Irish Connections to the USS Constitution in Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard

America’s oldest commissioned ship, the USS Constitution, was first launched on October 21, 1797, and is  berthed in the Charlestown Navy Yard.  The USS Constitution is operated by the US Navy, a partner of the National Historic Parks of Boston.

Known as Old Ironsides for its durability during battle, the USS Constitution was commanded in the War of 1812 by Commodore Charles Stewart, who was awarded a congressional gold medal for his leadership. Commodore Stewart was the grandfather of Ireland’s famous Home Rule leader, Charles Stewart Parnell and poet Fanny Parnell.

Of the many Irish sailors served on the Constitution, Irish-born Daniel Hogan was perhaps the most famous, according to the USS Constitution Museum. During a heated battle with the British frigate Guerriere, the American flag was shot from the masthead. Hogan climbed the rigging and amid gunfire he tied the flag back in place, so the battle could continue. In 1919, the US Navy named a ship, the USS Hogan, in Hogan’s honor.

On January 21, 2022, Commander Billie J. Farrell became the USS Constitution’s 77th Commanding Officer, the first woman to serve in this illustrious role in the ship’s 224-year history.

The USS Constitution is part of Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail.