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The USS Constitution in battle with the Guerriere.
On this Day: USS Constitution Earns Nickname ‘Old Ironsides’ in War of 1812
August 19, 2008 12:10 AM
by
findingDulcinea Staff
On August 19, 1812, the American frigate USS Constitution achieved a stunning defeat of British forces in the North Atlantic Ocean, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides.”
Email This‘Old Ironsides’ Is Born
During the afternoon hours of August 19, 1812, the USS Constitution engaged the British frigate Guerriere in one of the most epic battles of the War of 1812. Commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, the ship won an amazing victory against the British, providing a huge boost of morale for the fledgling American nation.
The battle took place when the British frigate and the USS Constitution met several hundred miles off the northeastern coast of the United States. Only about 50 yards apart, both ships began to fire their cannons directly into each other.
The attacks launched from the British ship were having little effect, however, as its cannon balls seemed to be deflected by the Constitution’s tough oak sides. Upon seeing this incredible sight, one of the crewmen on board the Constitution exclaimed: “Huzza, her sides are made of iron!” Thus, the legendary nickname “Old Ironsides” was born.
When all was said and done, the Americans had 14 casualties compared to Great Britain’s 79. The HMS Guerriere was so badly damaged that it had to be sunk after the surviving crewmembers were brought to safety. In celebration of the inspiring and motivating victory, the U.S. Congress awarded Captain Hull a special gold medal for his service.
The USS Constitution is one of the most renowned warships in American history. It was among the first frigates built for the U.S. Navy, launched for the first time in Boston on October 21, 1797. To this day, Old Ironsides is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat.
The battle took place when the British frigate and the USS Constitution met several hundred miles off the northeastern coast of the United States. Only about 50 yards apart, both ships began to fire their cannons directly into each other.
The attacks launched from the British ship were having little effect, however, as its cannon balls seemed to be deflected by the Constitution’s tough oak sides. Upon seeing this incredible sight, one of the crewmen on board the Constitution exclaimed: “Huzza, her sides are made of iron!” Thus, the legendary nickname “Old Ironsides” was born.
When all was said and done, the Americans had 14 casualties compared to Great Britain’s 79. The HMS Guerriere was so badly damaged that it had to be sunk after the surviving crewmembers were brought to safety. In celebration of the inspiring and motivating victory, the U.S. Congress awarded Captain Hull a special gold medal for his service.
The USS Constitution is one of the most renowned warships in American history. It was among the first frigates built for the U.S. Navy, launched for the first time in Boston on October 21, 1797. To this day, Old Ironsides is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat.
Historical Context: The War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain that began in 1812 and lasted until early 1815. The United States congress, backed by President James Madison, declared war on Britain after a series of economic sanctions that nearly crippled U.S. trade, and because of national outrage over the impressment of U.S. Navy members out at sea. While the United States focused on attacking British territories in North America and out at sea, Britain’s army was able to cause much damage to the Untied States. Among the worst losses to the U.S. was Britain’s march on Washington and the burning down of the White House and U.S. Capitol building. By 1814, the war was dragging on and had cost both countries massive amounts of resources. The United States sent a group of negotiators, including John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay, to Europe to negotiate a ceasefire. The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814, officially ending the war. It returned relations between the United States and Britain to their original status before the war. The U.S. did not gain or loose any territory, and the issue of impressment was not addressed.
Later Developments: A nation’s unyielding devotion
After the spectacular defeat of the British Royal Navy, Americans were thrilled and saw the USS Constitution as a symbol of their nation’s great honor and perseverance.
The beloved ship still remains afloat today in Boston, but it had to overcome some barriers. In September of 1830, a report in the Boston Daily Advertiser stated that the Navy had plans to scrap the USS Constitution after decades of service. It turned out that the report was inaccurate, and the U.S. did not in fact plan to destroy the famed ship. But poet Oliver Wendell Holmes published a poem in response to the article on September 16, 1830. His poem, entitled “Old Ironsides,” echoed the public outcry supporting the Constitution, and is often credited with saving the historically important ship.
By 1931, the ship was suffering from decay and neglect, detracting from its vestige of honor. Curtis Wilbur, a former Secretary of the Navy, set out to revamp the ship and bring it back into naval service. He sponsored the “collection of thousands of pennies from thousands of school children to pay for the reconstruction of this black, chunky relic.”
The USS Constitution currently sits afloat in the Charlestown Navy Yard in the waters of the Boston Harbor. Thanks to the creation of the USS Constitution Museum in 1972, many people have had the opportunity to step onboard the famed ship and visualize the place where brave Americans fought off the powerful British Navy almost 200 years ago.
The beloved ship still remains afloat today in Boston, but it had to overcome some barriers. In September of 1830, a report in the Boston Daily Advertiser stated that the Navy had plans to scrap the USS Constitution after decades of service. It turned out that the report was inaccurate, and the U.S. did not in fact plan to destroy the famed ship. But poet Oliver Wendell Holmes published a poem in response to the article on September 16, 1830. His poem, entitled “Old Ironsides,” echoed the public outcry supporting the Constitution, and is often credited with saving the historically important ship.
By 1931, the ship was suffering from decay and neglect, detracting from its vestige of honor. Curtis Wilbur, a former Secretary of the Navy, set out to revamp the ship and bring it back into naval service. He sponsored the “collection of thousands of pennies from thousands of school children to pay for the reconstruction of this black, chunky relic.”
The USS Constitution currently sits afloat in the Charlestown Navy Yard in the waters of the Boston Harbor. Thanks to the creation of the USS Constitution Museum in 1972, many people have had the opportunity to step onboard the famed ship and visualize the place where brave Americans fought off the powerful British Navy almost 200 years ago.
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