In the fall of 1968 my ship, USS Samuel B Roberts DD823 went to the Boston Shipyard for a refit. We were there through the winter and on one weekend Boston experienced one of the worst snow storm of the century. We were in the drydock next to the Constitution when in the middle of the night when we were aroused to get up and help the Constitution pull her back in here mooring. The storm brought with it high winds and the Constitution had pulled loose from the mooring and they needed all hands to help bring her back in. She must have been at least 100 feet from the pier when we got to the pier and there were only two lines that were holding her back. It was quite an experience bringing her back next to the pier.
That happened to me aboard USS Drum. A bunch of kids were asking their parents questions that they didn't have answers to, there was I, fresh out of the Navy with said answers because I had been on submarines, and I spent the next 40 minutes organizing about 7 kids in the Drum's control into a proper submarine crew. Parents just assumed I worked for the park and thanked me afterwards for making the trip so memorable for their kids.
It’s gratifying when that happens, although my story is a little different. I was quoting something I’d read, talking about the early composite armor on the Soviet T-6[X] and T-72 battle tanks (with a T-55 as an anachronistic visual aid!), and turned around to find myself giving a brief rundown of early composite armor to a few passerby.
I enlisted in the navy in 1981. Shortly after that, I visited USS Constitution. While on the tour, my girlfriend Katie who I was with let the crew know I just joined the navy. The crew took me under their wing, showed me parts of the ship not seen by tourists. I got to hang out with them in the crew quarters. The Constitution crew took me clubbing to celebrate joining the navy. USS Constitution is part of my personal history.
It was Senator Ted Kennedy who preserved the USS Constitution, there's an amazing history of Constitution falling into disrepair several times. Kennedy made sure that it was re-commissioned and so, being part of the US Navy, would receive the attention required and be available to the public as well. I'm a former Naval enlistee myself but gave up my love of War when I was still young. Old Wooden Boats however, have a unique beauty.
@@bravocharlie639 she is a beautiful ship. I dont know anyone who served, past or present who ever had a love of war. Those who serve hope war never happens but are there to step up if it does.
@@kimberlainodriscoll4781 We have "stepped up" less often than what is obvious. Decorated Combat Marine General Smedley Butler wrote a book about it, it hasn't changed.
During your tour, you may have noticed a Traverse Board mounted on one of the after bulkheads. I made this for the USS Constitution for her 200th anniversary. It was made of wood taken from the ship during the refit prior to the 200th sail. I also built a chip log and 28 second sand glasses out of the same wood. They should be somewhere in the ship or museum.
@@garyreed6237 I did it for free. Wouldn't dream of charging them for it. But it was I who was honored: the day I delivered the traverse board, chip log and sand glasses, I was treated to lunch by the then-Captain of the Constitution, aboard the Constitution, in the Gunroom - the Captain's dining area just forward of the Captain's Quarters. It's a lunch I will never forget as long as I live.
Define irony: A US ship that fought part of war against the British because the British impressed Americans to serve in its navy… has a British man working as a forced tour guide and eventual volunteer gunner aboard her. What a time to be alive. Love the video Drach!
What blows your mind even more is that there was an exchange program with the British Navy where active duty RN sailors would serve the Conny while US sailors went to the Victory.
Huge respect and thanks to the crew of the USS Constitution and the US Navy for the highly appreciated help and cooperation given to Drachinifel in the making of this video.
I agree.Since the USA and Great Britain had the ability to put our past differences behind us and move forward, I would think it shows the world that anyone could? Both countries have been criticized for their actions over the years but I am certain the friendship between our countries and their citizens is a shining example of how diplomacy, cooperation and support can make the world a much better place to live.for everyone involved.
@@superdog1964 Yes but ending world wide open slavery Great Britain does deserve credit and the US helped a small bit in running down slave ships. Yes a good deal of blame can be offered but a good deal of credit is owed as well. And in most case Colonization better than what there before but of course in no way acceptable by modern standard. There are horrible exceptions to this comment of course like the Belgian Congo (although the cannibals probably deserved it as they made up part of the horrible abuse received) Before was steady war between local leaders and colonization created peace and stability and uniform laws and infrastructure improvements. Being treated as second class citizens in their own lands though of course wrong and colonization as i had been done had to end.
Drach, I was amused to see you ended up being an accidental tour guide. The guests were quite fortunate. I'm an amateur warbird historian, and wind up in similar circumstances at airshows. It's wonderful being able to answer people's questions. Best regards and thank you so much for this video!
What do you think of colors. Arrangement and fittings. Authentically? Regardless she looks beautiful. Thanks for your visit .Hope everyone in New England most Friendly!
I am a former crew member of Constitution, and have enjoyed this tour very much. Thanks Drach. I have fired the 40mm saluting batteries (one on each side), although when I was on her, the saluting batteries were the two most forward guns on the gundeck. I do not know when they got moved back aft but it is clearly safer than pointing the gun at the pier, which is what happens when the ship is moored bow in, and the foremost guns are pointed slightly forward of directly abeam (perpendicular to the ships keel) as you could see in the video of the gun deck, forward of the ships galley (the empty gunports second from the bow, on each side, were the ones we used to use). I spent two wonderful years on board, as a tour guide, and ships crew, performing maintenance and upkeep on the days when I was not on tour guide duty. I was assigned to the small boat maintenance area over in the main dockyard building, where the real work on keeping the ship floating happens. I was a member of the Captain's gig rowing crew, and took part in the Charles river regatta both years I was on board. Again, well done Drach, and thanks for the memories.
@@genesmolko8113 It is a black powder charge. and since the saluting battery is actually inserted into the massive 24 pounder long gun barrel, the ridiculous weight of the gun means that there is absolutely no recoil whatsoever. there is a mild thump heard throughout the lower decks, but that is it. big cloud of smoke and a decent bang, but nothing like a full charge would have been back in the day. I believe there is less than half a pound of black powder in the charge, compared to the several pounds that would have been used to fire a 24 pound ball. Like I said, it doesn't even move the carriage. At all.
@@Chipster-cm1le Thanks very much, I would love to see a 24 pdr fired with a full charge, cannon ball and all. Must have been cool being a crew member of the Consti. Semper Paratus squidly ;)
@@Chipster-cm1le Um, interesting fact you have passed on but that raises the question of "that" black powder charge for its diameter looks to be much smaller then the diameter of the barrel would be. Was an insert slid down the barrel to compensate for the smaller diameter of "that" charge? Or was that cannon, being a breach loader not an original or replica of an original cannon?
If those tourists were smart, they would have stood within earshot the whole time 😂 probably wouldn’t have got any better thorough free tour of the Constitution.
Yeah I guess his fans would have known in advance. But it would have been quite lucky for a family who had no idea who Drach is and getting quite a comprehensive tour lol.
@@MrDiggityaus or someone like myself who loves Drach, but like a ninny was unaware of his American invasion. I would have taken off from work . . . sigh . .
I'd argue for the man's arrest! If even one Seaman overheard him, he'd have been Impressed. We all know what happened the last time ,The English, thought they could get away with that. 🤣
As a Bostonian, I've had the privilege of going aboard USS Constitution many times, including during one of her periodic refits in drydock. I've also been on a harbor cruise during the firing of the salute cannon for evening colors. I'm envious that you got to fire the cannon, Drach, but what an honor that was. I have stood at Castle Island during many of Constitution's "turnaround" cruises and felt one of her salute shots thump me in the chest. Even from a few hundred yards away, you can definitely feel it. At her turnaround cruises, Constitution will fire a 21-gun salute at Fort Independence (Castle Island in South Boston ("Southie")) with a reply given by the same artillery battery that fires for the 1812 Overture for the Boston Pops 4th of July concert.
