The USS Constitution is escorted by a tugboat in Boston Harbor as a crowd looks on from the shore in Boston, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. The USS Constitution, the U.S. Navy's oldest commissioned war ...

On this day in history, August 19, 1812, the USS Constitution earned its memorable Old Ironsides nickname after routing warship HMS Guerriere of the mighty Royal Navy.

Throughout her history, the Constitution participated in numerous conflicts, including the War of 1812, where it earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" during a battle against the HMS Guerriere.

Colonel Fitz-Enz (Ret.) talked about his book [Old Ironsides: Eagle of the Sea, The Story of the USS Constitution], published by Taylor Trade Publishing. He described several battles that the USS ...

But the Guerriere proved no match for the Constitution, which was heavier and longer. The vessels blasted away at each other at close range, even colliding at one point, during the 35-minute battle.

We think she's very special to the United States," he said. The Constitution was under the command of Capt. Issac Hull when it engaged the Guerriere off Nova Scotia on Aug. 19, 1812.

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. -- USS Constitution departed her berth from Charlestown, Mass. Aug. 19, to set sail for the first time since 1997, during an underway demonstration commemorating Guerriere Day.

At 215 years old, the USS Constitution is the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. But it’s not too old to take a quick sail. For 17 minutes on Sunday, the ship cruised west across ...