Ron J
Active member
Visited Constitution Park, in Boston,last Sunday,while snooping around back streets looking for the unusual. Been 30 yrs since i visited last,although flying by it,whenever traveling thru Boston. I was fortunate enough in 1997 to see her "Sail" off Marblehead Harbor,from my 21' Larson. She was "Tethered" to a Tug,just in case there was a problem. I believe this was the first time Old Ironsides has left Boston,since 1934! [attachment 49678 Constitution101.jpg] A little history lesson here: Launched 1797,with a useful life expectancy of about 15/20 years! Surprise!! She is STILL a commissioned Warship in the US Navy,and the oldest afloat in the World! Length head to toe: 204',at waterline,175', Beam (width)43'6",weighing 2200 tons. First Captain, was Samuel Nicholson,buried by the way,at The Old North Church,of Paul Revere,fame. Have any idea,WHY?,She was built?? Becaussssseeeee,remember,before the American Revolution,America had a large fleet of Merchant Vessels,sailing and trading all over Europe,and Africa,the East Indies an such.At that time the Fleet was protected by THE ROYAL NAVY! After the REVOLUTION, our independent country had no protection at sea.
The Barbary Pirates would take our ships,and merchandise,and our EX-pals,the British,dragged their red arses slowly from America,and also harassed our Merchant Ships.They would board them,and "draft" our sailors,into their Navy! So,in 1794,Good OL, Uncle George Washington,our First President,signed "An act to provide a Naval Armament" 6 Frigates,thus creating the US Navy!
They were to protect our American Merchant Fleet from both groups of Scoundrels! How's that? 
AND INDEED THEY DID! [attachment 49679 Constitution102.jpg][attachment 49680 Constitution103.jpg][attachment 49681 Constitution104.jpg][attachment 49682 Constitution105.jpg][attachment 49683 Constitution059.jpg]
The Barbary Pirates would take our ships,and merchandise,and our EX-pals,the British,dragged their red arses slowly from America,and also harassed our Merchant Ships.They would board them,and "draft" our sailors,into their Navy! So,in 1794,Good OL, Uncle George Washington,our First President,signed "An act to provide a Naval Armament" 6 Frigates,thus creating the US Navy! They were to protect our American Merchant Fleet from both groups of Scoundrels! How's that? AND INDEED THEY DID! [attachment 49679 Constitution102.jpg][attachment 49680 Constitution103.jpg][attachment 49681 Constitution104.jpg][attachment 49682 Constitution105.jpg][attachment 49683 Constitution059.jpg]
