The Fourth in the Fighting Sail: A History of the United States Navy Frigate Constellation, 1797-1853

Design and Construction

The Constellation was designed by Joshua Humphreys, who was one of the most famous naval architects of his time. Humphreys was known for his innovative designs, and the Constellation was one of his most successful ships. She was a large and powerful frigate, with a displacement of 1,244 tons and a length of 164 feet. She was armed with 38 guns, including 24 18-pounders, 10 12-pounders, and 4 9-pounders.

The Constellation was built at the shipyard of George Claghorn in Baltimore, Maryland. She was launched on September 7, 1797, and completed in 1798. She was the fourth frigate to be built for the United States Navy, and she was named after the constellation of stars that is visible in the night sky.

Service History

The Constellation's first major engagement was the Quasi-War with France, which lasted from 1798 to 1800. During the war, the Constellation captured several French ships, including the frigate Insurgente. The Constellation also participated in the War of 1812, and she captured the British frigate HMS Java in 1812.

In addition to her wartime service, the Constellation also served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy. She was decommissioned in 1853, and she is now a museum ship at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland.

Legacy

The USS Constellation is one of the most famous ships in American naval history. She is a symbol of the United States Navy's early days, and she has served as a training ship for generations of naval officers. The Constellation is a National Historic Landmark, and she is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Baltimore, Maryland.