When and why did the ship USS Constitution get its name Old Ironsides?

Answer 1

The USS Constitution is called "Old Ironsides" because cannonballs were seen to bounce off of her rugged oak hull during mortal combat with the British frigate Guerriere on August 19th, 1812. The ships were barely fifty yards apart when they fired- point-blank- at each other.

Also, she was NEVER defeated or boarded.

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The USS Constitution was built in 1796 before ironclad ships (ships of iron were first used in combat nearly 70 yrs later during the civil war era). The Constitution was built out of a very tough, dense wood; Southern Live Oak. Its sides were thicker than the standard battle ship; 21 in. vs 18 in. During the war of 1812, in one particular battle against a British ship, a US sailor observed their cannon balls bouncing off the sides of the Constitution. He exclaimed, "Huzzah, her sides are made of iron". Thus, "Old Ironsides".

She is still active & is the oldest commissioned ship in the US Navy. She is currently in port & can be seen at the end of the Freedom Trail in Boston, where the Navy offers guided daily tours to the public. A true American treasure!

Answer 2

Because, cannonballs could not penetrate her hard oak sides.

Answer 3

Because cannonballs would bounce off the hull, if I remember 8th grade history correctly. But don't quote me on that.

Answer 4

First U.S Navy ship to have armour plates fitted. They were plates of iron over a wooden construction, along the sides of the ship.

Answer 5

because it was made of iron