USS

The USS Constitution has been a sailing ship in the US Navy since 1797. Built beginning in 1794 for a cost of $300+ milliion (1794 dollars!), it is the oldest sailing miliitary ship in the world (there is a UK ship that is older, but has been dry-docked).

Built of white oak and live oak, the ship proved impenetrable by enemy cannon fire durning the war of 1812, earning it the nickname "Old Ironsides." It currently floats in Boston Harbor, just a short ways from where it was built and originally floated.

If you have a chance to visit this piece of US history, and thank the current sailors for their service to our country, I recommend you take it!

© 2008 Mexipickle