One of the main reasons my next US tour will include Boston, if she's there. Sadly there aren't any ocean liners anymore with cheap tickets and flights across the atlantic are expensive AF... I can fly to Thailand from the EU for a few hundred bucks but US is like 1-2k minimum :(
Great video. Two things: The Navy has a grove of oaks in Indiana where they grow trees that will become replacement parts for Constitution; when reveille is played in the morning, the colors rocket up whatever device that is holding them, and when the "Retreat" bugle call is played in the evening, the flag comes down ever so very slowly. Old Glory stands up must faster than she stands down.
Love that Drac stood by and respectfully until color's finished .. Even if he didn't know what/why (wouldn't surprised me that he did). He got to retire the colors for all 3. U.S. Navy here sir .. keep up the good work. /salute
"A 32 pound, short barreled carronade." >Because sometimes you want to see 'the whites of their eyes' before you send them to their god. "If you imagine a bar-fight." >Good to see Drach immersed in Boston culture. Drachinifel....international tour guide impersonator. Firing ship's guns. Makes me look forward to the USS New Jersey tour.
HAHAHA! I was just flipping through comments and IMMEDIATELY spit up my coffee when I read your "Good to see Drach immersed in Boston Culture"- I'm a Central Massachusetts guy who remembers "trips behind the woodshed" to settle disputes in my Youth. As Bill Burr once said about Massachusetts folk "We are a fighty group, aren't we?"😂
Unfortunately, we're not likely to see one of the New Jersey's guns fired. Darn shame. Yeah it would break a few windows around the harbor. But it's a battleship. What do you expect?
chowardlaw Am pretty sure New Jersey has evening colors, even though she is no longer a commissioned USN vessel. Saluting guns are a trifle noisy, but hardly what you would get from a 16"/50 or even a 5"/38 (which wouldn't be used as saluting guns anyhow)
I remember Drach telling us the story about the tourists asking about Constitution, despite the fact that he doesn’t work there, while he was aboard the USS Yorktown. It was the second funniest thing that day, only beaten by the air-soft story 😂. (I was the guy with the USS Enterprise CV-6 hat).
living here in the Charlestown Navy Yard for the past 14 years, i have to say i absolutely love hearing those guns twice a day! A little reminder of just how special and awesome my neighbor is!
@@lancerevell5979 I never have said, "I don't work here lady." What I have said on quite a few occasions is, "I'm sorry, I'm not an employee but you are looking for aisle C3," or "perhaps you need to ask an employee."
Drach, thank you so much for posting this! Wow, if this is how the rest of your tour of American museum ships went, we certainly are certainly in for quite a treat! What a thrill that must of been to fire the evening salute!
she's also the oldest ship that's still in active duty. though she isn't used in conflicts anymore many us sailors will have the pleasure of sailing her during celebrations.
Always knew there was something special about the USS Constitution that allowed her to prevail against her foes. Your ability to put her assets in prospective for us was greatly appreciated.
Uhhhh, Drach....were there any sailors from the recruting station in Boston near by when you fired the gun? Naval regs state "Any persons who fires US Constitutions gun will have by that action vollenteered to join the US Navy." Congrats Drach your a Gunners mate striker now!!!
Don't sweat it Drach. You may like being in the US Navy. Remember what they said in Britain during the War about us Yanks? Over paid, over sexed, and over here. 😁😁😁
Huzzah! Good to see her on here. I got to visit her during her last refit when they were re-doing her copper sheathing, and they were inviting people to engrave their names on the sheets of copper to be put on. My signature is on her hull somewhere.
That is awesome, how many people are actually allowed to leave their mark on a piece of history (and not given a massive fine or jail time with a lifetime ban)
The irony of an Englishman firing a salute from the USS Constitution is just delicious. That and the tourists thinking the BEST person to discuss USN armaments is an Englishman is even better!😂 Seriously, Thank You for doing this video- I couldn't get time off to see you in Boston, but, it was nice to meet you at Battleship Cove. As always, an exceptionally informative and entertaining episode!
I can't wait for him to do a video about his visit to battleship cove. As an Illinois resident, I've actually been there several times. I highly recommend a visit.
Been watching Drach for years, but only recently began reading the Aubrey-Maturin series. I was searching for a video touring a frigate from that era, and here is my favorite WWII TH-camr leading the tour. Perfect-- I mean, *Prodigious* video for my bedtime viewing. Now, I just need a snack. "Killick! A glass of that port and is there any of that spotted dog remaining?"
A long time (Royal) Navy fiction reader, I made the USS Constitution my first stop on my first visit to Boston on my first visit to the USA. Being aboard the kind of ship that fought the Napoleonic and Anglo-American wars was a mind blowing experience. A work of art and a deadly piece of machinery.
Epic! Did you get to keep the casing? Glad they rolled out the red carpet. To have your name in the log, what an honor to carry. A tribute to your incredible efforts and contributions as a Naval Historian
I took a tour of the Constitution and noticed that the lower deck guns had the British Crown on them. I asked if the guns were captured and the guide told me that they had been cast by using a captured gun to make the molds and that's why they still had British markings. I thought that was an interesting detail. Great video.
At last a British got to make the Constitution lower her colours. Oddly, this doesn't ruffle my patriotic feathers. This was very well presented and (personally) very educational. Thank you for your efforts, the love you have shows.
Ah, but USS Constitution was in harbor docked/at anchor. Had she been underway, that ceremony would not have happened! A warship (and yes, Coast Guard Cutters are warships) does NOT lower her colors for anything, including Evening Colors.
@@JamesF0790 Nah. More like a nice bit of poetry in that we WERE British at one point and had King George V and Parliament actually held to their end of the charters that established us as Crown Colonies in the first place, we wouldn't have felt it necessary to rebel against the Crown.
29:00 Britain, after more than two centuries and several notable defeats at the hands of this vessel, finally manages to commandeer the Constitution with what merely appears to be a presentation on ammunition. As this is a role typically filled by active duty US Navy sailors it is quite clear this will no longer be the case until the vessel is returned to her rightful owners. Edit: Here at the end of the video now, I just want to thank you for maintaining a respectful silence during evening colors. Firing a salute from one of Connie's guns must have awakened some boyish excitement (It certainly would for myself.), so I genuinely aprreciate your respect for ceremony and tradition.
Two actually that can be classed as great victories however she ran and hid from anything of equal or more guns Unlike the HMS Shannon or the HMS Endylion who put paid to the USS Chesapeake and the USS President And heaven forbid she would never have faced a Razee
That Revell Constitution was the last model I ever built and the only one whose instructions I read properly and painted every part accordingly. I kept it for years but can't remember what became of it.
Drach, Loved the entire episode, especially your impromptu demonstration regarding age of sail ammunition. Something similar happened to me in 1989, when serving as a US Navy lieutenant I had the honor of being the re-enlisting officer for one of my chief petty officers. The ceremony was conducted aboard Constitution by the taffrail, and many of the tourists thought we were part of the tour! The year prior my wife (she's from Surrey) and I were married, and we had friends come over from England for the ceremony. We had time to tour Constitution prior to their flight out of Logan Airport, and they couldn't help but remark how it was "Bloody unsporting of us Yanks" to use some English made 24 pounders during the War of 1812...
Queen Elizabeth II probably though the same thing when she toured the Constitution in the 1980s and resulted in her jest to her late husband Prince Philip about talking to her ministers at the time to "do something about those foreign arms sales".
It’s a little known fact that the USS Constitution was once attended to by autonomous robots that routinely fought off scavengers until taking flight and landing on a nearby skyscraper. The whole ordeal was facilitated by one vault dweller that had been frozen for many years.
What a great tour! In 2nd grade (age 7yo), I had to get parental permission to check out a book about USS Constitution from our elementary school library (judged to be 5th grade reading material at the time). Reading that book triggered my life-long love of history and the sea. I have been aboard USS Constitution, but in 1970! Very cool to see you actively involved in evening Colors (I'm US Army, retired). Thank you!
