USS Constitution

Address	Charlestown Navy Yard
Admission	Free
Hours	Winter, Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm / Summer, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Phone	617-242-5670
Website	www.ussconstitution.navy.mil

A faithful servant of the United States Navy for over 200 years, the USS Constitution sits peacefully on Boston Harbor. Like many monuments in Boston, she is a major symbol of the city’s significant role in the early developmental years of America. Commissioned by President George Washington to defend American interests abroad, the USS Constitution has seen the world through both war and peace. She earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812, when cannonballs from an enemy British ship appeared to bounce harmlessly off of her sides. The live oak, white oak, and yellow pine construction held strong, and the USS Constitution emerged victoriously from the battle. Today, she is honored in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat.

Roughly every half hour, experienced and active Navy sailors conduct tours around the ship to give you a glimpse of life at sea. While the tours are insightful and interesting, the rich history of the ship cannot be encompassed in a half hour. To properly celebrate the ship and all of its glory, you should take time to visit the USS Constitution Museum, located just a short walk away. A visit to the museum is more of an independent experience, but knowledgeable staff members are always on hand to answer questions and provide assistance. As you walk through the various rooms, the museum provides interactive activities, such as hoisting a sail and maneuvering a ship’s helm. The USS Constitution museum is flooded with artifacts, such as the ship’s log, flags, and various images captured throughout the years. While “Old Ironsides” is in a state of retirement, sailors still occupy its quarters, as it is the most prized possession of the United States Navy.