The last stop on the Freedom Trail is the USS Constitution. Launched in 1797 as one of six heavy frigates that would form the nation’s first official Navy, she is best known for her actions in the War or 1812. Her battle with the British ship HMS Guerriere earned her the nickname “Old Ironsides” because of her resistance to cannon fire. The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest ship of any type still afloat. She is still considered a fully commissioned Navy ship. Her crew of 60 Navy officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events, as well as providing free tours to the public. She is docked in Charlestown Navy Yard, where she heads out for ceremonial sails now and then.
I have visited the USS Constitution many times over the years. One time, we had a tour led by a sailor wearing an 18th century dress uniform. He told us tales that I haven’t heard in later visits, such as amputations were done when necessary by the cook because he had the sharpest knives. He also said that the amputation wounds were covered over with tar. I have often wondered what percentage of amputees actually survived their surgeries.
An active-duty Navy sailor dressed in 18th century uniform explains how a cannon is fired. It typically took a crew of three. Note that the ropes keep the cannon from rolling backwards across the ship after firing.
Off-duty Constitution sailors slept in close quarters on one of the lower decks. In the USS Constitution Museum adjacent to the ship, you’ll get to hop into a hammock and you’ll see exactly how close those hammocks are. If you try to clasp your hands behind your head, your elbows will be jabbing your neighbor!
The USS Constitution is located on the Charlestown Waterfront at 55 Chestnut Road. She is open to visitors from 10:00am to 4:00pm Tuesday through Sunday. Visitors will need to provide a government-issued photo ID and pass through security screening to board the vessel. Admission is free for both the ship and its museum. Please make sure to visit the museum to round out your knowledge of the Constitution, her history, and how her sailors lived and worked.
If you’re riding the MBTA Green subway line, the closest stop is North Station. You will then need to walk across the Zikam Bridge towards the North End and follow the Freedom Trail to the Navy Yard. From the MBTA Orange line, exit at the Bunker Hill stop. Drivers should use 1 Constitution Road in Charlestown for directions in their GPS system, but note that parking is limited to three parking garages in the nearby area. However, I find that the most convenient way to reach the USS Constitution is by the Charlestown Ferry, which takes you directly from Long Wharf in Boston to the Charlestown Navy Yard just steps from the Constitution. The fare for the Charlestown Ferry is $3.70.
Would you like to sail on the USS Constitution? The Navy holds a lottery once a year and a limited number of lucky visitors can join the Navy sailors for the ship’s annual Independence Day cruise. Lottery entries are typically accepted between March and May each year, with announcements of the lottery made on the USS Constitution’s Facebook page.
June 2021