date=8 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012215525/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=57058 |archive-date=12 October 2012 }}</ref> The crew of ''Constitution'' under Commander Matt Bonner sailed ''Constitution'' under her own power on 19 August 2012, the anniversary of her victory over ''Guerriere''.<ref name="Bicentennial sail">{{cite news|author=CBS Boston|title=USS Constitution Sails Under Own Power For First Time in 15 Years|url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/08/19/uss-constitution-sails-under-own-power-for-first-time-in-15-years/|date=19 August 2012|access-date=19 August 2012}}</ref> Bonner was ''Constitution''{{'}}s 72nd commanding officer.<ref name="NNS110722-16">{{cite news|author=USS Constitution Public Affairs |title=USS Constitution Begins New Chapter with 72nd Commanding Officer |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=61702 |publisher=Navy News Service |date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026062644/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=61702 |archive-date=26 October 2012 }}</ref>

On 18 May 2015, the ship entered Dry Dock 1 in [[Boston Navy Yard|Charlestown Navy Yard]] to begin a two-year restoration program. The restoration planned to restore the copper sheets on the ship's hull and replace deck boards. The Department of the Navy provided the $12–15&nbsp;million expected cost.<ref name="bostonglobe.com" /> After the restoration was complete, she was returned to the water on 23 July 2017.<ref name="Return to Water">{{cite web|title=USS Constitution Newly Restored Is Returning To Water|date=23 July 2017|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/uss-constitution-newly-restored-is-returning-to-the-water|publisher=[[Fox News]] |access-date=24 July 2017}}</ref> In November 2017, Commander Nathaniel R. Shick relieved Commander Robert S. Gerosa Jr., who had spent most of his command while the ship was dry docked, in a ceremony held on board ''Constitution'', to become the ship's 75th commanding officer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=103196|title=USS Constitution Holds Change of Command|author=USS Constitution Official Site|publisher=US Navy Local Group|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230547/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=103196}}</ref>

On 29 February 2020, Shick was succeeded as commanding officer by Commander John Benda.<ref name="flag">{{cite AV media |people=Amy O'Brien, Brian Keaney, John Benda |date=14 June 2019 |title=The 52nd Annual Dedham Flag Day Parade with your Hosts Amy O'Brien and Brian Keaney |url=http://50.77.30.238/CablecastPublicSite/show/1199?channel=1 |access-date=12 November 2019 |format=Video |time=23:50 |location=Oakdale Square, [[Dedham, Massachusetts]] |publisher=Dedham TV |archive-date=12 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112200526/http://50.77.30.238/CablecastPublicSite/show/1199%3Fchannel%3D1 }}</ref><ref name="ChangeOfCommand2020" /> He was replaced on 17 January 2022 by [[Billie J. Farrell]], who became the first woman to command ''Constitution''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uss-constitution-first-woman-commander-billie-j-farrell/|title = Billie J. Farrell, first woman to command the 224-year-old warship USS Constitution, takes over|website = [[CBS News]]| date=24 January 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Shenoy | first=Rupa | title=Meet the USS Constitution's first woman commander | website=WBUR News | date=21 January 2022 | url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/01/21/uss-constitution-first-woman-commander | access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref> [[Crystal L. Schaefer]] was promoted to commander on 21 June 2024,<ref>{{cite web | last=Fox | first=Jeremy C. | title=USS Constitution's new commander will lead July 4 festivities as 'Old Ironsides' cruises harbor | website=Boston Globe | date=3 July 2024 | url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/03/metro/uss-constitution-new-commander-fourth-festivities/ | access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref><ref name="crew2025" /> replacing Farrell as ''Constitution''{{'s}} second female commander.<ref>{{cite web | last=White | first=Sean | title=Medford native to become second woman ever to command Naval ship USS Constitution | website=WSAW | date=14 June 2024 | url=https://www.wsaw.com/2024/06/14/medford-native-become-second-woman-ever-command-naval-ship-uss-constitution/ | access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref>

===Image gallery===
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:USS Constitution underway, August 19, 2012 by Castle Island cropped.jpg|USS ''Constitution'' underway
File:US Navy 110704-N-AU127-185 USS Constitution fires a 21-gun salute toward Fort Independence on Castle Island.jpg|alt=A photo of a ship without sails. There is white cannon smoke emitting from the left and right sides of the ship. A tugboat is alongside|''Constitution'' fires a 21-gun salute toward Fort Independence.
