USS Constitution
One of six ships built on the orders of George Washington, the USS Constitution was commissioned in 1797. Known affectionately as "Old Ironsides," this 44-gun frigate played an important role in the War of 1812, defeating not one, but four British frigates. The ship continued service until it was retired from active duty in 1855. The many adventures of this beautiful ship are documented in oil paintings, many of which can be seen in the USS Constitution Museum. The tour takes about 25 minutes. If you don't have much time, you can get the speed tour. It covers the top deck of the ship and takes about 10 minutes. Tours are free.
USS Constitution
Building 5
Charlestown Navy Yard
Charlestown, MA 02129
history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/
617-242-5601
USS Cassin Young
Commissioned in 1943, the USS Cassin Young played an active role in the battles in the Pacific during World War II. It helped prepare the way for the invasions on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and played the dangerous role of radar picket ship when Okinawa was invaded. It was hit by a kamikaze 16 days before Japan surrendered. This ship was decommissioned after the war, but was put back into service during the Korean War. It was decommissioned for the final time in 1960. Today, you can tour this destroyer at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The USS Cassin Young is the same design as 14 other Fletcher-Class destroyers built at the Charlestown Navy Yard. It visited this shipyard many times during tours of duty for maintenance and repair work. Tours are free.
nps.gov/bost/historyculture/usscassinyoung.htm
Charlestown Navy Yard
The Charlestown Navy Yard was established in 1800 and closed in 1974. More than 200 warships were built and maintained there. State-of-the-art shipyard technology was employed in the construction of each ship. Before it closed, it also specialized in electronic conversions and missiles. This shipyard has played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of the U.S. Navy. The yard is now part of the Boston National Historical Park. The public can tour the facilities for free and enjoy the interpretive program put together by the Park Service that explains the importance of the shipyard.
Boston National Historical Park
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129
617-242-5642
nps.gov/bost/historyculture/cny.htm
