Interpreting Old Ironsides: An Illustrated Guide to USS ConstitutionThis work is a training manual for members of the crew of the 1797 United States frigate Constitution, the world's oldest warship in commission. The venerable vessel, which earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides," during the War of 1812, is today permanently berthed in the Charlestown Navy Yard, across the Charles River from its building site in Boston, Massachusetts. The historic frigate is open to visitors year round, with tours provided by the crew, active sailors in the United States Navy. The lessons in the manual are divided among three groups, corresponding to the three skill levels of the tour guides, Basic, Advanced, and Master. In addition to the chronology and major events in the history of USS Constitution, the manual explains the historical contexts in which those events took place. The text is written in an engaging and accessible manner that will make it attractive to anyone interested in USS Constitution or in the early U.S. Navy in general. |
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½ past action American anchors Appendices battle Boats Boston breezes brig British broadside captain carronades chace Charles Stewart chase coast Colours commanding officer commenced Commodore Congress Constitution captures Constitution's court martial crew cruise duty Enemy Enemy's engagement fire fleet Fore frigate Frigate Constitution frigate's full dress Guerriere gun deck gunner hauled Historical Center photograph HMS Cyane hoisted Hornet Isaac Hull Java lace Lake lappels larboard leeward Levant Lieutenant logbook long guns Marines martial shall adjudge mast mates midshipmen Mizen Naval Historical Center navy buttons Navy Department Navy's Old Ironsides orders port President prize punishment purser quarter Quasi-War raking receive repair rigging Royal Navy Sailors seamen Secretary ship's company shot spars squadron standing collar station staysail stern Studding Sails surgeon tion Top Gallant topmast Topsails U.S. frigate U.S. Naval Academy U.S. Navy United warships weather William Bainbridge wind windward wounded