U.S.S. Constitution fragments

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS-GAR-033

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of two wood fragments – one large, one small – from the U.S.S. Constitution (commonly referred to as Old Ironsides). The larger fragment has a label reading: "Old U.S.S. Constitution – Boston Navy yard (J.P.J)." The smaller has three labels: "Piece of the Constitution. Perry S.[?] Elliot"; "963"; and "75.1.22" (green label with modern hand).

Dates

Creation: approximately 1797

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Contact Special Collections for more information.

This collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical / Historical

The USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy, named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America. She is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Constitution was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.

Constitution is most noted for her actions during the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname of "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that repeatedly saved her from scrapping.

Historical information adapted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution, accessed 2018 February 27.

Extent

.23 Cubic Feet (1 flat box (12.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy, named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America. This collection consists of two wood fragments – one large, one small – from the U.S.S. Constitution (commonly referred to as Old Ironsides).