The USS Constellation sloop-of-war is a real treasure trove of America’s nautical history. This warship saw over a century of seafaring service until it reached its current resting place.
Launched in 1854, the USS Constellation was first employed in the Mediterranean Squadron whose primary role was protect American interests in the region. Having established its worth, it was made into the flagship of the African Squadron where it embarked upon many voyages trying to intercept slave-trading ships. After many years of service and numerous wartime voyages, the ship was retired from service in 1955. It was then remodelled to resemble the US Frigate Constellation that had been originally built in Baltimore in 1797. The sloop then lay neglected for many years before being restored and finally returned to the Inner Harbor in 1999, where it has remained as this popular tourist attraction ever since.
Your tour of the ship actually begins with a visit to the Maritime Museum, where you will get the opportunity to see many of the personal belongings of different crew members from various stages in the ship’s history.
Once on board the ship, you will find separate audio tours available for both children and adults. There are also plenty of crew members to assist you should you need them. There are four decks to explore and various activities for you to participate in, such as gun drills, sail line pulling and turning the capstan. The top deck is for sailing operations and the deck beneath houses the ship’s canons and the captain’s quarters. Go further down into the lower decks and you can explore the living quarters of the rest of the 325-strong crew. Each deck gives a clear impression of how life must have been for a serving sailor.
At weekends, the Powder Monkey’s tour takes place. On this tour, children aged 6 upwards can experience what life was like for the young boys known as Powder Monkeys who would carry gun powder from the ship’s magazines to the canons.
USS Constellation is open every day. Entrance fees apply but are discounted for children. Metered parking is available nearby. You can also reach the museum on the free shuttle bus service, the Charm City Circulator.
