7 stirring images of the birthday cruise the US Navy just threw for its 222-year-old warship
The Constitution started construction in 1794, and first set sail October 21, 1797.
It wasn't until the War of 1812 that she earned her nickname.
The War of 1812 involved the US in a trade dispute between Britain and France, which later spiraled into a conflict over national sovereignty, territorial control, and westward expansion by the US.
But during the conflict, the Constitution's hull was apparently so strong — like iron — that enemy fire couldn't penetrate, earning the nickname "Old Ironsides."
The Constitution still has a full crew, which maintains the ship.
The ship maintains an active-duty commander and crew, who keep the vessel and its gear ship-shape and give tours to members of the public.
Source: US Navy
The Constitution attempted to launch into Boston Harbor twice — and failed — before it succeeded on October 21, 1797.
Source: USS Constitution Museum
After her lengthy service and legendary survivability in the War of 1812, rumors began to circulate in the 1830s that Old Ironsides would be retired.
Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote the poem"Old Ironsides" to stir public sentiment to save her, according to the USS Constitution Museum. She remained in service until 1853, and was converted into a naval school ship between 1857 and 1860.
In 1925, US school children raised $154,000 to restore the Constitution.
Source: USS Constitution Museum
She was designated the US's Ship of State in 2010 by former President Barack Obama.
Source: USS Constitution Museum
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