I was there with my family a several years ago. I had expressed an interest to our tour guide ( a Petty Officer 2) to see the raked ribs that are a hallmark of a Humphrey's build frigate. That sharp raking of the ribs is what held up the bow and stern, allowing for the the hydrodynamic hull, as well as the large weight of shot. After the tour, he brough be down to the keel, and I got to see a lot of the same things shown in this video ( not the magazine though :( ) Excellent video.
You’ve inspired me to get back to finishing my Revelle model of the Constitution that has been sitting for several years an ignominious state of partial completion. Thanks for the rousing kick in the pants!!! 🎇😮 Fantastic video!! 🇺🇸🇬🇧
Great presentation @Drachinifel thanks for producing this video. It was great fun watching it and also seeing so many enthusiastic responses. Constitution is a magnificent ship. Ive grown up on her through visiting her and the Charlestown Navy Yard over countless visits over decades now. I was even on her when she actually sailed under her own sail power in 1997. She was heeled over a bit and reached a nice 7 knot clip in the harbor. It was glorious to stand on her as the wind carried her that day. Thank the full-time professional civilian Naval History Heritage and Command Detachment Boston crew for their ongoing and continuous maintenance, restoration, and repair of the ship for all. They are responsible for keeping her afloat and as we see her today.
That was very entertaining. Thank you. Having been in the U.S. Navy for 20 Years I have always heard of the USS Constitution but have not been to Boston Harbor to see it up close. Again Thank YOU.
For the first time in its 224-year history, the U.S.S. Constitution has a woman captain. Billie J. Farrell, 39, is the 77th commanding officer of the United States Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, also known as “Old Ironsides.” Her appointment took place during an official ceremony in Boston on January 21, Every year on July 4, the Constitution unfurls its sails and leaves port under its own power. The crew celebrates Independence Day by firing a 21-gun salute in Boston Harbor. Upon the sailors’ return, they turn the vessel around so it can weather evenly on both sides of its hull.
I love you and your videos. I really do. They're educational and your voice is soothing. I have no clue where/how I found your channel but as someone who is heavily into naval things, I am so glad it exists. Keep doing all these videos and make sure to stay safe out there!
Drach never stops to amaze me, hearing him referring to bar fights has shine a whole new light over him, the old brawler Drach 😉 As always an awsome video 😍
About to see this absolute legend in about an hour. Shout out to my wife, who doesn’t REALLY care about ships (because she served in the coast guard) but is taking me there for my birthday because she rules!!
Okay, everyone else is telling Old Ironside's stories. When I was about 5-6 and my brother 2 years younger (~195-57) my Dad got us on board during a minor renovation and I have a picture of the two of us standing next to the ship's wheel. I can barely reach the upper handles. Years, when in college, I was amazed at how much the ship's wheel had shrunk. Thanks for a great tour, Drach. You did a nice job and it seems the crew appreciated it. There was a time when the crew was in period uniforms, but I could not tell when anymore.
judging from the tone of your voice, I'm not sure which one you enjoyed more: firing the evening salute, or having the honor of signing your name to the book of gunners about USS Constitution. either way, I'm glad you had the chance to walk the deck of another age-of-sail ship that had seen service.
had a verry emotional reaction to the firing of the cannon at the lowering of the flag. Wonderful video tour. Thank you Drach for making this work of educational art.
I am 65, a retired Merchant Marine sailor, love your show. I grew up not far from the Constitution. I was 7 years old and I read my first book on the history of the USS Constitution. I had metal book ends back then and they were made from some other metal parts from the constitution. My dad was a huge fan of sailing and particularly of racing his 37 foot sloop every wednesday. I remember I was watching the USS Constitution in her refit and a flat bed truck pulled into the yard with this huge tree lying on the flat bed. It was 5 feet in diameter at least. Being a tree lover I saw that the restoration of the Constitution as a beautiful and justifiable expenditure of the before mentioned tree. So 5 feet in diameter and 100 feet long. It needs to be mentioned that the tree was over hanging the bed of the truck by 20 feet with it`s obligatory flag on the end of the tree.
Though descended from Bostonians, I have never had the opportunity to visit her, though have seen her from afar. Thanks, especially for the last bit firing the saluting cannon. I served in the U.S Navy in 1961-4 aboard a modern Missile Frigate, DLG-11. If you note the dates, you will realize I was aboard when President kennedy was assassinated. I still have two of the 40mm saluting shell casings from our ship's 24 hourly salutes at anchor in Yokusuka, Japan. The sounds of evening colors aboard U.S.S. Constitution are still quite nostalgic this many years onward.
I found the scene where Drach got to fire the saluting gun for evening colors as a guest of the US Navy, with the fanfare to honor fallen sailors, particularly moving for some reason. Cheers! 🍺
I visited the USS Constitution in June of 2013. I learned more from you in this 50 minute video, thank you for being so clear, concise and knowledgeable.
One of the best that you have ever done Drach. They ought to hire you as a tour guide. Maybe not as we would not have your other wonderful videos and history lessons. Awesome job.
Perhaps commission him from time to time to hold a mass presentation on the history of the ship and her influence on ship design, naval warfare, etc. :)
Well, I think I just resolved the question of whether HMS Hood is a battlecruiser or a fast battleship - it has two masts thus it is a **brig**. You can give me the Nobel peace prize now.
having two masts means it's not a ship or ship rigged. a brig is a kind of rigging/sail plan on two masts. could also be a snow, brigantine, hermaphrodite brig, yawl, ketch, schooner or something similar.
Great extended tour! You were quite honored during your visit, too. -I hope you enjoyed your detailed visit to the Navy's most beautiful commissioned ship!
Thank you for this video. That was a great end that the USN allowed you to participate in. Thank you to Gunner's Mate Second Class Neves for the demonstration.
Drach, great video. I was fortunate to see HMS victory and USS Constitution in the same year. After visiting the constitution I was struck by the size of the ship and thought wow what an amazing warship for the 19th century. Then, I visited Portsmouth and the HMS victory and I was struck by the immense size of that ship and the good luck that the constitution never saw her sails on the horizon. She was a behemoth compared to the constitution.
I'm from New England and a class trip to Old Ironsides was common. I thought it was really cool but just a local celebrity. I later found out what a major figure she is in the history of sailing. I shed some tears watching the canon shot. We never want to forget those that sacrificed all to protect us and our way of life.
Drach, your knowledge of ships of the sail and their battles is just amazing! It is such a joy when you rattle off so much information, and why things are as they are. I had no idea about the ropes holding the mast in tack either, let alone all about the guns and their ammo. It was truly fun to see so much of the ship, which probably only you would be allowed in those special places. I look forward to more of your US tour.
When my son was about ten years old, I entered my name in a lottery for tix to be guests aboard Old Ironsides as it was turned, as it is twice annually so that the sides wear evenly at its dock. We won the tix, and were aboard as it was towed out across Boston Harbor to Castle Island, where it exchanged a salute before returning to its dock. It’s such a special memory of when my son was younger.
Thanks a bunch for this tour! My last trip to the USS Constitution was when I was a small child around 1965 and all I could remember was walking up a creaky old wooden gangplank and looking at the creepy jellyfish slowly pulsing in the black water of Boston Harbor. It was pretty terrifying.
I'm down in Rhode Island, about an hour drive away from Boston, whenever I'm in Boston I always go and take a look at Constitution if I have time. A really beautiful ship.
I grew up in New England and have been on the USS Constitution numerous times. But, I have never heard such an informative explanation on this ship. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your tour. Thank you very much.
That was so cool. I had tears watching this. America's sailing navy was a source of pride for our young nation. Our sailors could hold their own against anyone and our ship builders set the standard others sought to copy. Great video. Looks exactly like I remember when I stood on her deck 58 years ago. Imagine if the U.S.S. Iowa fired a salute at sunset. The Naval Air Base in Lemoore would here it.
