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10 unusual facts about USS Constitution


1830 in poetry

Oliver Wendell Holmes, "Old Ironsides", written after the author becomes angry that the USS Constitution, a navy ship that had seen service in the Tripolitan War and the War of 1812 was to be scrapped; first published in the Boston Daily Advertiser and reprinted nationwide, the poem saved the ship from destruction.

Avondale House

The American Room is dedicated to Admiral Charles Stewart (1778-1869), Parnell's American grandfather who commanded the USS Constitution (now moored in Boston Harbor) during the War of 1812.

Dominique Lefèbvre

The US Captain John Percival of the USS Constitution failed in his attempts to have him released, but managed to inform Admiral Jean-Baptiste Cécille who obtained his release.

Henry Ducie Chads

In December 1812, as senior Lieutenant of the frigate HMS Java, he distinguished himself in the battle between that ship and the American frigate Constitution.

Henry Lambert

Lambert is best known however for being captain of the frigate HMS Java on 29 December 1812 when she was captured in the Mid-Atlantic by USS Constitution during the War of 1812.

On 29 December, Java was attacked by the larger American frigate USS Constitution and captured in a bitter battle, Lambert opting to engage the American ship rather than flee in the hope of inflicting such damage that Constitution would be forced to retire to the US for repairs.

Pont Reading

Humphreys is most notable for his design of the famous USS Constitution, or "Old Ironsides".

Sir Thomas Hislop, 1st Baronet

On 29 December 1812, Java was intercepted in the Atlantic by USS Constitution and captured, Hislop made a prisoner.

The Far Side of the World

The design and size of the fictional Acheron reflect those of the USS Constitution.

Thiệu Trị

In 1845, this almost prompted a clash between Vietnam and the American warship USS Constitution who attempted to force Trị to free the missionary Dominique Lefèbvre, who had repeatedly come to Vietnam illegally multiple times.


Archibald Henderson

Born in Colchester, Fairfax County, Virginia to successful merchant Alexander Henderson, Archibald Henderson was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on 4 June 1806 and served aboard USS Constitution during his famous victories in the War of 1812.

William Tudor

Six of their children survived infancy and early childhood: William Tudor (1779-1830); John Henry (1782–1802), who roomed with Washington Allston at Harvard; Frederic (September 4, 1783–February 6, 1864); Emma Jane (1785–1865), who married Robert Hallowell Gardiner; Delia (1787–1861), who became the wife of Charles Stewart, captain of the USS Constitution; and Henry James (1791–1864).