The Story of Old Ironsides
The USS Constitution was built in Boston, MA in 1797. She was one of the first of the original six frigates that made up the US. Navy. She carried 44 guns and a crew of more than 450. During the War of 1812, the Constitution won several important victories over the British, demonstrating that the new American Navy could stand up to the greatest sea power in the world
USS Constitution vs. HMS Java, 1812
oil on canvas, 30" x 40”
Patrick O’Brien
This painting depicts Constitution’s victory over HMS Java, a frigate of 38 guns. The Constitution encountered the Java about 30 miles off the coast of Brazil on December 29, 1812. Her captain, Commodore William Bainbridge, maneuvered for position and opened fire from about a half a mile away. The two ships traded broadsides, and the Java had the better of it at first, but after three and a half hours, the Constitution's overwhelming firepower and superior gunnery had reduced the Java to a hulk, her masts shot away and her captain mortally wounded. The Java was too badly damaged to be saved, so after taking the remaining British sailors as prisoners, and taking the ship's wheel to replace his own shattered wheel, Commodore Bainbridge burned and sank the British ship. The Constitution returned to Boston to a hero’s welcome.
USS Constitution vs. HMS Java, 1812 (detail)
by Patrick O’Brien
Patrick O'Brien is an award-winning artist whose striking paintings of the classic age of fighting sail and the New York Waterfront have garnered him acclaim in the field.
Why was she nicknamed Old Ironsides?
USS Constitution's unique construction made it a formidable and powerful ship that earned the nickname Old Ironsides due to its impressively strong and durable hull. The heavy oak timber used had a density of 75 pounds per cubic foot, making it heavier than water, heavier than most other common timbers. The huge internal braces of the ship were cut in solid pieces from individual trees, as opposed to being compositely joined on site The ship was under the command of Commodore Isaac Hull (1773-1843) of Derby, Connecticut, when he tested her mettle against HMS Guerriere off Nova Scotia on August 19, 1812. The vessels were just 50 feet apart when they began firing savage broadsides at each other. While Guerriere was heavily damaged, her crew watched their cannon balls 'bounce off the Constitution's hull prompting one to exclaim "Her hulls are made of iron!"
The USS Constitution currently sits afloat in the Charlestown Navy Yard in the waters of the Boston harbor. It is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. Thanks to the creation of the USS Constitution Museum in 1972, many people have had the opportunity to step onboard the famed ship where brave Americans fought off the powerful British Navy over 200 years ago.
