Timeline
Oct. 21, 1797
USS Constitution launched and christened at Edmond Hartt’s Shipyard,
Boston.
Aug. 1798
Ordered into action in the Quasi-War with France.
1803–1806
Flagship, Mediterranean Squadron, Tripolitan War.
1812–1815
War with Great Britain.
Aug. 18, 1812
Defeats 49-gun British frigate Guerriere. Crew bestows her with 'Old
Ironsides' nickname.
Dec. 29, 1812
Captures British frigate Java and five smaller vessels.
1828-1830
Laid up at Boston and condemned by naval commissioners, she was saved
by a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes.
March 1844
Begins 30-month voyage around the world.
1931-1934
National cruise takes 'Old Ironsides' to 90 American cities, returns to
her place of honor in Boston harbor.
March 1996-1997
Completes 44-month restoration. Crew prepares for historic sail in July
1997, and 'Old Ironsides' turns 200 Oct. 21, 1997.