Engagement between the H.M.S. Guerriere and the U.S.S. Constitution

The USF Constitution was built by George Claighorne, and launched on October 21, 1797 at Boston. The USF Constitution had a length of 175 feet between perpendiculars, 43'-6" beam and a draft of 18 feet. She displaces 2200 tons fully loaded and ready for sea. At the beginning of the War of 1812 the USF Constitution was fitted and ready to go but with no crew. Under the auspices of Captain Hull a crew was assembled and the USF Constitution set out to sea on 5 July 1812. He defeated three British ships within a couple of months and earned American confidence in their young navy. One of these battles was against the British ship Guerriere. After a ferocious battle capturing one of the British frigate HMS Guerriere. It was during this battle she earned the nickname "Old Ironsides".