The U.S.S. Constitution -- called "Old Ironsides" because bullets weren't able to penetrate her tough oak sides -- was among the original six frigates that made up the United States Navy. Built for a crew of 450, armed with 44 guns, she was christened and launched in 1797. On August 19, 1812 the USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia. A heartening early victory for the United States in the War of 1812 against Great Britain. Here are the accounts of the battle by the captains of the ships.



Here is a painting of the engagement by Craig Slaff.



And here is the poem written by Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1830 on hearing of proposed plans to scrap the ship.



OLD IRONSIDES



Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!

Long has it waved on high,

And many an eye has danced to see

That banner in the sky;

Beneath it rung the battle shout,

And burst the cannon's roar;

The meteor of the ocean air

Shall sweep the clouds no more.



Her deck, once red with heroes' blood,

Where knelt the vanquished foe,

When winds were hurrying o'er the flood,

And waves were white below,

No more shall feel the victor's tread,

Or know the conquered knee;

The harpies of the shore shall pluck

The eagle of the sea!



Oh, better that her shattered bulk

Should sink beneath the wave;

Her thunders shook the mighty deep,

And there should be her grave;

Nail to the mast her holy flag,

Set every threadbare sail,

And give her to the god of storms,

The lightning and the gale!