I was able to tour Old Ironsides in July 1984. My Navy ship spen a few days around Independence Day in Boston Harbor. We also watched them take her out into the harbor and turn her around, to even out the hull wear.
@@GearGuardianGaming Back around the time of Old Iron Sides 200th birthday, she did put to sea under her own sail power. She sailed from outside Boston Harbor up to Salem and back (under reduced sail) as part of her turning around.
Well done, Drach - i've been looking forward to your tour of Constitution on the Tour - one of my fond memories was visiting Constitution while in uniform - and while I was given the complete "friends and family" tour (it was apparently a slow day), it did NOT include the magazines, and so I am delighted to have finally seen inside them!
Thank you Drach for being so respectful! This was a real treat and I wish I could have been there for your lecture! I know I've played the unofficial tour guide at museums myself, so I know how you feel!
I have been on and toured the spectacular USS Constitution twice. Once not long ago when all her masts and rigging were down for refurb. I have finally seen the great Constitution and some of her fantastic details through your video. Thank you, good sir. And super congrats on firing her evening gun salute. Great stuff man!
Absolutely amazing tour of the USS Constitution. I learned so much. The types of ammunition used were a bit frightening if you got got in the crossfire. Thank you Drach.
11:00 The main reason for drawing off to perform repairs before accepting a defeated foe's surrender isn't to repair hull damage in a ship like this but to repair damage to the rigging. USS Constitution was much less prone to significant hull damage but her rigging was as exposed as anyone else's.
Super cool video and it was nice to finally match a face with the voice I have listened to so often many times now. Bravo Zulu for giving the tourist group your time and I am sure a comprehensive explanation on shipborne ammunition, you are a stand-up guy for sure. I hope you had some business cards to pass out promoting your website.
Thank you so much for this video! It’s a thrill to see. In 2006, I worked for the USS Constitution Museum, but was based in Washington, DC. I researched the pension records of the officers and crew of the Constitution at the National Archives. It was such an honor to get read the stories of the ship’s battles and its crew in the original paperwork, including letters written by scribes describing how the men had been injured or killed. I haven’t actually visited the ship since then, though I had visited previously. I really need to get back! I got so interested that I read a lot of naval history, which informed catalog entry I wrote for the Corcoran Gallery about a painting depicting the engagement of the frigate President with the British Squadron in 1815. So your tour and demonstration mean a great deal to me. Well done! Thank you!
Thats fantastic you got to perform an archival research project in the National Archives for the ship’s Museum! She (and her crew) is such a fascinating subject.
Nice! My parents took us kids for a visit to the Constitution too many years ago for comfort, and it's very nostalgic to see it again. That so little has changed is actually wonderful. I'm glad you had a nice, long look up close at her.
Being born in Boston and seeing her every day its cool that you came to see Boston and her History. I lived here 15 years and i have only been on her once :(
In 1990, when living in Boston as a 'Brit abroad', I was lucky enough to go out in the harbour alongside Constitution during her annual 'turnaround'. I also have a small numbered piece of her hull originally taken out during her 1973 restoration. The museum in Fall River, Massachusetts is also well worth a visit if you're ever out that way, Drach.
Great video. I’m a historian and veteran of the USMC (so part of the Navy-insert joke here-“Only good Marine is a submarine!” Yes, the Marines are a department of the Navy…the MEN’S Department! Lol) I just wanted to thank you for sharing this video with us folks who don’t get around as much as they used to. Really fascinating to take a virtual tour and you’re a great “guide.” I remember in ‘76, when the US had that day where the harbor was FULL of ships. Can’t remember if that was near the 4th and part of our bicentennial celebration or what but I’m sure someone out there knows what I am talking about!? Thanks again for sharing this with us! Best wishes. ❤️🫡👍🏼
Pinned post for Q&A :)
How reasonable is it that USS Constitution will be a Constellation Class Frigate?
If Urban combat is the nightmare for Generals, what's an Admirals nightmare?
! know you are busy, but finishing War of 1812-1815 & US vs CSA War would be loverly!
Oh my god, will you visit Ryan Szimansky too!?
Were japanese naval optics/binoculars that much better in the dark compared to their contemporaries?
Recently uncovered footage of a boarding action by British forces aboard USS Constitution(Colorized)
Sneaky! 🤣🤣🤣
My man's 239 years late but he got there at least.
Looks like they resolved boarding action by impressing the boarder
@@uniwasamistake6334 shaky start but Drach finished strong
DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP!
Hahah. I love the fact that tourists thought you worked for the Constitution museum, and you just went with it. Good stuff.
Too funny right? It's probably the beard and the authoritative British accent.
Lol, why am I thinking that's not the first or last time Drach unofficially is part of the tour!
Drach should do a paid tour to run tours for museum vessels I reckon.
As I saw him aboard the ship with all those tourists around, I knew it had to happen eventually.
Drach: Look at me. I am the tour guide now.
In the fall of 1968 my ship, USS Samuel B Roberts DD823 went to the Boston Shipyard for a refit. We were there through the winter and on one weekend Boston experienced one of the worst snow storm of the century. We were in the drydock next to the Constitution when in the middle of the night when we were aroused to get up and help the Constitution pull her back in here mooring. The storm brought with it high winds and the Constitution had pulled loose from the mooring and they needed all hands to help bring her back in. She must have been at least 100 feet from the pier when we got to the pier and there were only two lines that were holding her back. It was quite an experience bringing her back next to the pier.
Poor old girl must have seen a british merchant ship and slipped back into old habbits.
"Samuel B. Roberts" another incredibly hallowed name in US Navy lore. DE413 - "The Destroyer Escort that fought like a Battleship."
@@elroyscout Best comment ever
That happened to me aboard USS Drum.
A bunch of kids were asking their parents questions that they didn't have answers to, there was I, fresh out of the Navy with said answers because I had been on submarines, and I spent the next 40 minutes organizing about 7 kids in the Drum's control into a proper submarine crew.
Parents just assumed I worked for the park and thanked me afterwards for making the trip so memorable for their kids.
It’s gratifying when that happens, although my story is a little different. I was quoting something I’d read, talking about the early composite armor on the Soviet T-6[X] and T-72 battle tanks (with a T-55 as an anachronistic visual aid!), and turned around to find myself giving a brief rundown of early composite armor to a few passerby.
Thank you for your tour guide.
I enlisted in the navy in 1981. Shortly after that, I visited USS Constitution. While on the tour, my girlfriend Katie who I was with let the crew know I just joined the navy. The crew took me under their wing, showed me parts of the ship not seen by tourists. I got to hang out with them in the crew quarters. The Constitution crew took me clubbing to celebrate joining the navy. USS Constitution is part of my personal history.
It was Senator Ted Kennedy who preserved the USS Constitution, there's an amazing history of Constitution falling into disrepair several times. Kennedy made sure that it was re-commissioned and so, being part of the US Navy, would receive the attention required and be available to the public as well.
I'm a former Naval enlistee myself but gave up my love of War when I was still young. Old Wooden Boats however, have a unique beauty.
@@bravocharlie639 she is a beautiful ship. I dont know anyone who served, past or present who ever had a love of war. Those who serve hope war never happens but are there to step up if it does.
Thanks for serving.
Great story. Thank you for your service.
@@kimberlainodriscoll4781 We have "stepped up" less often than what is obvious. Decorated Combat Marine General Smedley Butler wrote a book about it, it hasn't changed.
During your tour, you may have noticed a Traverse Board mounted on one of the after bulkheads. I made this for the USS Constitution for her 200th anniversary. It was made of wood taken from the ship during the refit prior to the 200th sail. I also built a chip log and 28 second sand glasses out of the same wood. They should be somewhere in the ship or museum.
Dude, you had an Epic Professional Honor. I bet you would have done that for free for the Old Girl wouldn't you?
