Plankowner
Posts: 9165
Location: Upper lefthand corner of the map. | Subject: 212 years ago today
October 21, 1797 US Navy frigate Constitution, 'Old Ironsides', launched in Boston.
In March 1796, as construction of Constitution slowly progressed, a peace accord was announced between the United States and Algiers and, in accordance with the Naval Act of 1794, construction was halted. After some debate and prompting by President Washington, Congress agreed to continue to fund the construction of the three ships nearest to completion: United States, Constellation and Constitution. Constitution's launching ceremony on 20 September 1797 was attended by then President John Adams and Massachusetts Governor Increase Sumner. Upon launch, she only slid down the ways 27 feet before stopping. Her weight caused the ways to settle into the ground, preventing further movement. An attempt two days later only resulted in an additional 31 feet of travel before stopping on the ways. 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.
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The USS Constitution celebrates Old Ironsides’ 212th birthday this morning with a 17-gun salute and a 90-minute tour of the Boston Harbor.
The world’s oldest warship afloat leaves for its voyage at 8 a.m. with Cmdr. Timothy Cooper at the helm.
“We’re taking the ship out to sea to pay homage to her history and unique accomplishments in service to the United States,” said Cooper, who assumed command of the vessel on July 24. “This is my first time going underway aboard Old Ironsides as the ship’s captain so, I am very excited about this opportunity to take the ship out to the harbor, which are few.”
The last time the ship was underway was July 4 for its traditional turnaround voyage. That trip was celebrated with a 21-gun salute.
Pier One and Hoosac Pier in Charlestown are the best places to view the voyage. |
212 years ago today
