August 19 in American History
USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere in a brutal half-hour duel — British cannonballs visibly bounced off her live-oak hull, and a sailor shouted "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" She's still a commissioned U.S. Navy warship in Boston Harbor, and you can walk her deck for free.
In 1812: "Old Ironsides" earns her name. USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere in a brutal half-hour duel — British cannonballs visibly bounced off her live-oak hull, and a sailor shouted "Huzzah!
USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere in a brutal half-hour duel — British cannonballs visibly bounced off her live-oak hull, and a sailor shouted "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" She's still a commissioned U.S. Navy warship in Boston Harbor, and you can walk her deck for free.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
Which service branch's history grabs you most?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.
Take the Free Assessment →