We recently posted about OpSail 2012 and Boston’s weeklong celebration of the USS Constitution and the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The USS Constitution, nicknamed “Old Ironsides” after British round shot bounced off her oak planks, is the world’s … Continue reading
Tag Archives: USS Constitution
Beginning this Saturday, Boston Harbor will once again be filled with tall masts and square sails. OpSail Boston 2012 is celebrating the USS Constitution and the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The USS Constitution, nicknamed “Old Ironsides” after British round shot bounced off her oak planks, … Continue reading
Thanks to Maritime Great Britain for reminding us that today is indeed Trafalgar Day, commemorating Nelson’s victory over the French and Spanish fleets and his tragic death at the Battle of Trafalgar on this day in 1805. They also reminded us that on this day in … Continue reading
Hurricane Irene has swept past, not as bad as she could have been, but bad enough, nevertheless. Downgraded to a tropical storm by 9AM this morning, she still caused significant flooding on the East coast, hitting Philadelphia particularly hard. The city, situated between the Delaware … Continue reading
Bragging rights are kind of fun. Whether they mean anything or not is often an open question. How one strings together the adjective phrases can make all the difference. For example, HMS Victory is said to be “the oldest commissioned … Continue reading
Last Sunday, we posted about the authorization for the construction of the first six frigates for the US Navy in 1794. The folks at Maritime Great Britain were kind enough to pass along two related stories. … Continue reading
The Boston Globe has documented the boarding of the USS Constitution by a Redcoat! During her long years of active duty, the USS Constitution, known as Old Ironsides, was never successfully boarded by enemy marines. Yet, here we see the … Continue reading