August 19, 1812

On this day in history in 1812 the U.S. Navy frigate Constitution earned its nickname of Old Ironsides.

A Ship of History

The USS Constitution in Boston Harbor in 2014. She's the world's oldest ship that is still afloat.

The USS Constitution is a three-masted wooden-hulled frigate. She's the world's oldest ship that is still afloat. She was launched in 1797 after the Navy authorized the construction of six frigates under the Naval Act of 1794. Her name was chosen by President George Washington among ten choices that were submitted to him. She was built at a shipyard in Boston and her first duties were to protect American merchants.

The Constitution's most notable actions occurred during the War of 1812. The war was fought between the United States against the United Kingdom. Native Americans were split between helping the two sides depending on who they were allied with. There was also some participation by Spain in Florida. The war arose over tensions regarding territorial expansion in the United States and the British were supporting Native American tribes who opposed the expansion.

Making a Name for Herself

During the War of 1812 the Constitution defeated the British frigate Guerrière off the coast of Nova Scotia. Those who saw the battle said the British shots just bounced off the Constitution's sides. It appeared to the witnesses as though the ship was made of iron rather than wood and from that battle the Constitution became "Old Ironsides." By the end of the war she destroyed or captured seven more British ships. Her success against the superior Royal Navy gave a huge morale boost to the United States.