@@garyreed6237 I did it for free. Wouldn't dream of charging them for it. But it was I who was honored: the day I delivered the traverse board, chip log and sand glasses, I was treated to lunch by the then-Captain of the Constitution, aboard the Constitution, in the Gunroom - the Captain's dining area just forward of the Captain's Quarters. It's a lunch I will never forget as long as I live.
Thank you for your service Sir. You are a Great American. That beautiful ship has a story. And if she could talk....
@@garyreed6237 ...she does, in her logbooks
@@philgiglio7922
Yes, that she does. 225 years worth.
Define irony:
A US ship that fought part of war against the British because the British impressed Americans to serve in its navy… has a British man working as a forced tour guide and eventual volunteer gunner aboard her. What a time to be alive.
Love the video Drach!
And then the Americans were impressed, but in a different way. "that tour guide was so informative".
What blows your mind even more is that there was an exchange program with the British Navy where active duty RN sailors would serve the Conny while US sailors went to the Victory.
Huge respect and thanks to the crew of the USS Constitution and the US Navy for the highly appreciated help and cooperation given to Drachinifel in the making of this video.
I agree.Since the USA and Great Britain had the ability to put our past differences behind us and move forward, I would think it shows the world that anyone could? Both countries have been criticized for their actions over the years but I am certain the friendship between our countries and their citizens is a shining example of how diplomacy, cooperation and support can make the world a much better place to live.for everyone involved.
@@superdog1964 It's useful that the language spoken in both countries has a common ancestor.
Naaaah, "keep your friends close and your enemies closer..."
@@superdog1964 Yes but ending world wide open slavery Great Britain does deserve credit and the US helped a small bit in running down slave ships. Yes a good deal of blame can be offered but a good deal of credit is owed as well. And in most case Colonization better than what there before but of course in no way acceptable by modern standard. There are horrible exceptions to this comment of course like the Belgian Congo (although the cannibals probably deserved it as they made up part of the horrible abuse received) Before was steady war between local leaders and colonization created peace and stability and uniform laws and infrastructure improvements. Being treated as second class citizens in their own lands though of course wrong and colonization as i had been done had to end.
Drach, I was amused to see you ended up being an accidental tour guide. The guests were quite fortunate.
I'm an amateur warbird historian, and wind up in similar circumstances at airshows. It's wonderful being able to answer people's questions. Best regards and thank you so much for this video!
What do you think of colors. Arrangement and fittings. Authentically? Regardless she looks beautiful. Thanks for your visit .Hope everyone in New England most Friendly!
I am a former crew member of Constitution, and have enjoyed this tour very much. Thanks Drach. I have fired the 40mm saluting batteries (one on each side), although when I was on her, the saluting batteries were the two most forward guns on the gundeck. I do not know when they got moved back aft but it is clearly safer than pointing the gun at the pier, which is what happens when the ship is moored bow in, and the foremost guns are pointed slightly forward of directly abeam (perpendicular to the ships keel) as you could see in the video of the gun deck, forward of the ships galley (the empty gunports second from the bow, on each side, were the ones we used to use).
I spent two wonderful years on board, as a tour guide, and ships crew, performing maintenance and upkeep on the days when I was not on tour guide duty. I was assigned to the small boat maintenance area over in the main dockyard building, where the real work on keeping the ship floating happens. I was a member of the Captain's gig rowing crew, and took part in the Charles river regatta both years I was on board.
Again, well done Drach, and thanks for the memories.
Do they use black powder? How does it compare to charge used for normal firing of the cannon with shot?
@@genesmolko8113 It is a black powder charge. and since the saluting battery is actually inserted into the massive 24 pounder long gun barrel, the ridiculous weight of the gun means that there is absolutely no recoil whatsoever. there is a mild thump heard throughout the lower decks, but that is it. big cloud of smoke and a decent bang, but nothing like a full charge would have been back in the day. I believe there is less than half a pound of black powder in the charge, compared to the several pounds that would have been used to fire a 24 pound ball. Like I said, it doesn't even move the carriage. At all.
@@Chipster-cm1le Thanks very much, I would love to see a 24 pdr fired with a full charge, cannon ball and all. Must have been cool being a crew member of the Consti.
Semper Paratus squidly ;)
@@genesmolko8113 Semper Fi, puddle pirate ...LOL !
@@Chipster-cm1le Um, interesting fact you have passed on but that raises the question of "that" black powder charge for its diameter looks to be much smaller then the diameter of the barrel would be. Was an insert slid down the barrel to compensate for the smaller diameter of "that" charge? Or was that cannon, being a breach loader not an original or replica of an original cannon?
Born and bred in Boston and been three times to the Constitution, but never learned as much as today. Thanks so much, Drach.
Here here!
And I never go past the gun deck.
Here Too!
@Ruska Just lucky, I guess.
I need to revisit her at some point, especially now that she's fully rigged.
If those tourists were smart, they would have stood within earshot the whole time 😂 probably wouldn’t have got any better thorough free tour of the Constitution.
If I was there I would have asked Drach if I could follow him around for his lecture/tour.
I was there and yes, a lot of the fans of his were around him a lot listening.
Yeah I guess his fans would have known in advance. But it would have been quite lucky for a family who had no idea who Drach is and getting quite a comprehensive tour lol.
@@MrDiggityaus
or someone like myself who loves Drach, but like a ninny was unaware of his American invasion. I would have taken off from work . . . sigh . .
I'd argue for the man's arrest!
If even one Seaman overheard him, he'd have been Impressed.
We all know what happened the last time ,The English, thought they could get away with that.
🤣
As a Bostonian, I've had the privilege of going aboard USS Constitution many times, including during one of her periodic refits in drydock. I've also been on a harbor cruise during the firing of the salute cannon for evening colors. I'm envious that you got to fire the cannon, Drach, but what an honor that was. I have stood at Castle Island during many of Constitution's "turnaround" cruises and felt one of her salute shots thump me in the chest. Even from a few hundred yards away, you can definitely feel it. At her turnaround cruises, Constitution will fire a 21-gun salute at Fort Independence (Castle Island in South Boston ("Southie")) with a reply given by the same artillery battery that fires for the 1812 Overture for the Boston Pops 4th of July concert.
One of the main reasons my next US tour will include Boston, if she's there. Sadly there aren't any ocean liners anymore with cheap tickets and flights across the atlantic are expensive AF... I can fly to Thailand from the EU for a few hundred bucks but US is like 1-2k minimum :(
Great video. Two things: The Navy has a grove of oaks in Indiana where they grow trees that will become replacement parts for Constitution; when reveille is played in the morning, the colors rocket up whatever device that is holding them, and when the "Retreat" bugle call is played in the evening, the flag comes down ever so very slowly. Old Glory stands up must faster than she stands down.
You calling our flag old, sir?!
Love that Drac stood by and respectfully until color's finished .. Even if he didn't know what/why (wouldn't surprised me that he did). He got to retire the colors for all 3.
U.S. Navy here sir .. keep up the good work.
/salute
That's so awesome how they treated you, the access you got and who wouldn't want to pull that handle and hear BOOM :) Enjoyed it bunches thanks Drach
"A 32 pound, short barreled carronade."
>Because sometimes you want to see 'the whites of their eyes' before you send them to their god.
"If you imagine a bar-fight."
>Good to see Drach immersed in Boston culture.
Drachinifel....international tour guide impersonator.
Firing ship's guns. Makes me look forward to the USS New Jersey tour.
Yes, can't wait to see Drach and Ryan running around together, that'll be a good video.
HAHAHA! I was just flipping through comments and IMMEDIATELY spit up my coffee when I read your "Good to see Drach immersed in Boston Culture"- I'm a Central Massachusetts guy who remembers "trips behind the woodshed" to settle disputes in my Youth. As Bill Burr once said about Massachusetts folk "We are a fighty group, aren't we?"😂
Unfortunately, we're not likely to see one of the New Jersey's guns fired. Darn shame. Yeah it would break a few windows around the harbor. But it's a battleship. What do you expect?
