When you are traveling to Boston, Massachusetts, you will want to visit the very impressive and special USS Constitution. This historical landmark is quite famous around the world because it is actually the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat and active today. If you are planning out a day trip to see the boat and museum, I would recommend setting aside about two to three hours to really explore the area.

United States Naval Officers and crew are currently serving on the ship, and when we were there, they spoke to us a lot about the history of the vessel. (Also, the boat can still sail, although it mostly resides at its current address in the Charlestown Navy Yard.) When you walk around the Charlestown Navy Yard, you will be able to see nice city views of Boston and the skyline. You will also find various monuments that are dedicated to the United States Navy.

While we were exploring New England, we were really drawn to the historical areas within it. The area has so much early American history, and a lot of sites within it are some of the best preserved in the country. When we found out that there was an actual ship that we could visit that was part of so many iconic events through these times, we knew that we had to check it out!

To provide you with a little background on the USS Constitution, this vessel was part of so many early battles and wars in the country. The most notable of course was the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, where numerous warships and merchant ships were captured and defeated. (This war was a byproduct of the conflict going on between Great Britain and France during this time period over who would dominate Europe and the broader world. Trading issues between various countries would then become more prevalent because of that, spiking the catalyst for the war.)

During the War of 1812, the USS Constitution earned its famous nickname “Old Ironsides” because it appeared that cannonballs were not able to break the ships strong oak hull. The crew on the ship had defeated four British frigates during three separate engagements of battle. In addition to the War of 1812, this ship was a part of the First Barbary War, The Africa Squadron, The Quasi-War with France, The HMS Guerriere Battle, The HMS Java Battle, The HMS Cyane & HMS Levant Battle, in addition to other smaller skirmishes as well.

When you arrive in the Charlestown Navy Yard, you will see that the area has several sections to it. You will first arrive at a museum, which has various exhibits and artifacts about and from the ship itself. Currently, the museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is closed on major holidays. The ship is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and also is closed during the holidays. (Make sure that you check the USS Constitution’s website for the most up to date information.)

https://www.navy.mil/USS-CONSTITUTION/Hours-Visitor-Info/

After you check out the museum, you will want to see a large dry dock that is open to view. This is called “Dry Dock 1” and was completed in 1833. It essentially made repair of older naval ships much easier and safer, and it held the ship upright so that it was easier to work on out of the water. Today it is preserved as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and it is amazing that we can still see how it was used in current times.

Then, the best part (in my opinion) is that you can actually walk aboard the USS Constitution and explore the ship itself! The United States Naval Officers and crew are experts on the history of the boat, and will even talk to you about the day to day activities that would have taken place in the early 1800s, and the living conditions those individuals experienced. They really can put into perspective how the crew would have survived in this time period.

When you are traveling to Boston, I would definitely recommend that you visit the USS Constitution, and it is so amazing that this ship is still in such great condition to this day. I think it would be a wonderful day trip for people of all ages, and is a great way to see history through a vessel that has been through so much of it! I hope that you are having a wonderful day, and remember to click the like and subscribe button!

-Hiking Boots

The more that we explore new places, the more important it is to wear safe hiking gear, and of course hiking boots. I really love my hiking boots because they feel super cozy, warm, flexible, and of course the most crucial element of all for safety is that they are non slip! When I have gone hiking for hours at a time, they are really comfortable, which is great when you are traveling on the road.

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Additional Resources-

https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/

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Boston Public Garden

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The Plymouth Rock In Massachusetts

The Best Landmarks To Visit In Boston Massachusetts

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NortheastAllie

For generations, my family has lived in the Philadelphia area, and my writing reflects these influences. This blog explores perspectives on life, encouragement, travel, health, and local living.

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