Have you ever been to Boston Harbor to see the USS Constitution? It is the world’s oldest warship that is still afloat and can operate under its own power.
Photo by Catherine Kerr on Unsplash
One of six ships commissioned in 1794 by the United States, it was built in Boston in 1797. The three-masted wooden war ship was nicknamed “Old Ironsides.”
Why did I blog about the USS Constitution today?
Today is the 212th anniversary of the first time the USS Constitution engaged in battle against a British warship. That ship was the HMS Guerriere.
Just the facts, ma’am
In researching today’s topic, I found the website for Naval History and Heritage Command (https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/ships/original-frigates/uss-constitution-americas-ship-of-state/background-for-media/fact-sheet.html) and I recommend it if you are interested in some of the minute details of the USS Constitution. On that site you will find the ship’s measurements and many details that mean little to me because I know almost nothing about ships.
I few of the facts grabbed my attention, though. I had no idea how large the USS Constitution is. It boggles my mind to think of some of the ship’s statistics considering it was built in the late 18th century.
For instance, it is 305 feet long! That’s a little more than the length of an American football field. Its main mast is now 172 feet tall. It has 48 sails, which is equal to an acre of canvas.
Photo by David Trinks on Unsplash
In 1812, the crew of the USS Constitution was more than 405 sailors and marines. What surprised me the most, though, was that today it has a crew of three officers and more than 85 enlisted U.S. Navy men and women.
Since my last blog post
We continue to have a lot of rain in the southern piedmont of North Carolina. We have a rain gauge in our yard. From July 12 through August 12 we had a little more than 16 inches of rain! We have some beautiful green moss and a variety of colorful mushrooms in our yard. I wish we could send some of this rain to put out some wild fires in the western states.
School started in the county in which I live last Tuesday, which served as a rude awakening for me that the summer months are flying by much faster than I would like.
Until my next blog post
I hope you are reading a good book that you’re eager to get back to when you finish reading my blog post.
Spend time with friends and family.
Remember the people of Ukraine.
If you’ve ever visited the USS Constitution, I’d love to hear what your memories are. What about it impressed or surprised you the most?
Janet
Janet's Writing Blog 
Beautifully narrated naval war history! I am learning so much from these types of posts. Phenomenal! And yes, rain has been falling three times as much as I can remember, in your area as in mine. I remember floods when I lived in Miami where it always rained, but water did not flow like rivers that moved cars and buses like what I see now in many cities. Anyways I am close to finishing my second book of the summer, of course by Anne Hillerman, my favourite live author. I hope your weather continues to improve. It is still quite hot in this area of the Aegean Sea, but cooling off substantially and at the same time the days are sunny and the skies are now turning blue (they were grey for the duration of July and the first part of August). Looking forward to September when the hoards of children and tourists go back home to do some more outdoor activities, do some kayaking and sailing. In the meantime I am working in my makeshift studio here. All the best to you.
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Janet, we visited the USS Constitution in 1985. Fascinating ship. The one thing I remember was that it looked like brand new; everything was spit and polish!
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That’s amazing, Jim! I guess that large crew has lots of cleaning and polishing to do! So glad you got to see it. Thanks for sharing your memories!
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Thank you, Francis. I’m learning a lot as I research them, too! Summer is winding down here, too. Schools in my county started last Tuesday, so people are getting back in their routines. Glad you’re painting and still working in some reading. I’m reading Whoopi Goldberg’s memoir and learning a lot about the enormous influence her mother had on her. I’m also reading a book of short stories by Amor Towles, which is delightful reading so far. Marie just finished The Way of the Bear, by your new favorite live author. I think she’s read them all and now must wait for the next book.
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That is one impressive ship Janet! Enjoyed reading the history about it. 16” of rain, that’s crazy!
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Wonderful! Yes I think here children go back to school at the end of August. September is more peaceful. Yesterday I started her third book Song of the Lion. Well enjoy those two wonderful books you are reading. Enjoy the week and all the best to you and Marie.
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I haven’t been. Thanks for the wonderful post, Janet.❤️
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I haven’t either, Laleh, and I doubt I’ll ever get to Boston now.
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You’ll be through that entire series of books before long. I’m so glad you’ve made time to read while on your summer (working) holiday! Enjoy your weekend.
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I really look forward to the series and you are right, I probably will. Thank you so much Janet. All the best.
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