Sunday, January 26, 2014

USS Constitution

Location: Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts

Features: USS Constitution is open for self-tours of the deck and guided tours of the lower decks.  USS Constitution museum contains excellent exhibits, demonstrations, model ship building, films, library and gift shop.

History: The USS Constitution or "Old Ironsides" is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat, launched in 1797.  She is most famous for her actions against the British during the War of 1812.  Since that time the ship has been used in a variety of roles including life as a training ship during the American Civil War, as a ship of state and as a museum ship.  After numerous repairs over the past 200 years, the Constitution is now restored to her appearance during the 1812 period in celebration of the war's bicentennial.

Traveler's Notes: Standing on the deck of a 200 year old frigate is as close to the experience of entering a time machine as one can get.  The ship is more than just a piece of history, it is a piece of the past that has to be kept alive by the knowledge of her craftsman and skill of her crew.  This spirit of tradition permeates the Constitution and allows you to experience a different age as it was lived. Without the continued dedication of these preservationists this will all be lost to us.

Resources: http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/index.htmlhttp://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/





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