@@ReclinedPhysicist They might let him fire the Bofors that they restored, I know the ship uses a quad mount for salutes and celebrations.
chowardlaw Am pretty sure New Jersey has evening colors, even though she is no longer a commissioned USN vessel. Saluting guns are a trifle noisy, but hardly what you would get from a 16"/50 or even a 5"/38 (which wouldn't be used as saluting guns anyhow)
I remember Drach telling us the story about the tourists asking about Constitution, despite the fact that he doesn’t work there, while he was aboard the USS Yorktown. It was the second funniest thing that day, only beaten by the air-soft story 😂. (I was the guy with the USS Enterprise CV-6 hat).
living here in the Charlestown Navy Yard for the past 14 years, i have to say i absolutely love hearing those guns twice a day! A little reminder of just how special and awesome my neighbor is!
A big part of the charm of the area, I'm sure.
That moment when Drach goes from a somewhat serious history buff to a kid on Christmas morning.
Can we see that 40 minute lecture you did with the tourist? Would love to see their reaction when you tell them you dont work for the museum
A unique "I don't work here, lady" moment! 😄
Yeah, it should be raelly funny. But not everyone has the privilige to have Drach in the museum the same day you go
@@lancerevell5979 I never have said, "I don't work here lady." What I have said on quite a few occasions is, "I'm sorry, I'm not an employee but you are looking for aisle C3," or "perhaps you need to ask an employee."
I would love to have seen that!
YES, YES, YES ! ! !
🙂😎👍
When I was in boot camp in 1976 a member of our company got orders to the Constitution. I was a great honor for a new recruit. Thank you for the tour.
Drach, thank you so much for posting this! Wow, if this is how the rest of your tour of American museum ships went, we certainly are certainly in for quite a treat!
What a thrill that must of been to fire the evening salute!
she's also the oldest ship that's still in active duty. though she isn't used in conflicts anymore many us sailors will have the pleasure of sailing her during celebrations.
Always knew there was something special about the USS Constitution that allowed her to prevail against her foes. Your ability to put her assets in prospective for us was greatly appreciated.
Uhhhh, Drach....were there any sailors from the recruting station in Boston near by when you fired the gun? Naval regs state "Any persons who fires US Constitutions gun will have by that action vollenteered to join the US Navy." Congrats Drach your a Gunners mate striker now!!!
Showing once again why You’ve got to read those contract riders!
There is important stuff in there not just removing the brown M&M’s
Drach is British. The only thing he understands is a press gang!
@@panzerabwerkanone America is famous for stealing all the cool dudes we can, we'll steal him!
@@panzerabwerkanone It's 1812 all over again...
But in reverse.
Don't sweat it Drach. You may like being in the US Navy. Remember what they said in Britain during the War about us Yanks?
Over paid, over sexed, and over here. 😁😁😁
Huzzah! Good to see her on here.
I got to visit her during her last refit when they were re-doing her copper sheathing, and they were inviting people to engrave their names on the sheets of copper to be put on. My signature is on her hull somewhere.
That is awesome, how many people are actually allowed to leave their mark on a piece of history (and not given a massive fine or jail time with a lifetime ban)
Ah neat! My name is on there as well! Was about 4 or 5 years ago if memory serves.
That's, pretty dang cool.
The irony of an Englishman firing a salute from the USS Constitution is just delicious. That and the tourists thinking the BEST person to discuss USN armaments is an Englishman is even better!😂
Seriously, Thank You for doing this video- I couldn't get time off to see you in Boston, but, it was nice to meet you at Battleship Cove. As always, an exceptionally informative and entertaining episode!
I mean to be fair to be fair he might know more about it then some of the staff. Absolutely no slight on them but he is a naval historian.
I can't wait for him to do a video about his visit to battleship cove. As an Illinois resident, I've actually been there several times. I highly recommend a visit.
@@JamesF0790 I ABSOLUTELY agree! It's just the juxtaposition of an Englishman presenting American armaments seems like a Python skit.
@@pierowmania2775 That's a HAUL to see Big Mamie!
@@colinsdad1 It really does doesn't it?
Been watching Drach for years, but only recently began reading the Aubrey-Maturin series. I was searching for a video touring a frigate from that era, and here is my favorite WWII TH-camr leading the tour. Perfect-- I mean, *Prodigious* video for my bedtime viewing. Now, I just need a snack. "Killick! A glass of that port and is there any of that spotted dog remaining?"
A long time (Royal) Navy fiction reader, I made the USS Constitution my first stop on my first visit to Boston on my first visit to the USA.
Being aboard the kind of ship that fought the Napoleonic and Anglo-American wars was a mind blowing experience.
A work of art and a deadly piece of machinery.
I'm envious of the tourists who got the college level lecture about the age of sail shot and armaments! Way to go, Drach!! 😊
Epic! Did you get to keep the casing? Glad they rolled out the red carpet. To have your name in the log, what an honor to carry. A tribute to your incredible efforts and contributions as a Naval Historian
That’s just asking to be arrested going through customs.
@@Isolder74 for a casing? Highly doubt it.
@@IkesThePyro You haven't seen some of the news story involving airports lately. Even if they let you do it it wouldn't be worth the headache.
@@Isolder74 Ship it separately, don't try to carry it in your luggage.
They probably reload them for future re-use.
As a former sailor, who isn't fond of heights, I can't imagine being in those fighting tops in any more than a light chop.
Especially since they wouldn't just be swaying with the waves and wind - consider how much they'd swing around from momentum alone!
Sailing vessels are much more stable than modern ships, there's an equilibrium between the sails and the ballast/kheel.
Indeed, I would definitely be the one with an "attitude problem".
Spectacular! I, as a retired USAF First Sergeant thank you heartily for keeping our traditions alive!
U.S. Navy really delivering the goods here.
As always a very informative, impressive, and fun video.
Thanks!
I took a tour of the Constitution and noticed that the lower deck guns had the British Crown on them. I asked if the guns were captured and the guide told me that they had been cast by using a captured gun to make the molds and that's why they still had British markings. I thought that was an interesting detail. Great video.
Thats like how the russians copied a stolen B-29, right down to extra rivet holes caused by manufacturing errors.
At last a British got to make the Constitution lower her colours. Oddly, this doesn't ruffle my patriotic feathers. This was very well presented and (personally) very educational. Thank you for your efforts, the love you have shows.
Enemies of the past allies of the future right?
Ah, but USS Constitution was in harbor docked/at anchor. Had she been underway, that ceremony would not have happened! A warship (and yes, Coast Guard Cutters are warships) does NOT lower her colors for anything, including Evening Colors.
@@JamesF0790 Nah. More like a nice bit of poetry in that we WERE British at one point and had King George V and Parliament actually held to their end of the charters that established us as Crown Colonies in the first place, we wouldn't have felt it necessary to rebel against the Crown.
@@RaderizDorret George V reigned from 1910 to 1936, by which time the matter was _mostly_ settled. You're thinking of George III. :)
@@ZGryphon D'oh!
29:00 Britain, after more than two centuries and several notable defeats at the hands of this vessel, finally manages to commandeer the Constitution with what merely appears to be a presentation on ammunition. As this is a role typically filled by active duty US Navy sailors it is quite clear this will no longer be the case until the vessel is returned to her rightful owners.
Edit: Here at the end of the video now, I just want to thank you for maintaining a respectful silence during evening colors. Firing a salute from one of Connie's guns must have awakened some boyish excitement (It certainly would for myself.), so I genuinely aprreciate your respect for ceremony and tradition.
Two actually that can be classed as great victories however she ran and hid from anything of equal or more guns
Unlike the HMS Shannon or the HMS Endylion who put paid to the USS Chesapeake and the USS President
And heaven forbid she would never have faced a Razee
I toured Old Ironsides over 50 years ago with my mom. I went home with a Revell model which took me weeks to finish. That day stays with me vividly.
