USS Constellation Model Sailing
Ship
The USS Constellation was the United States Navy’s first ship to ever
be involved in a ship vs. ship battle on the open seas. On February 5, 1799,
under the command of Captiain Tomas Truxton the USS Constellation in her first
confrontation with another ship captured the Insurgente, a 36-gun frigate in
the French fleet. This battle took place off the Island of Nevis in the West
Indies during the “Quasi War” with France.
Another battle which earned the USS Constellation fame occurred a year later
on February 2, 1899 off the French base at Guadeloupe Island. Here the Constellation
was involved in a gruesome battle with the Vengeance for five immensely long
hours. The crew of the Vengeance, a 52-gun ship escaped in the darkness with
twice as many casualties as the Constellation and in danger of sinking.
Once again in 1812 the USS Constellation continued to fulfill her duties as
a warship in the battle of Carney Island defending Norfolk, Virginia from the
British.
Built in Baltimore and designed by John Lenthall, this magnificent ship was
to make her mark in history by winning many major battles. Named after the “new
constellation of stars” on the American flag, she was the first ship to
carry the name Constellation. She soon earned the nickname “Yankee Racehorse”
due to her incredible speed.
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on image above to view!
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