File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - USS Constitution sails into Boston Harbor.jpg|''Constitution'' sails into [[Boston Harbor]].
File:USS Constitution in drydock in Boston, 2016.JPG|USS ''Constitution'' in dry dock for restoration work in 2016
File:USS Constitution in dock.jpg|USS ''Constitution'' in dock, 2018
File:USS Constitution 2022.jpg|USS ''Constitution'' docked in April 2022 with the [[Boston]] skyline in the background
File:USS Constitution Cannon.JPG|One of the cannons aboard ''Constitution''
File:Inside the USS Constitution.jpg|Inside USS ''Constitution'' in 2015
File:Historic American Buildings Survey Arthur C. Haskell, Photographer. Sept. 1934. (b) Int- Detail Commodores forward cabin- fore gun, port side. - U.S. Frigate Constitution, HABS MASS,13-CHAR,3-3.tif|Commodore's forward cabin (historical)
</gallery>

==Commanders==
Since she was first launched in 1797, there have been 78 commanders of ''Constitution''.<ref>{{Cite web| url = https://www.navy.mil/USS-CONSTITUTION/Old-Ironsides-Crew/ | title = Commanders of Constitution |website=United States Navy | access-date = 6 November 2025}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Name !! Rank !! Start date !! End date
|-
| [[Samuel Nicholson]] || [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]] || {{dts|1798|7|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1799|6|5|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Silas Talbot]] || Captain || {{dts|1799|6|5|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1801|9|8|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Nathaniel Haraden]] || [[Master (naval)|Sailing Master]] || {{dts|1802|6|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1803|5|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Edward Preble]] || Captain || {{dts|1803|5|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1804|10|28|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Stephen Decatur]] || Captain || {{dts|1804|10|28|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1804|11|9|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John Rodgers (1772–1838)|John Rodgers]] || Captain || {{dts|1804|11|9|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1806|5|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Hugh George Campbell]] || Captain || {{dts|1806|5|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1807|12|8|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John Rodgers (1772–1838)|John Rodgers]] || Captain || {{dts|1809|2|20|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1810|6|17|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Isaac Hull]] || Captain || {{dts|1810|6|17|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1812|9|15|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[William Bainbridge]] || Captain || {{dts|1812|9|15|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1813|7|18|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Charles Stewart (1778–1869)|Charles Stewart]] || Captain || {{dts|1813|7|18|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1815|7|16|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Jacob Jones (naval officer)|Jacob Jones]] || Captain || {{dts|1821|4|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1824|5|31|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Thomas Macdonough]] || Captain || {{dts|1824|5|31|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1825|10|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Daniel Todd Patterson]] || Captain || {{dts|1825|10|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1825|12|5|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[George Campbell Read]] || Captain || {{dts|1826|1|23|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1826|2|21|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Daniel Todd Patterson]] || Captain || {{dts|1826|2|21|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1828|7|19|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Jesse Duncan Elliott]] || Captain || {{dts|1835|3|3|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1838|8|18|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Daniel Turner (naval officer)|Daniel Turner]] || Captain || {{dts|1839|3|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1841|11|8|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Foxhall Alexander Parker Sr.]] || Captain || {{dts|1842|7|15|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1843|2|16|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John Percival]] || Captain || {{dts|1843|12|13|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1846|10|5|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John Gwinn]] || Captain || {{dts|1848|10|9|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1849|9|4|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[James H. Rowan]] || [[Lieutenant (navy)|Lieutenant]] || {{dts|1849|9|4|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1849|9|18|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Thomas Anderson Conover]] || Captain || {{dts|1849|9|18|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1851|1|16|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John Singleton Rudd]] || [[Commander (United States)|Commander]] || {{dts|1852|12|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1855|6|15|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[David Dixon Porter]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1860|8|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1860|8|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[George Washington Rodgers]] II|| Lieutenant || {{dts|1860|9|20|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1861|9|23|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Edward Phelps Lull]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1861|9|23|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1863|12|15|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Henry Martin Blue]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1863|12|15|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1864|4|16|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Philip C. Johnson Jr.