The USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, was first launched on October 21, 1797

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 has some important Irish connections.  During the War of 1812, the USS Constitution was commanded 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.

In the late 19th century, the USS Constitution was decommissioned and berthed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. Boston’s US Congressman John Fitzgerald joined other Bostonians who advocated that the ship remain in Boston, “where she was built, and from which port she sailed on all her victorious cruises.” 

The USS Constitution is part of Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail. Read more about the USS Constitution and the USS Constitution Museum.