U. S. Frigate "Constitution," constructed at Hartt's
shipyard, Boston, Massachusetts, in 1794-97 saw her
first service in the quasi war with France that year.
She fought successfully in the war against the Trip-
olitan Pirates (1801-05). She earned her place in
American Heritage during the War of 1812 when she
won a brilliant victory over the British Frigate
"Guerriere." Tradition has it that her crew, on see-
ing British shot failing to penetrate the oak sides of
the ship, dubbed her "Old Ironsides." Numerous
other equally notable victories followed. She was
condemned in 1828 but was saved when public senti-
ment was aroused by the poem "Old Ironsides" by
Oliver Wendell Holmes, a famous Massachusetts son.
She is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy.
B-13
1775-American Revolution Bicentennial-1975
Pub. by Tri-Con Colour, Southborough, Mass. 01772
Photograph 1972 Yankee Colour Corp.
19484
