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Uss Constellation
Rating Details »
Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Museums [Edit]
1 W Pratt StBaltimore, MD 21201
(410) 539-1797
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for Uss Constellation
She was built around the same time as the USS Constitution and then rebuilt from the keel up much, much later. Most famous for her role in the Civil War, the USS Constellation is built on the same plan as the Constitution, but it's a totally different experience when you visit. Since she's no longer a commissioned warship, there isn't the tight level of security that you have with Old Ironsides. The staff and the atmosphere are more laid back and what you'd expect of a really cool nautical museum experience.
Her masts are hollow and her guns are made of plastic, but getting to go below to all 4 decks and explore to my heart's content was incredible. Everything had been restored beautifully, especially the officer's quarters and mess area. I was told that the Constellation's top gallant and royal yards aren't usually swung up because of a crew shortage, but even with only her two lower masts, she's a beauty.
The mini museum full of Civil War naval exhibits is a nice touch too, commemorating a side of the war that you don't usually hear about.
The last ship afloat from the United States Civial War is certainly a site to be seen if you are in the area of Baltimore Harbor. Nestled amongst the modern waterfront is this classic 150+ year old "sloop-of-war" with a long storied history.
Not only was this a ship which was commissioned and utilized throughout the Civil War, but was even used as a Flagship for the US Atlantic Fleet into World War II . . . as a matter of fact, this ship was not even officially retired from the US Navy until 100+ years after it was initially commissioned.
Now at her permanent berth in Baltimore Harbor, you can board this grand old ship and take an audio tour of the entire ship -- stem to stern, and deck to hull -- and marvel at its beauty while seeing how the sailors lived, worked, slept and ate while aboard this ship and ships like it. There are several daily demonstrations on raising the sails and a daily cannon firing, amongst other audience participation events.
Note: Although a former US Navy ship, this ship is under the care and upkeep of a private organization so you can expect to pay a fee to board and tour the ship, with the option of touring one, two or all four of the local historic ships (i.e. USS Constellation , Submarine USS Torsk, Lightship Chesapeake and the USCG Cutter Taney). There is also the local Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse which is free to visit regardless of the how many of the ships you are touring -- a very interesting tour in itself.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Worth going to see if you are there. This is one of the oldest ships built by the Navy, and that is still around (the other is USS CONSTITUTION in Boston).
The audio tour is included with the entry, and it's totally FREE for MILITARY With ID.
We had fun checking it all out and it did remind us of the USS CONSTITUTION while we were there, the Boston ship just has much more brass and is actually still maintained by the US NAVY.
Definitely worth the visit though, fun and educational!
Definitely its worth to see given its magnificent size and its beautiful construction. Located right next to Pratt St. Great historical site. Its not that costly. I spent an hour reading all the placards and walking through its length and breadth. It gives a very nice view of Baltimore when you look from its deck.
A very unique experience - a great historical site to visit. I've reviewed lots of historical sites but I've never had the experience of being on a historical sailing ship. Visitors are able to visit all of the decks, including the hold. They have numerous, well-prepared, interesting and informative displays. The interpreters are well-versed and there are several daily presentations (including firing a cannon). It's not very expensive ($8 for adults I think). There's a package deal to see some other historical ships (a C.G. Cutter, a WWII sub, and a couple of others, but we didn't have time to visit them). It should be noted that because it is an old ship, and it's been well-preserved/restored it is also not very handicap-accessible. I believe the two top floors are accessible, but not the lower ones, the ceilings are just too low and the stair wells too small.