I also built a Revell model of the ship when I was young, would love to tour the ship. Wish I could find another Revell model to build.
That Revell Constitution was the last model I ever built and the only one whose instructions I read properly and painted every part accordingly.
I kept it for years but can't remember what became of it.
I don't get to watch and complete that many of your videos but this one I enjoyed from start to finish. Thank you!
My goodness, the bit at the end brought a bit of a tear to my eye. Well done, man.
Drach,
Loved the entire episode, especially your impromptu demonstration regarding age of sail ammunition. Something similar happened to me in 1989, when serving as a US Navy lieutenant I had the honor of being the re-enlisting officer for one of my chief petty officers. The ceremony was conducted aboard Constitution by the taffrail, and many of the tourists thought we were part of the tour!
The year prior my wife (she's from Surrey) and I were married, and we had friends come over from England for the ceremony. We had time to tour Constitution prior to their flight out of Logan Airport, and they couldn't help but remark how it was "Bloody unsporting of us Yanks" to use some English made 24 pounders during the War of 1812...
Queen Elizabeth II probably though the same thing when she toured the Constitution in the 1980s and resulted in her jest to her late husband Prince Philip about talking to her ministers at the time to "do something about those foreign arms sales".
It’s a little known fact that the USS Constitution was once attended to by autonomous robots that routinely fought off scavengers until taking flight and landing on a nearby skyscraper. The whole ordeal was facilitated by one vault dweller that had been frozen for many years.
I remember that mission. Tough fight......... : )
Ah! Good one. I was wondering when someone would post a reference to "Fallout 4".
*giggles*
Easily my favorite mission in that game.
I am quite pleased that you came here to experience our nation's rich naval heritage in person, and while seriously rocking the Bond villain look!
What a great tour! In 2nd grade (age 7yo), I had to get parental permission to check out a book about USS Constitution from our elementary school library (judged to be 5th grade reading material at the time). Reading that book triggered my life-long love of history and the sea. I have been aboard USS Constitution, but in 1970! Very cool to see you actively involved in evening Colors (I'm US Army, retired). Thank you!
Super awesome that they brought you in to serve as a gunners mate! You're in good company.
Your 5 Best I think that H.M.S.Victory and U.S.S. Constitution should be what an a. b. Kind they are both age of sail they are here and from there
I was there with my family a several years ago. I had expressed an interest to our tour guide ( a Petty Officer 2) to see the raked ribs that are a hallmark of a Humphrey's build frigate. That sharp raking of the ribs is what held up the bow and stern, allowing for the the hydrodynamic hull, as well as the large weight of shot. After the tour, he brough be down to the keel, and I got to see a lot of the same things shown in this video ( not the magazine though :( ) Excellent video.
Brought a tear to my eye watching you signal colors. Carry on, Drach!
its so cool to see a ship that fought in the early 1800's thats still commissioned and still has an active duty US navy crew operating it
god I love this ship and the personnel aboard helping out and being so kind as to allow us all a greater learning experience with her :)
You’ve inspired me to get back to finishing my Revelle model of the Constitution that has been sitting for several years an ignominious state of partial completion. Thanks for the rousing kick in the pants!!! 🎇😮
Fantastic video!! 🇺🇸🇬🇧
"A stiff morning breeze ruffles the hair of a British boarder on the upper deck of USS Constitution"
ok i am massively jealous of the tourists who got an unscripted Drachinifel special on ammunition in the age of sail by sheer accident. Lucky sods.
Great presentation @Drachinifel thanks for producing this video. It was great fun watching it and also seeing so many enthusiastic responses.
Constitution is a magnificent ship. Ive grown up on her through visiting her and the Charlestown Navy Yard over countless visits over decades now. I was even on her when she actually sailed under her own sail power in 1997. She was heeled over a bit and reached a nice 7 knot clip in the harbor. It was glorious to stand on her as the wind carried her that day.
Thank the full-time professional civilian Naval History Heritage and Command Detachment Boston crew for their ongoing and continuous maintenance, restoration, and repair of the ship for all. They are responsible for keeping her afloat and as we see her today.
That was very entertaining. Thank you. Having been in the U.S. Navy for 20 Years I have always heard of the USS Constitution but have not been to Boston Harbor to see it up close. Again Thank YOU.
For the first time in its 224-year history, the U.S.S. Constitution has a woman captain. Billie J. Farrell, 39, is the 77th commanding officer of the United States Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, also known as “Old Ironsides.” Her appointment took place during an official ceremony in Boston on January 21, Every year on July 4, the Constitution unfurls its sails and leaves port under its own power. The crew celebrates Independence Day by firing a 21-gun salute in Boston Harbor. Upon the sailors’ return, they turn the vessel around so it can weather evenly on both sides of its hull.
I love you and your videos. I really do. They're educational and your voice is soothing. I have no clue where/how I found your channel but as someone who is heavily into naval things, I am so glad it exists. Keep doing all these videos and make sure to stay safe out there!
Drach never stops to amaze me, hearing him referring to bar fights has shine a whole new light over him, the old brawler Drach 😉 As always an awsome video 😍
About to see this absolute legend in about an hour. Shout out to my wife, who doesn’t REALLY care about ships (because she served in the coast guard) but is taking me there for my birthday because she rules!!
Okay, everyone else is telling Old Ironside's stories. When I was about 5-6 and my brother 2 years younger (~195-57) my Dad got us on board during a minor renovation and I have a picture of the two of us standing next to the ship's wheel. I can barely reach the upper handles. Years, when in college, I was amazed at how much the ship's wheel had shrunk. Thanks for a great tour, Drach. You did a nice job and it seems the crew appreciated it. There was a time when the crew was in period uniforms, but I could not tell when anymore.
judging from the tone of your voice, I'm not sure which one you enjoyed more: firing the evening salute, or having the honor of signing your name to the book of gunners about USS Constitution. either way, I'm glad you had the chance to walk the deck of another age-of-sail ship that had seen service.
Makes me happy they provided you with such an honor. This shows the respect you enjoy in the historical community.
had a verry emotional reaction to the firing of the cannon at the lowering of the flag. Wonderful video tour. Thank you Drach for making this work of educational art.
I am 65, a retired Merchant Marine sailor, love your show. I grew up not far from the Constitution. I was 7 years old and I read my first book on the history of the USS Constitution. I had metal book ends back then and they were made from some other metal parts from the constitution. My dad was a huge fan of sailing and particularly of racing his 37 foot sloop every wednesday. I remember I was watching the USS Constitution in her refit and a flat bed truck pulled into the yard with this huge tree lying on the flat bed. It was 5 feet in diameter at least. Being a tree lover I saw that the restoration of the Constitution as a beautiful and justifiable expenditure of the before mentioned tree. So 5 feet in diameter and 100 feet long. It needs to be mentioned that the tree was over hanging the bed of the truck by 20 feet with it`s obligatory flag on the end of the tree.
Though descended from Bostonians, I have never had the opportunity to visit her, though have seen her from afar. Thanks, especially for the last bit firing the saluting cannon. I served in the U.S Navy in 1961-4 aboard a modern Missile Frigate, DLG-11. If you note the dates, you will realize I was aboard when President kennedy was assassinated. I still have two of the 40mm saluting shell casings from our ship's 24 hourly salutes at anchor in Yokusuka, Japan. The sounds of evening colors aboard U.S.S. Constitution are still quite nostalgic this many years onward.
I found the scene where Drach got to fire the saluting gun for evening colors as a guest of the US Navy, with the fanfare to honor fallen sailors, particularly moving for some reason. Cheers! 🍺
Most hilarious thing ever you literally posted this while I was on the train to get to the constitution for work lol
Let the crew know a package is incoming for them 😀
What did you send them mate?@@Drachinifel
Constitution is so cool. Boston is really lucky to have her.
