2007-02-21 11:34:38 · 4 answers · asked by Lil Angel 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Aug. 19,1812 - The CONSTITUTION's historic fight with HMS GUERRIERE takes place some 600 miles east of Nova Scotia on the afternoon of August 19, 1812. After an hour of inconclusive maneuvering and shooting, the two settle down to a short-range slugfest. After 20 minutes the Briton's mizzenmast falls, and a short time later both her remaining masts go overboard. At some point in the battle, someone reportedly sees a British shot bounce off the CONSTITUTION's side, and shouts, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!"-and so is born the nickname "OLD IRONSIDES." The Americans have 14 casualties; the British, 79. The GUERRIERE is so badly damaged she has to be sunk after the surviving crew are brought onboard the CONSTITUTION.
2007-02-21 11:50:52 · answer #1 · answered by tpasenelli 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Isn't that the Ironclad form the Civil war?
If so, it got its name from being made out of iron - hence ironsides, and the old is assuredly a term of endearment that its makers gave to it to be funny. :)
2007-02-21 11:38:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was made of thick oak and the cannon balls would bounce off her. It's the oldest commissioned warship in the world.
2007-02-21 11:45:08 · answer #3 · answered by lyyman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was hit many times with cannon fire and did not sink.
2007-02-21 11:38:39 · answer #4 · answered by n0tsan3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