Mo's Manic Monday - Iron

Posted: Monday, September 01, 2008 by Travis Cody in
21

The graphic is by Janna from Jannagraphics.

Welcome to another Manic Monday with Morgen. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at It's A Blog Eat Blog World. Today's theme is Iron.

The USS Constitution was officially commissioned to service in the fledgling US Navy in 1797. She earned the nickname Old Ironsides in a battle against HMS Guerriere in 1812 when a cannon shot reportedly bounced off her hull.

She served on active duty until 1855, when she became a school ship for the US Naval Academy. She was never de-commissioned and has served variously as a training ship and a museum.

Old Ironsides has undergone numerous refittings and repairs to keep her seaworthy. And seaworthy she is. She is the oldest fully commissioned vessel afloat today. She is still owned and operated by the US Navy.

The ship is currently undergoing another reconstruction which should last through 2009. She remains open to the public during construction, which will restore her decking to the original white oak and yellow pine.



21 comments:

  1. Akelamalu says:

    That's a beautiful ship! Thanks for all that info Trav. :)

  1. Jan says:

    Just stopping by asking for prayers. I'm in Baton Rouge waiting for Gustav to hit. I hope to be back soon to visit your blog.
    Oh and Happy Birthday, Me! What a memorable birthday, huh?

  1. Linda says:

    Great post, Travis, you know I love all things history! Had a chance to see this fine ship fire off her cannon at sunset the last time I was in Boston visiting Mags. She's a beauty!

  1. TopChamp says:

    I didn't realise that manic monday was Iron. I went over this morning but saw something about a carnival.

    Now IRON is weird - coz i happened to post about it by chance anyway this morning.

    As to the boat - It's amazing.

  1. Anonymous says:

    Oh wow, this is a very cool ship. I would love to go visit this museum! :)

    Great post, Trav!

  1. old ironsides!!! great take on the theme trav! i enjoyed this!

    smiles, bee
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  1. I love these old ships. It was tragic in Britain a couple of years ago when the tea clipper, Cutty Sark, went up in flames.
    In those days, seamanship was just that.

  1. It is wonderful that they keep her afloat. Too often we just sweep history away.

  1. I didn't know this. I learn so much here. Thank you.

  1. lucy says:

    I almost posted the same topic but I did not like any of my pictures of her...walked her last summer. She is magnificent. Thank you for your post.

  1. Akelamalu: I love that ship and she's definitely on my list of things to see.

    Tookie: Thanks for stopping by dear. I hope all is well. And happy birthday!

    Linda: That must have been terrific to see!

    TC: I saw your post...too funny!

    CWM: Me too!

    Bee: First thing I thought of!

    Anthony: That's a shame. I'd love to see this old gal in motion.

    Jamie: I wasn't aware that she had never been de-commissioned.

    Mimi: You are most welcome dear.

    Lucy: I would love to walk her decks.

  1. Kimmie says:

    Hi Trav!
    What a great post for Iron. That is a magnificant ship and I loved the information you posted along with it. Very nice! :-)

    Thank You for the visit my friend.
    Hugs,
    Kimmie

  1. DrillerAA says:

    Nice take on the word and a nice piece of history.

  1. Jeff B says:

    I had no idea that it had never been de-comissioned. To have a ship still sea worty that is nearly as old as our country is pretty amazing.

  1. We went to see Old Iron Sides on our last trip to Mass and they were running drills that day so we couldn't get on board. It was really cool watching the drills, though, and the museum was really interesting. It was a great trip.

  1. Barb says:

    Old Ironsides! Now why didn't I think of that! I had no idea she was still seaworthy, Trav!

  1. Marilyn says:

    Wow. I'd like to see her in person.

  1. Gorgeous ship. Somehow, I knew you'd do a story on her for this.

  1. Janna says:

    I love the old-looking ships like that, with the masts and sails and rigging... (I have no idea if I used any of those terms correctly).
    Reminds me of the good old days when they had sea serpents and pirates and scurvy.
    Avast, matey!

  1. Hey, Trav, what's with the solar panels that are now visible on Old Ironsides? Power for the renovation and reconstruction?