|Philip Carrigan Johnson Jr.]] || [[Lieutenant commander (United States)|Lieutenant Commander]] || {{dts|1864|4|16|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1866|2|16|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Edmund Matthews]] || Lieutenant Commander || {{dts|1866|2|16|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1866|2|26|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Thomas Henderson Eastman]] || Lieutenant Commander || {{dts|1866|2|26|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1867|11|6|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[George Dewey]] || Lieutenant Commander || {{dts|1867|11|6|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1870|8|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Henry Lycurgus Howison]] || Lieutenant Commander || {{dts|1870|8|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1871|9|19|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Henry A. Adams Jr.]] || Captain || {{dts|1877|1|13|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1877|8|15|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[James Augustin Greer]] || Captain || {{dts|1877|8|15|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1877|8|23|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Reigart Boliver Lowry]] || Captain || {{dts|1877|8|23|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1877|9|5|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Augustus Paul Cooke]] || Commander || {{dts|1877|9|5|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1878|1|9|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Oscar C. Badger]] || Captain || {{dts|1878|1|9|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1879|8|2|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Francis H. Baker]] || Captain || {{dts|1879|8|2|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1879|9|25|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Oscar Fitzalon Stanton]] || Captain || {{dts|1879|10|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1881|6|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Edwin Malcolm Shepard]] || Commander || {{dts|1881|6|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1881|12|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John William Powers]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1905|5|20|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1905|5|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Louis Joseph Gulliver]] || Commander || {{dts|1931|7|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1934|6|8|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Hermann Pierce Knickerbocker]] || Lieutenant Commander || {{dts|1940|8|24|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1941|12|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Clarence Earl McBride]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1941|12|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1945|3|27|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Owen William Huff]] || Lieutenant Commander || {{dts|1945|3|27|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1947|7|8|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Harry Corrolli]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1947|7|8|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1947|12|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Louis Everette Wood]] || [[Warrant officer (United States)#Navy|Chief Warrant Officer]] || {{dts|1947|12|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1950|3|11|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Knud Haabendal Christensen]] || Chief Warrant Officer || {{dts|1950|3|11|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1952|4|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Albert C. Messier]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1952|4|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1954|6|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Charles William Morris]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1954|6|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1957|4|25|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[David G. O'Brien]] || [[Lieutenant (junior grade)|Lieutenant Junior Grade]] || {{dts|1957|4|25|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1959|3|31|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Edward Joseph Melanson Jr.]] || Lieutenant Junior Grade || {{dts|1959|3|31|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1960|7|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Victor Bernard Stevens Jr.]