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The Charlestown Navy Yard opened in 1800 and supported the US Navy for 174 years.
USS Constitution Museum: We figured we’d skip the museum and just go on the ships…I am glad we didn’t skip it and visited the museum first. The exhibits on the ground floor did a great job of explaining the dry dock and some of the history. The second floor was interactive and brought to life for kids what it was like to be a sailor on the Constitution during the war of 1812 and why this ship is so important to America. Admission is by donation. Admission to the actual ship is free… just go wait on the security line. Admission to the WWII era USS Cassin Young is also free…it’s tucked further back next dock over.
USS Constitution: We waited on line for about 15 minutes to get through security screening. Old Ironsides was undergoing restoration during our visit, but stepping aboard this 200-year-old symbol of American independence was a humbling experience. There are Naval officers on board to answer visitors questions. This ship is still commissioned in the Navy and is the oldest commissioned vessel still afloat.
USS Cassin Young: WWII Destroyer. There was less security to get through for this ship and there were more areas inside to explore
Location: 114 16th St, Charlestown, MA 02129
Designation: National Historical Park
Date designation declared: 1975
Date of my visit: 7/15/2015
I also visited this awesome site!
So glad it’s preserved for all to see….
Were you there after the Contitution had finished its restoration?
We were there about 5 years ago. Not sure if it was restored then… it was awesome then, I’m sure it is beautiful now that it has been restored!
I’ve been there last November and it looks really nice now everything is restored and clean. Quite some tourists, but all in love with the history of it all.
That’s great. We will have to go back to see the Constitution with her masts and sails attached.
I did visit Boston, though I must confess I didn’t have a look at the Navy Yard. I missed out!!
It’s across the river from Boston in Charlestown. We were staying in a Charlestown hotel which is why we saw the sites on that side of the river.
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