Talyn
Emissary
In 1932, the USS Constitution and her National Cruise crew spent the Christmas holiday in Panama with specific records noting December 27, 1932, passing through the Miraflores Locks. The frigate celebrated a festive naval tradition, a Christmas tree lashed to the flying jib-boom off her bow with three more crowning each of her masts.
That tradition continues today.
The USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," sailed (was towed) through the Panama Canal in late 1932 as part of its massive, three-year National Cruise (1931-1934) to thank Americans for funding its restoration, passing through the Miraflores Locks around December 27, 1932, after its Atlantic/Gulf tour and heading to the West Coast, drawing huge crowds to see the historic ship transit the waterway.
Key Details of the 1932 Canal Transit:
The National Cruise (1931-1934)
On July 2, 1931, USS Constitution and a crew of 81 officers, sailors, and Marines set off on a three-year, three-coast tour around the United States. This National Cruise was a public “thank you” to the men, women, and children who, from 1925 to 1930, donated monies and materials to support the ship’s 1927 restoration. School children across the country contributed pennies, nickels, and dimes toward a fund that eventually raised $154,000 for “Old Ironsides.”
Between July 1931 and May 1932, the USS Constitution, towed by the minesweeper USS Grebe, stopped at over 70 ports along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the United States at every port with water deep enough to accommodate her 23-foot draft.
ussconstitutionmuseum.org
www.historylink.org
USS Constitution (right) and USS Grebe (left), Pier 41, Smith Cove, Seattle, June 2, 1933
That tradition continues today.
The USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," sailed (was towed) through the Panama Canal in late 1932 as part of its massive, three-year National Cruise (1931-1934) to thank Americans for funding its restoration, passing through the Miraflores Locks around December 27, 1932, after its Atlantic/Gulf tour and heading to the West Coast, drawing huge crowds to see the historic ship transit the waterway.
Key Details of the 1932 Canal Transit:
- Date: The ship transited the Panama Canal in late 1932.
- How it Traveled: The heavy frigate was towed by the minesweeper USS Grebe (AM-43) for the entire tour, including through the Canal.
The National Cruise (1931-1934)
On July 2, 1931, USS Constitution and a crew of 81 officers, sailors, and Marines set off on a three-year, three-coast tour around the United States. This National Cruise was a public “thank you” to the men, women, and children who, from 1925 to 1930, donated monies and materials to support the ship’s 1927 restoration. School children across the country contributed pennies, nickels, and dimes toward a fund that eventually raised $154,000 for “Old Ironsides.”
Between July 1931 and May 1932, the USS Constitution, towed by the minesweeper USS Grebe, stopped at over 70 ports along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the United States at every port with water deep enough to accommodate her 23-foot draft.
- Significance: Millions of Americans visited "Old Ironsides" during this tour, making it a major public relations event and a symbol of national heritage.
- Crew: A small crew of officers, sailors, and Marines, plus the ship's mascot, Rosie the Monkey, were aboard.
- Return: The ship returned to Boston in 1934, marking the end of the historic tour.
National Cruise Archives - USS Constitution Museum
On July 2, 1931, USS Constitution and a crew of 81 officers, sailors, and Marines set off on a three-year, three-coast tour around the United States. This National Cruise was a public “thank you” to the men, women, and children who, from 1925 to 1930, donated monies and materials to support the...
ussconstitutionmuseum.org
1931 Old Ironside USS Constitution National Tour Rebuilding Cruise Poster
Frigate USS <em>Constitution</em>, on a tour of Pacific Coast ports,
On May 31, 1933, the historic frigate USS Constitution arrives at the Port of Seattle under tow of the mine sweeper USS Grebe (AM-43). After making a grand circuit of Elliott Bay, “Old Ironsidesâ€
www.historylink.org
USS Constitution (right) and USS Grebe (left), Pier 41, Smith Cove, Seattle, June 2, 1933
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