USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is a wooden hulled, three masted heavy frigate in the United States Navy. It is one of six original frigate authorized by the Naval Act of 1794 and named by George Washington after the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution was launched in 1797 and was the third frigate constructed. It was built in the shipyards at Boston, Massachusetts. She originally saw duty in the Quasi-War with France and was used to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. Her most famous actions were during the War of 1812. She defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane and Levant. The battle with the Guerriere is where she earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" and the adoration of the public which has saved her from being scrapped numerous times. The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned naval vessel on earth. She has a crew of 60 officers and sailors who keep the vessel open year round and provide free tours. They officers and crew are all active duty navy personnel. The command of the vessel is assigned to a navy commander and the ship is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard at one end of Boston's Freedom Trail.

What does this have to do with yesterday's post. The primary materials used in her construction were pine and oak. The oak included Southern Live Oak which was cut and milled near St. Simons, Georgia. Of course, down here in Georgia no construction material was as important as the Southern Live Oak. It is the material credited here with giving the ship the strength to have opposing ship's cannonballs bounce off her sides. Given how tough these trees seem to be I have no reason to argue with the locals about this issue. In total 60 acres of trees were used in her construction. As a side note Paul Revere forged the copper bolts and breasthooks for the USS Constitution. The story of Old Ironsides is a long and glorious story. I shall not retell it here but encourage you to go to Wikipedia and read the rather lengthy article for the USS Constitution. Here is a picture of that beautiful ship under sail.