USS Constitution defeats HMS Guerriere

Background. When the United States declared war on Britain on 18 June 1812, the Royal Navy had eighty-five vessels in American waters. Guerriere was still in American waters after the outbreak, having earlier been detached from a squadron that had failed to capture Constitution, and was proceeding to Halifax for a refit when she sighted the American frigate.

Opposing Ships and Commanders. Constitution, launched in 1797 as one of six original frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, was a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate. Isaac Hull had taken command in June 1810. Guerriere, a former French ship captured and recommissioned by the British, was commanded by Captain James Richard Dacres. During the war Constitution's battery typically consisted of thirty long 24-pounder cannons.

Significance. Before the run of American victories in single-ship encounters early in the War of 1812, the Royal Navy believed a British 38-gun frigate could successfully engage a 44-gun frigate of any other nation. Constitution emerged from the war undefeated, and her appearance after the triumph over Guerriere is associated with the nickname 'Old Ironsides'.