THE USS CONSTITUTION - FREEDOMS VICTORIOUS EAGLE OF THE OCEAN SEAS

The U.S.S. Constitution, a three-mast frigate, is the world’s oldest commissioned warship. Built primarily with dense southern live oak, its hull was 21 inches thick in an era when 18 inches was common. Paul Revere forged the copper spikes and bolts that held the planks in place. The 204-foot-long ship was first put to sea in 1798 and its most famous era of naval warfare was the War of 1812 against Britain, when it captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five warships, including the H.M.S. Guerriere. It was during the ferocious battle with the Guerriere that British seamen, astonished at how their cannonballs were bouncing off the Constitution’s hull, cried out, "Sir, Her sides are made from Iron!" Hence, the nickname, "Old Ironsides." The Constitution today is a national landmark and is currently docked in Boston. Lest we forget!!!

"OLD IRONSIDES."

By 0liver Wend Holmes.

 

Ay! pull her tattered ensign down,

Long has it waved on high,

And many a heart has danced to see

That banner in the sky;

Beneath it rung the battle shout,

And burst the cannon's roar—

The meteor of the ocean air

Shall sweep the clouds no more.

 

Her deck, once red with heroes' blood,

Where knelt the vanquished foe,

When winds were hurrying oe'r the flood

And waves were white below,

No more shall feel the conqueror's tread

Or know the conquered knee;

The harpies of the shore shall pluck

The eagle of the sea!

 

Oh better that her shattered hulk

Should sink beneath the wave;

Her thunders shook the mighty deep

And there should be her grave.

Nail to the mast her holy flag,

Set every threadbare sail,

And give her to the god of storms-

The lightning and the gale!