USS Constitution

Park Old Ironsides: historic US Navy frigate berthed in Boston

USS Constitution, moored at Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard, is the oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat; the ship and adjacent museum offer guided tours, naval history displays and scheduled demonstrations.

USS Constitution is a U.S. Navy frigate launched in 1797 and berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston; it is widely known by the nickname “Old Ironsides” and remains a commissioned naval vessel. The ship is an iconic example of early American naval architecture and naval victories in the War of 1812.

Visitors see the preserved hull, decks and rigging and can view interpretive exhibits at the adjacent museum; the vessel is maintained by the Navy and National Park Service. The ship participated in major early 19th-century naval actions and survives as a museum ship and working symbol.

Built in the late 18th century for the United States Navy, the frigate saw active service in conflicts including the War of 1812, when it captured several enemy vessels. It has undergone multiple restorations to conserve original timbers and rigging while allowing public access.

The ship is moored in the Charlestown section of Boston, Massachusetts, on the north side of the Charles River near the city center and accessible by the Freedom Trail and local transit.

Age and status: Launched in 1797, it is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat and retains active ceremonial status with a Navy crew aboard.
Visiting logistics: The ship is located at the Charlestown Navy Yard and is part of the Boston National Historical Park; public visiting hours are scheduled and subject to change for maintenance periods.

What to See #

USS Constitution: USS Constitution (the ship) - a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate launched in 1797 and nicknamed "Old Ironsides" for its service in the early US Navy.
USS Constitution Museum: USS Constitution Museum - a separate museum on the Charlestown Navy Yard waterfront with exhibitions on the ship's history, construction and naval service.

How to Get to USS Constitution #

The USS Constitution is moored in the Charlestown Navy Yard (Boston). Take the MBTA Orange Line to Community College station and walk to the Navy Yard (a short walk across Charlestown), or take a short taxi from North Station. During the warmer months there are also seasonal water ferries from downtown Boston that stop at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Tips for Visiting USS Constitution #

Arrive at the Charlestown Navy Yard early in the day to see USS Constitution before midday crowds and to secure a place on the ship's free guided tours if available - deck access and docent tours are offered on a first-come basis.
Check the Navy's and USS Constitution Museum's schedules before you go: the ship sometimes departs for scheduled underway periods or public events and will be closed to visitors on those dates.
Combine a visit to the ship with the nearby museum in the same Navy Yard; the museum's displays explain the vessel's history and the volunteer-led ship tours, and many visitors who see only the ship miss the museum's contextual exhibits.