Part of the fleet of six frigates that were commissioned by Congress in 1794 to protect American merchant vessels from the attacks of Barbary pirates in the Metierranean. The 44-gun "Constitution" was designed by Joshua Humphreys and Josiah Fox improved the design of existing European firgates by using stronger timbering, heavier armament, and more sail. She was constructed at Hartt's Shipyard in Boston and launched in 1797. She remained on active duty after the War of 1812 until 1855 where she served as a naval training ship.
