USS Constitution 175th Anniversary (1797–1972) First Day / Commemorative Cover

This is a United States First Day / Commemorative Cover honoring the USS Constitution on its 175th Anniversary (1797–1972).

Details of the Cover

Event Commemorated

• 175th Anniversary of USS Constitution
• Anniversary years shown: 1797–1972
• The ship was launched in 1797 in Boston.

Cover Illustration

• The cachet (illustrated design on left) shows the sailing ship USS Constitution at sea.
• Caption below image:
  • “U.S.S. CONSTITUTION”
  • “175th ANNIVERSARY”
  • “1797 — 1972”

Cancellation / Postmark

• Circular postmark reads:
  • BOSTON, MASS.
  • 14 JUN 1972
• This indicates the cover was cancelled in Boston, closely associated with the ship’s home port.

Slogan Cancellation

The rectangular handstamp reads:

“U.S.S. CONSTITUTION
175TH ANNIVERSARY
1797 – 1972”

This is a commemorative slogan cancellation specially prepared for the anniversary celebration.

Details of the Ship:

The USS Constitution, famously called “Old Ironsides,” is the oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat in the world. It is a wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy and remains an important symbol of early American naval history.

Key Facts

• Launched: 21 October 1797
• Built at: Boston
• Type: 44-gun heavy frigate
• Material: Live oak and white oak timber
• Nickname: “Old Ironsides”
• Current Status: Active ceremonial ship and museum vessel
• Home Port: Boston

Why It Became Famous

The ship earned worldwide fame during the War of 1812. During battles against British warships, enemy cannonballs reportedly bounced off its strong oak hull, inspiring sailors to shout that her sides were made of iron — leading to the nickname “Old Ironsides.”

Important Battles

Battle with HMS Guerriere (1812)

One of its most famous victories was against the British ship HMS Guerriere on 19 August 1812. The battle greatly boosted American morale during the war.

Other Victories

The Constitution also defeated:

• HMS Java
• HMS Cyane
• HMS Levant

These victories established the young American navy’s reputation internationally.

Design and Construction

The ship was designed by naval architect Joshua Humphreys. It was built with exceptionally thick live-oak planking, making it stronger and more durable than many ships of its time.

Specifications

• Length: About 304 feet overall
• Crew: Around 450 sailors and marines during wartime
• Speed: Approximately 13 knots under sail
• Armament: Originally around 44 guns, though it often carried more

Preservation

The ship narrowly escaped scrapping in the 1830s after public support grew following Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.’s famous poem “Old Ironsides.”

Today, the ship is preserved by the United States Navy and is docked at the Charlestown Navy Yard. It occasionally sails for ceremonial events.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the original six frigates authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1794.
• The ship has never been defeated in battle.
• Sailors assigned to the Constitution are active-duty U.S. Navy personnel.
• It still sails under its own power using traditional sails during special occasions.

Museum and Tourism 

 Visitors can tour the ship and nearby USS Constitution Museum to learn about naval warfare, shipbuilding, and American maritime history.