October 21 in American History

October 21, 1797 — the USS Constitution is launched

The frigate USS Constitution slid into Boston Harbor — one of the young Navy's first warships. She earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" when British cannonballs seemed to bounce off her thick oak hull in the War of 1812. Still commissioned today, she's the oldest floating warship in the world.

Common Questions

What happened on October 21 in American history?

In 1797: the USS Constitution is launched. The frigate USS Constitution slid into Boston Harbor — one of the young Navy's first warships.

Why is October 21 significant?

The frigate USS Constitution slid into Boston Harbor — one of the young Navy's first warships. She earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" when British cannonballs seemed to bounce off her thick oak hull in the War of 1812. Still commissioned today, she's the oldest floating warship in the world.

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