# U609 FDC - 1985 6c Stamped Envelopes and Wrappers - Frigate U.S.S. Constitution
 Another Victory For Old IronsidesÂ
Named for the document that established our nationâs laws, the USS Constitution was built in a Boston shipyard between 1794 and 1797. Its massive 204-foot-long oak hull was made from trees from Massachusetts, Maine, and Georgia. The Constitution was launched on October 21, 1797.
Later that year, the Constitution was sent to patrol the South Atlantic, where the British had considerable trade. Commodore William Bainbridgeâs mission was to torment the British and draw their stronger forces away from the US coast.
This battle marked the third time in as many months that a British warship was captured by the United States. In response, the British Admiralty ordered its frigates not to engage the larger American ships one-on-one.
 Another Victory For Old IronsidesÂ
Named for the document that established our nationâs laws, the USS Constitution was built in a Boston shipyard between 1794 and 1797. Its massive 204-foot-long oak hull was made from trees from Massachusetts, Maine, and Georgia. The Constitution was launched on October 21, 1797.
Later that year, the Constitution was sent to patrol the South Atlantic, where the British had considerable trade. Commodore William Bainbridgeâs mission was to torment the British and draw their stronger forces away from the US coast.
This battle marked the third time in as many months that a British warship was captured by the United States. In response, the British Admiralty ordered its frigates not to engage the larger American ships one-on-one.