USS 'Constitution', Boston (must see)
USS 'Constitution', named in honor of the United States Constitution by President George Washington, gained the famous moniker "Old Ironsides" owing to its remarkable 25-inch-thick hull at the waterline. In a pivotal moment during the War of 1812 against Great Britain, the ship engaged in a battle with HMS 'Guerrière', leaving the British vessel severely damaged. Witnessing British cannonballs seemingly bounce off USS 'Constitution's' formidable hull, a sailor reportedly exclaimed, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" Throughout the same conflict, the frigate captured numerous merchant ships and emerged victorious in confrontations with four other British warships. During the American Civil War, the 'Constitution' served as a training vessel for the U.S. Naval Academy.
Retired from active service in 1881, the 'Constitution' now serves the mission of promoting understanding and education about the Navy's contributions to peace and warfare. While the ship is typically docked at Pier 1 of the Boston Navy Yard, marking one end of the Freedom Trail, the USS 'Constitution' Museum is conveniently situated nearby within a restored shipyard building at the base of Pier 2..
Featuring nearly 2,000 artifacts and over 10,000 archival records related to the USS 'Constitution', the museum's exhibits ignite enthusiasm for maritime culture and naval service. Visitors of all ages can enjoy "All Hands on Deck: A Sailor's Life in 1812", an immersive experience that allows participants to scrub decks, climb aloft to furl a sail, partake in a meal of salted meat and ship's biscuit, and even retire to a hammock. History enthusiasts can delve into the ship's comprehensive history, from its construction to its pivotal battles.
Why You Should Visit:
To fully appreciate the world's oldest commissioned warship, with the opportunity to explore most of its spaces through a free guided tour. Meanwhile, the adjacent museum offers engaging exhibits and a souvenir shop for mementos and refreshments.
Tip:
While visiting, don't miss the Navy Yard Visitor Center and the USS 'Cassin Young', a World War II-era Fletcher-class destroyer.
For families with children, the museum's second floor offers interactive learning experiences.
Retired from active service in 1881, the 'Constitution' now serves the mission of promoting understanding and education about the Navy's contributions to peace and warfare. While the ship is typically docked at Pier 1 of the Boston Navy Yard, marking one end of the Freedom Trail, the USS 'Constitution' Museum is conveniently situated nearby within a restored shipyard building at the base of Pier 2..
Featuring nearly 2,000 artifacts and over 10,000 archival records related to the USS 'Constitution', the museum's exhibits ignite enthusiasm for maritime culture and naval service. Visitors of all ages can enjoy "All Hands on Deck: A Sailor's Life in 1812", an immersive experience that allows participants to scrub decks, climb aloft to furl a sail, partake in a meal of salted meat and ship's biscuit, and even retire to a hammock. History enthusiasts can delve into the ship's comprehensive history, from its construction to its pivotal battles.
Why You Should Visit:
To fully appreciate the world's oldest commissioned warship, with the opportunity to explore most of its spaces through a free guided tour. Meanwhile, the adjacent museum offers engaging exhibits and a souvenir shop for mementos and refreshments.
Tip:
While visiting, don't miss the Navy Yard Visitor Center and the USS 'Cassin Young', a World War II-era Fletcher-class destroyer.
For families with children, the museum's second floor offers interactive learning experiences.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Boston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
USS 'Constitution' on Map
Sight Name: USS 'Constitution'
Sight Location: Boston, USA (See walking tours in Boston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Boston, USA (See walking tours in Boston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Boston, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Boston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Boston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Boston Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and it had played a key role in the country's struggle for independence. Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England, it witnessed many events of the American Revolution, including the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Siege of Boston.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical Cambridge MA Walking Tour
Once a quiet New England farming village-turned capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, today's Cambridge, MA is a university town that dazzles visitors as the home of renowned Harvard University – alma mater of many intellectuals, literary geniuses, celebrities, and wealthy and powerful. Many of America’s elite have spent some time at Harvard, and their contributions to Cambridge have... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bunker Hill Walking Tour
Bunker Hill, sitting on the bank of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, is a historic site that holds great significance in American history. At its heart stands the Bunker Hill Monument, a towering obelisk commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War.
The battle took place on June 17, 1775, when American patriots faced off against British... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The battle took place on June 17, 1775, when American patriots faced off against British... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Boston's great churches are among the most precious of the city's numerous architectural jewels. What makes them special are their unique styles, elegant facades and long history.
Starting with the Old North Church, which towers in the city’s North End, this journey surely feels like taking a step back in time. Legend was made there, in the very place that Paul Revere waited for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Starting with the Old North Church, which towers in the city’s North End, this journey surely feels like taking a step back in time. Legend was made there, in the very place that Paul Revere waited for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
North End Walking Tour
The North End was the city's first neighborhood, and one that has been key to its fortunes, having become a hub of commercial, social and intellectual activity by the 1750s. Later known as Boston's Little Italy, it has been home to Italian immigrants through much of the 20th century, and still retains a certain Mediterranean flavor in its many restaurants, cafés, and specialty shops. In... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Boston Shopping Areas
One of the top shopping destinations in the US northeast, Boston has a strong network of interesting stores, galleries and boutiques to visit along with its many high-class shops, some of which are nestled inside historical buildings. Shopping here in more than one way mirrors the city itself: an amalgamation of classic and vanguard, the handmade and the high-end, and both local and international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Boston's Marblehead Eateries
With such a diverse variety of dining cuisines and styles, the little town of Marblehead has something to satisfy every budget and culinary palate. You won't find any neon here, none is allowed in town and there are no fast food or drive-thrus establishments either. Most are quaint and...