USS CONSTITUTION

an American warship launched in 1797 and regarded by Americans as the most famous ship in the history of the US Navy. She was named "Old Ironsides" by sailors in 1812 when British shot failed to penetrate the side of the ship in battle with the British. USS is an abbreviation for United States ship. —SHSBC Binder 3 Approved Glossary

a United States Navy sailing ship originally launched in 1797 and used throughout the early 1800s. The Constitution was a frigate (a fast and heavily armed naval vessel), had 44 cannons and was one of the most famous ships in the history of the US Navy. It was used in the war of 1812 (a war between the United States and Britain between 1812 and 1815 over the rights of the United States at sea, as Britain, who was at war with France, had been stopping US ships at sea and seizing American seaman for service in the British Navy). During this war the ship defeated several British ships including the Guerriere, disabling it within thirty minutes. In the exchange of fire an American sailor is said to have noticed a shot bouncing off the oak sides of the Constitution thus prompting the name "Old Ironsides." The Constitution was later put on exhibition in Boston, where it was originally built.an American warship launched in 1797 and regarded by Americans as the most famous ship in the history of the US Navy. She was named "Old Ironsides" by sailors in 1812 when British shot failed to penetrate the side of the ship in battle with the British. USS is an abbreviation for United States ship.