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1960|7|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1963|8|29|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John Christopher Kelleher]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1963|8|29|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1965|6|28|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Joseph Clark Grew II (Naval officer)|Joseph Clark Grew II]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1965|6|28|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1967|4|28|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John William Powers]] || Lieutenant || {{dts|1967|4|28|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1969|3|27|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Hugh Albert Moore]] || Commander || {{dts|1969|3|27|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1970|10|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Jack Loren Reifschneider]] || Commander || {{dts|1970|10|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1971|8|20|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[John David McKinnon]] || Commander || {{dts|1971|8|20|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1972|12|11|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Thomas Coyne (Naval officer)|Thomas Coyne]] || Commander || {{dts|1972|12|11|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1974|8|6|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Tyrone G. Martin|Tyrone Gabriel Martin]] || Commander || {{dts|1974|8|6|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1978|6|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Robert Leo Gillen]] || Commander || {{dts|1978|6|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1980|9|26|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Herman Otto Sudholz]] || Commander || {{dts|1980|9|26|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1985|6|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Joseph Zachariah Brown]] || Commander || {{dts|1985|6|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1987|7|8|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[David Matthew Cashman]] || Commander || {{dts|1987|8|1|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1991|9|21|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Richard Bradford Amirault]] || Commander || {{dts|1991|9|21|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1995|7|29|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Michael Charles Beck]] || Commander || {{dts|1995|7|29|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1997|7|26|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Christopher Allan Melhuish]] || Commander || {{dts|1997|7|26|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|1999|7|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[William Feeny Foster Jr.]] || Commander || {{dts|1999|7|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2001|8|11|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Randall Allan Neal]] || Commander || {{dts|2001|8|11|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2003|7|19|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Lewin C. Wright]] || Commander || {{dts|2003|7|19|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2005|7|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Thomas C. Graves]] (Relieved of Command) || Commander || {{dts|2005|7|30|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2007|5|10|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[William A. Bullard III]] || Commander || {{dts|2007|5|10|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2009|7|24|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Timothy M. Cooper]] || Commander || {{dts|2009|7|24|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2011|7|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Matthew Bonner]] || Commander || {{dts|2011|7|22|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2013|7|26|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Sean D. Kearns]] || Commander || {{dts|2013|7|26|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2015|8|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Robert S. Gerosa Jr.]] || Commander || {{dts|2015|8|14|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2017|11|3|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
| [[Nathaniel R. Shick]] || Commander || {{dts|2017|11|3|format=dmy|abbr=on}} || {{dts|2020|2|29|format=dmy|abbr=on}}<ref name="ChangeOfCommand2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial/posts/10156484187866741  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/131534206740/10156484187866741 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Constitution Departing! |date=29 February 2020 |website=USS Constitution Official Facebook Page |publisher=Facebook |access-date=29 February 2020 |quote=Constitution Departing! Today, USS Constitution held its change of command ceremony! Thank you Cmdr. Nathaniel Shick for your leadership and successful tour as the ship's 75th commanding officer. We welcome aboard Cmdr. John Benda! We are excited to serve alongside you! Huzzah!}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
| [[John A. Benda]] || Commander || {{dts|2020|2|29|format=dmy|abbr=on}}<ref name="ChangeOfCommand2020" /> || {{dts|2022|1|21|format=dmy|abbr=on}}<ref name="ChangeOfCommand2022" />
|-
