USS CONSITITUTION (OLD IRONSIDES) SETS SAIL

SAILING HISTORY – The world’s oldest commissioned warship set sail under its own power for just the second time in more than a century today, to commemorate the battle that won it the nickname “Old Ironsides.” (War of 1812).

The short trip marks the day two centuries ago when the Constitution bested the British frigate HMS Guerriere in a fierce battle during the War of 1812. It follows a three-year restoration project and is the first time the Constitution has been to sea on its own since its 200th birthday in 1997.

Before that, it hadn’t sailed under its own power since 1881.