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USS Constitution Museum
Established in 1800, Charlestown Navy Yard served the fleet with
distinction--especially proving its worth in each of the nation's
wars--until its closing in 1974. The men and women of its workforce built
more than 200 warships and maintained and repaired thousands. From its
inception the yard was in the forefront of shipyard technology, from
building the Navy's only ropewalk to making itself a center of missile and
electronics conversions. In its 174-year history, Charlestown Navy Yard
played an important role in the birth, growth, and continued effectiveness
of the U.S. Navy
Interpretive
Marker (Dedication)
Interpretive
Marker (Working in the Yard)
Interpretive
Marker (The Changing Yard) |
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USS
Constitution at Pier 1
Interpretive
Marker (Serving the Fleet)
Civil War History, Courtesy of Official Homepage
1855-1860: Her days of regular operational duties are over. "Old
Ironsides" is laid up at the Navy Yard in Portsmouth, NH, for conversion
into a training ship
1860: August 1 The CONSTITUTION begins a decade-long stint as a
school ship at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD
1861: April 21 Clear threats are made against her safety
upon the outbreak of the Civil War. As preparations are being made for her
movement farther north, a group of Massachusetts volunteer soldiers arrives
at Annapolis onboard the steamer MARYLAND. Several companies of these troops
are placed onboard the CONSTITUTION; unfortunately, the ship runs aground as
they try to leave harbor. After some difficulty, she is towed by the steamer
BOSTON into deeper water. On April 26 she begins a three-day trip to New
York, towed by the steam gunboat R.R. CUYLER
1861-1865: The CONSTITUTION moves to Newport, RI, where the Naval
Academy relocates. She resumes duty as a training ship for the duration of
the Civil War
1865: August "Old Ironsides" moves back to Annapolis, along with the
rest of the Naval Academy, after the end of the war. During the voyage she
proves faster than her tug, and is allowed to continue alone under sail. At
one point, despite her age, she is recorded running at nine knots; she
arrives at Hampton Roads ten hours ahead of the steam tug
See
Official
Homepage for complete history |
