USS Constitution fires a 21-gun salute in honor of America’s birthday during the ship’s annual Fourth of July turnaround cruise, July 4, 2013. “Old Ironsides” will sail through Boston Harbor to celebrate Independence Day on July 4, 2024. (Thomas Rooney/U.S. Navy)
The USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat, will sail through Boston Harbor for its annual celebration of Independence Day. She will perform 21- and 17-gun cannon salutes around Boston Harbor, which will be visible from the Boston Harborwalk, Castle Island and Charleston Navy Yard.
The USS Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides” and America’s Ship of State, was launched in 1797 and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars in the early 1800s and famously in the War of 1812. Just two months into the War of 1812, the Constitution sank the British HMS Guerriere, which provided a vital morale boost to the American public.
Constitution actively defended sea lanes from 1797 to 1855 and was undefeated in 33 at-sea engagements.
USS Constitution sails into Boston Harbor during an underway Battle of Midway commemoration, June 3, 2011. (Kathryn E. Macdonald/U.S. Navy)
The Navy is allowing some members of the public to sail aboard the ship for Independence Day. A lottery selected 150 people to join the Constitution’s crew for its journey around the harbor.
The Constitution calls Charleston Navy Yard in Boston National Historic Park home. The Constitution remains both a training and ceremonial ship for the Navy, served by active-duty sailors, as well as an educational experience for visitors. Around 75 Navy sailors and three officers continue to serve as crew. The ship is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Constitution will begin its tour of Boston Harbor on July 4 at 10 a.m., and will reopen for tours at 3 p.m.