| [[Billie J. Farrell]] || Commander || {{dts|2022|1|21|format=dmy|abbr=on}}<ref name="ChangeOfCommand2022">{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2888699/first-woman-to-serve-as-commanding-officer-of-uss-constitution-in-ships-224-yea/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105151543/https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2888699/first-woman-to-serve-as-commanding-officer-of-uss-constitution-in-ships-224-yea/ |archive-date=5 January 2022 |title=First Woman to Serve as Commanding Officer of USS Constitution in Ship's 224-year History |date=5 January 2022 |website=Navy |publisher=United States Navy Press Office |access-date=8 January 2022 |quote=As the 77th commanding officer of USS Constitution, Farrell will become the first woman to serve as captain in the ship's 224-year history, dating back to 1797.}}</ref> || {{dts|2024|6|21|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|-
|[[Crystal L. Schaefer]]
|Commander
|{{dts|2024|6|21|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|present<ref name="crew2025">{{cite web | title=Old Ironsides Crew | website=United States Navy | date=7 July 2025 | url=https://www.navy.mil/USS-CONSTITUTION/Old-Ironsides-Crew/ | access-date=8 July 2025}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
*[[Ship of Theseus]], a paradox about the identity of a ship which has had its parts replaced, which has been compared to the ''Constitution''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Museum |first=USS Constitution |date=2018-04-13 |title=Rebuilt, Preserved, Restored – USS Constitution Across the Centuries |url=https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/2018/04/13/rebuilt-preserved-restored-uss-constitution-across-the-centuries/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=USS Constitution Museum |language=en}}</ref>
* [[List of National Historic Landmarks in Boston]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in northern Boston, Massachusetts]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist|15em}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book | title = The Naval History of the United States | volume = 1 | last = Abbot | first = Willis J.|author-link=Willis J. Abbot | publisher = Peter Fenelon Collier | year = 1896 | oclc = 3453791 | url = https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22305}}
* {{cite book |author-mask=2 | title = The Naval History of the United States | volume = 2 | last = Abbot | first = Willis J. | publisher = Peter Fenelon Collier | year = 1896 | oclc = 3453791 | url = https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26416}}
* {{cite book | last = Allen | first = Gardner Weld| title =Our Navy and the Barbary Corsairs| publisher = Houghton Mifflin| location = Boston, New York and Chicago | year = 1905| url =https://archive.org/details/ournavybarbaryco00alle| oclc = 2618279}}
* {{cite book |author-mask=2 | last = Allen | first = Gardner Weld | title = Our Naval War With France | publisher = Houghton Mifflin| location = Boston and New York | year = 1909 | url = https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_n2kSAAAAYAAJ | oclc = 1202325}}
* {{cite web|title=The Naval War of 1812 Illustrated|url=http://www.naval-war-of-1812-illustrated.org/|publisher=Video Produced by American Society of Marine Artists|access-date=17 June 2014|year=2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630001220/http://www.naval-war-of-1812-illustrated.org/|archive-date=30 June 2014}}
* {{cite book | last = Beach | first = Edward L. | author-link = Edward L. Beach Jr. | title = The United States Navy: 200 Years | publisher = H. Holt | location = New York | year = 1986 | isbn = 978-0-03-044711-2 | oclc = 12104038 | url = https://archive.org/details/unitedstatesnavy00beac }}
* {{Cite report |url=https://npshistory.com/publications/bost/hrs-charlestown-navy-yard-1.pdf |title=Charlestown Navy Yard Historic Resource Study |last=Carlson |first=Stephen P. |date= |year=2010 |publisher=Division of Cultural Resources, Boston National Historical Park |volume=1}}
* {{cite journal | last = Carpenter | first = Edward J. | title = Old Ironsides | journal = The New England Magazine | volume = 23 | issue = 3 |date=November 1897 | url = http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/ncps:@field(DOCID+@lit(AFJ3026-0023-40))::
|type=Uncorrected [[Optical character recognition|OCR]] text | pages = 263–282}}
* {{Colledge: Ships RN|year=2006}}
* {{cite book|isbn=978-1-58979-160-2|oclc=54778453|title=Old Ironsides: Eagle of the Sea: The Story of the USS Constitution|last=Fitz-Enz|first=David G.|publisher=Taylor Trade Publishing|location=Lanham|year=2004|url=https://archive.org/details/oldironsideseagl00fitz}}
* {{cite book|first=Robert|last = Gardiner | title = Frigates of the Napoleonic Wars| publisher=Chatham Publishing|year=2006|location=London|isbn = 978-1-86176-292-4 | oclc = 65768049}}
* {{cite book | oclc = 1667284 | title = Twenty-Six Historic Ships | last = Hill | first = Frederic Stanhope | publisher = The Knickerbocker Press | year = 1905 | url = https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_aAMKAAAAIAAJ}}
* {{cite book | oclc = 2350400 | title = The Frigate Constitution; The Central Figure of the Navy Under Sail | url = https://archive.org/details/frigateconstitution00hollrich | last = Hollis | first = Ira N. | publisher = Houghton Mifflin | location = Boston, New York | year = 1900}}
* {{cite book | title = Tattered Ensign The Story of America's Most Famous Fighting Frigate, U.S.S. Constitution | last = Jennings | first = John
