5 Little-Known Facts About “Old Ironsides”

Today the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat, USS Constitution has lots of surprises hiding in her sturdy old bones. One fact is that only 10 to 15 percent of those bones are original. Find out more of her secrets by watching this video. WATCH

By Soundings Editors

December 20, 2017

Named by President George Washington, USS Constitution is the oldest surviving commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Launched on October 21, 1791, the vessel was one of six of the original frigates authorized for construction under the Naval Act of 1794.

Nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” after cannonballs from the British warship Guerriere seemingly bounced off her hull, the heavy frigate was retired from active service in 1881.

This video by Military.Com supplies five little-known facts about the historic warship:

Today the ship is a platform for educational outreach programs and historical demonstrations that promote understanding of the Navy’s role in war and peace. You can find out more at the USS Constitution Museum website.