Statistics of USS Constitution
Molly G.
How It became a Historical Site
The USS Constitution is the oldest warship in the world, that is completely missioned, and is part of the US Navy still. The ship was built by Colonel George Claghorn, at the Edmond Harrt's shipyard. This ship was $ 302, 718. It weighed about 1, 576 tons, it's length is 204 feet, and the Mainmast Height is 220 feet. The ship's sail area was 42, 710 square feet. There were 475 men and officers aboard the ship. Most of the guns on the Gun deck weighed a little more then three tons. These guns, when shot, can go about 1000 yards. Other guns were called Carronades that would fire a 32 pound shot, and went as far as 400 yards. There is a room where 60 pound powder kegs were stored, and was also where the powder would be filled. The ship's wheel was so big that it needed two to four men to control the ship in the right direction.
The Camboose was the stove that had three large kettles attached to it, and was used to cook food for all of the men on the ship. The "Scuttlebutt" was the drinking fountain which was where the men could get their ration of rum and whiskey. The men would sleep on hammocks which were on the Berthing deck.
In 1830, the ship had been through thirty-two years of fighting, and was said to be too old to be used anymore. There was even an order to destroy the ship, because it was of no use.
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