It was built in Boston, so why should it be anywhere else?
@@auggieeast she could just as easily not exist at all anymore as be in Boston.
@@Moredread25 This is true.
I visited the USS Constitution in June of 2013. I learned more from you in this 50 minute video, thank you for being so clear, concise and knowledgeable.
Firing the gun brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Go Navy !
That is such a pretty ship. Centuries old, and still fully functional. Things last if you take care of them.
One of the best that you have ever done Drach. They ought to hire you as a tour guide. Maybe not as we would not have your other wonderful videos and history lessons. Awesome job.
Perhaps commission him from time to time to hold a mass presentation on the history of the ship and her influence on ship design, naval warfare, etc. :)
Well, I think I just resolved the question of whether HMS Hood is a battlecruiser or a fast battleship - it has two masts thus it is a **brig**. You can give me the Nobel peace prize now.
having two masts means it's not a ship or ship rigged. a brig is a kind of rigging/sail plan on two masts. could also be a snow, brigantine, hermaphrodite brig, yawl, ketch, schooner or something similar.
You win the Internet for today, EV. Does that satisfy you?
Great extended tour! You were quite honored during your visit, too. -I hope you enjoyed your detailed visit to the Navy's most beautiful commissioned ship!
What a great honor for both the crews! Don't know how I missed this episode but a brilliant one and loved the ammo explanation.
Thank you for this video. That was a great end that the USN allowed you to participate in. Thank you to Gunner's Mate Second Class Neves for the demonstration.
Drach, great video. I was fortunate to see HMS victory and USS Constitution in the same year. After visiting the constitution I was struck by the size of the ship and thought wow what an amazing warship for the 19th century. Then, I visited Portsmouth and the HMS victory and I was struck by the immense size of that ship and the good luck that the constitution never saw her sails on the horizon. She was a behemoth compared to the constitution.
OMG...I grinned like a Cheshire cat when the gun went off so I can just imagine what a thrill that was for you!! That is the cutest tug boat ever!
I'm from New England and a class trip to Old Ironsides was common. I thought it was really cool but just a local celebrity. I later found out what a major figure she is in the history of sailing. I shed some tears watching the canon shot. We never want to forget those that sacrificed all to protect us and our way of life.
Drach, your knowledge of ships of the sail and their battles is just amazing! It is such a joy when you rattle off so much information, and why things are as they are. I had no idea about the ropes holding the mast in tack either, let alone all about the guns and their ammo. It was truly fun to see so much of the ship, which probably only you would be allowed in those special places. I look forward to more of your US tour.
When my son was about ten years old, I entered my name in a lottery for tix to be guests aboard Old Ironsides as it was turned, as it is twice annually so that the sides wear evenly at its dock. We won the tix, and were aboard as it was towed out across Boston Harbor to Castle Island, where it exchanged a salute before returning to its dock.
It’s such a special memory of when my son was younger.
Thanks a bunch for this tour! My last trip to the USS Constitution was when I was a small child around 1965 and all I could remember was walking up a creaky old wooden gangplank and looking at the creepy jellyfish slowly pulsing in the black water of Boston Harbor. It was pretty terrifying.
I'm down in Rhode Island, about an hour drive away from Boston, whenever I'm in Boston I always go and take a look at Constitution if I have time. A really beautiful ship.
I grew up in New England and have been on the USS Constitution numerous times. But, I have never heard such an informative explanation on this ship. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your tour. Thank you very much.
That was so cool. I had tears watching this. America's sailing navy was a source of pride for our young nation. Our sailors could hold their own against anyone and our ship builders set the standard others sought to copy.
Great video. Looks exactly like I remember when I stood on her deck 58 years ago.
Imagine if the U.S.S. Iowa fired a salute at sunset. The Naval Air Base in Lemoore would here it.
I got to participate in evening colors onboard her 6 years ago, she’s a beautiful ship.
I was able to tour Old Ironsides in July 1984. My Navy ship spen a few days around Independence Day in Boston Harbor. We also watched them take her out into the harbor and turn her around, to even out the hull wear.
i hope im not the only one who misread your comment as 1894. awesome you got to watch her move, even if it wasnt out to sea.
@@GearGuardianGaming Back around the time of Old Iron Sides 200th birthday, she did put to sea under her own sail power. She sailed from outside Boston Harbor up to Salem and back (under reduced sail) as part of her turning around.
Well done, Drach - i've been looking forward to your tour of Constitution on the Tour - one of my fond memories was visiting Constitution while in uniform - and while I was given the complete "friends and family" tour (it was apparently a slow day), it did NOT include the magazines, and so I am delighted to have finally seen inside them!
Thank you Drach for being so respectful! This was a real treat and I wish I could have been there for your lecture! I know I've played the unofficial tour guide at museums myself, so I know how you feel!
I have been on and toured the spectacular USS Constitution twice. Once not long ago when all her masts and rigging were down for refurb. I have finally seen the great Constitution and some of her fantastic details through your video. Thank you, good sir. And super congrats on firing her evening gun salute. Great stuff man!
This video really brings homes how complex and important a ship's rigging is and how skilled the crew has to be to maintain it.
Absolutely amazing tour of the USS Constitution. I learned so much. The types of ammunition used were a bit frightening if you got got in the crossfire. Thank you Drach.
11:00 The main reason for drawing off to perform repairs before accepting a defeated foe's surrender isn't to repair hull damage in a ship like this but to repair damage to the rigging. USS Constitution was much less prone to significant hull damage but her rigging was as exposed as anyone else's.
Super cool video and it was nice to finally match a face with the voice I have listened to so often many times now.
Bravo Zulu for giving the tourist group your time and I am sure a comprehensive explanation on shipborne ammunition, you are a stand-up guy for sure. I hope you had some business cards to pass out promoting your website.
Thank you so much for this video! It’s a thrill to see. In 2006, I worked for the USS Constitution Museum, but was based in Washington, DC. I researched the pension records of the officers and crew of the Constitution at the National Archives. It was such an honor to get read the stories of the ship’s battles and its crew in the original paperwork, including letters written by scribes describing how the men had been injured or killed. I haven’t actually visited the ship since then, though I had visited previously. I really need to get back! I got so interested that I read a lot of naval history, which informed catalog entry I wrote for the Corcoran Gallery about a painting depicting the engagement of the frigate President with the British Squadron in 1815. So your tour and demonstration mean a great deal to me. Well done! Thank you!
Thats fantastic you got to perform an archival research project in the National Archives for the ship’s Museum! She (and her crew) is such a fascinating subject.
Nice! My parents took us kids for a visit to the Constitution too many years ago for comfort, and it's very nostalgic to see it again. That so little has changed is actually wonderful. I'm glad you had a nice, long look up close at her.
Being born in Boston and seeing her every day its cool that you came to see Boston and her History. I lived here 15 years and i have only been on her once :(
In 1990, when living in Boston as a 'Brit abroad', I was lucky enough to go out in the harbour alongside Constitution during her annual 'turnaround'. I also have a small numbered piece of her hull originally taken out during her 1973 restoration.
The museum in Fall River, Massachusetts is also well worth a visit if you're ever out that way, Drach.
Great video. I’m a historian and veteran of the USMC (so part of the Navy-insert joke here-“Only good Marine is a submarine!” Yes, the Marines are a department of the Navy…the MEN’S Department! Lol) I just wanted to thank you for sharing this video with us folks who don’t get around as much as they used to. Really fascinating to take a virtual tour and you’re a great “guide.” I remember in ‘76, when the US had that day where the harbor was FULL of ships. Can’t remember if that was near the 4th and part of our bicentennial celebration or what but I’m sure someone out there knows what I am talking about!? Thanks again for sharing this with us! Best wishes. ❤️🫡👍🏼