| publisher = Thomas Y. Crowell | year = 1966 | oclc = 1291484}}
* {{cite book | last1 = Maclay | edition =New| orig-date = 1893| first1 = Edgar Stanton | last2 = Smith | first2 = Roy Campbell | title = A History of the United States Navy, from 1775 to 1898 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=3tVCAAAAIAAJ | volume = 1| publisher = D. Appleton| location = New York | year = 1898 | oclc =609036}}
* {{cite book|author-mask=2|last1 = Maclay | edition =New| orig-date = 1893| first1 = Edgar Stanton| title = A History of the United States Navy, from 1775 to 1898 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=BthCAAAAIAAJ | volume =2| publisher = D. Appleton|location = New York | year = 1898 | oclc = 609036}}
* {{cite book | isbn = 978-1-55750-588-0 | oclc = 243901224 | title = A Most Fortunate Ship: A Narrative History of "Old Ironsides"|author-link=Tyrone G. Martin | last = Martin | first = Tyrone G. | publisher = [[Naval Institute Press]] | year = 1997}}
* {{cite book | last = Roosevelt | first = Theodore |author-link = Theodore Roosevelt | title = The Naval War of 1812 or The History of the United States Navy During the Last War with Great Britain | year = 1883 | edition = 3rd | orig-date = 1882 | location = New York | publisher = G.P. Putnam's sons | url = https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Fb1CAAAAYAAJ | oclc = 133902576}}
* {{cite journal|last=Tashjian|first=James H.|date=Autumn 1975|title=A Bicentennial History of the Armenian Community of Massachusetts|journal=Armenian Review|volume=28|issue=3–111|publisher=Hairenik Association|location=Boston}}
* {{cite book | isbn = 978-0-393-05847-5 | oclc = 70291925 | location = New York | title = Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the US Navy | last = Toll | first = Ian W | publisher = W. W. Norton | year = 2006 | url = https://archive.org/details/sixfrigatesepich00toll }}
* {{cite book | first = Nicholas | last = Tracy | title = Who's who in Nelson's Navy: 200 Naval Heroes | year = 2006|publisher = Chatham Publishing |location=London|isbn=978-1-86176-244-3|oclc=238896527}}
* {{cite book|isbn=978-1-84415-700-6|oclc=216617748|title=British Warships in the Age of Sail 1714–1792: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates
|last=Winfield|first=Rif|location=St. Paul|publisher=Seaforth / MBI|year=2007}}

==Further reading==
* [[Bibliography of early American naval history]]
* {{cite journal | last = Cooper | first = James Fenimore | author-link = James Fenimore Cooper | title = Old Ironsides | journal = Putnam's Monthly | volume = I | issue = V | date = May 1853 | url = http://external.oneonta.edu/cooper/texts/ironsides.html | access-date = 13 July 2008 | archive-date = 24 December 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161224083512/http://external.oneonta.edu/cooper/texts/ironsides.html }}
* {{cite book | isbn = 978-0-7838-9151-4 | title = Old Ironsides | last = Hoyt | first = Edwin Palmer|author-link=Edwin Palmer Hoyt | location = Thorndike | publisher = G.K. Hall | edition = Large print | year = 2000 | oclc = 44468774}}
* {{cite book | isbn = 978-1-877853-60-9 | title = The USS Constitution's Finest Fight: The Journal of Acting Chaplain Assheton Humphreys, US Navy | last = Humphreys | first = Assheton Y. | publisher = Nautical & Aviation Publishing | year = 2000 | location = Mount Pleasant | editor = Tyrone G. Martin | oclc = 44632941}}
* ''[[Scientific American]]'', 7 January 1882, [https://books.google.com/books?id=zoE9AQAAIAAJ "Old Ironsides" Retired]. pp 5.
* {{cite book | isbn = 978-0-516-24207-1 | oclc = 50035427 | type = Elementary and Junior High School | title = Old Ironsides | location = New York | last = Wachtel | first = Roger | publisher = Childrens Press | year = 2003 | url = https://archive.org/details/oldironsides0000wach }}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides")}}
{{NIE poster|Constitution, The|USS Constitution}}
* {{Official website|https://www.navy.mil/uss-constitution/}}
* [http://www.thecaptainsclerk.com/ The Captain's Clerk] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823150424/http://www.captainsclerk.info/ |date=23 August 2012 }})&nbsp;– Extensive sources including ship logs, personnel rosters and research information
* [http://www.historicphotography.com/uss_constitution_old_ironsides_i.htm ''Constitution'' and ''Grebe'' in Houston, 1932] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103092440/http://www.historicphotography.com/uss_constitution_old_ironsides_i.htm |date=3 November 2012 }}
* [http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/us_navy_pages/sailing_ships/constitution/uss_constitution.htm Maritimequest ''Constitution'' Photo Gallery]
* [https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/major-events/world-cruise-1844-1846/ ''Uss Constitution Museum, World Tour Article'']

{{S-start}}
{{s-bef|before = [[Copp's Hill]]}}
{{s-ttl|title = Locations along Boston's [[Freedom Trail]]|years = '''USS ''Constitution'''''}}
{{s-aft|after = [[Bunker Hill Monument]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{USN Original Six}}
{{Oldest surviving ships (pre-1919)}}
{{BostonMA}}
{{Boston landmarks}}
{{1812 shipwrecks}}
{{1823 shipwrecks}}
{{1879 shipwrecks}}
{{Constitution of the United States}}
{{NHLs in MA}}
{{NRHP in Suffolk County, Massachusetts}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Constitution, Uss}}
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