Skywatch Friday: USS Constitution and More
For today's post I'm digging into the archives. Not many adventures have been taking place on the high plains of Colorado this winter. Too cold and windy and too much snow.
Last September we visited the northeastern U.S. and made a stop in Boston to experience some history. Our first stop was the Old North End to visit the USS Constitution and the nearby Bunker Hill. The museum is well done and is free although they ask for donations if you're able. Thank you National Park Service for all you do! (Pretty soon we'll all need to support the NPS to make sure these experiences are available for generations to come.)
Old Ironsides aka the USS Constitution is one of those historical artifacts that you normally only read about in history books. To see her in person was a real treat. She was launched in 1797
Did you know the USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned navel ship? Lots of sailors were in the area undergoing some training. Above they are experiencing what it was like to shoot those cannons.
We were able to go onboard and explore. The ship's main purpose these days is educational outreach and special events. The ship has a crew of about 75 officers and sailors. Many of them were roaming the deck and encouraged conversations and questions about the ship.
She's a beautiful ship with all the wood and is maintained impeccably. Apparently she goes out into the harbor every now and then to do a 21-gun salute at Castle Island. This is required for her to maintain her status as an active US Navy vessel.
Irv ventured below deck--I was a little nervous about the steep ladder to get down there.
All those sailors in town for the special training had their stuff all over down there. Apparently their temporary quarters were sleeping on those wooden floors in sleeping bags. Ouch!
The steps leading below deck. Looking back on it now I wish I'd gone down there.
Beautiful view of downtown Boston across the harbor.
Docked nearby was the USS Cassin Young so we walked over to take a look.
She served mainly during WWII in the Pacific and survived two kamikaze hits.
She is only one of four Fletcher class destroyers that are still afloat.
Not nearly as beautiful as the Constitution, but comfortable for the officers.
Both of these ships are located at the Charlestown Navy Yard if you're ever in the area.
It was a short, rainy walk up to Bunker Hill.
Thank you NPS for maintaining another beautiful site in Boston.
We saw lots of other sites in Boston too, but I won't go into too much detail so this post isn't too lengthy. Above is Faneuil Hall built in 1742 to served as an indoor marketplace and center of town government.
Quincy Market was built next door to Faneuil Hall in 1824 to allow for more indoor marketplace vendors.
The Boston Garden.
The Cheers bar.
The Old North Church. This is where two lanterns signaled that the British were coming by sea and not by land. Thanks Paul Revere! An act that started the American Revolution.
Speaking of Paul Revere, here's the entrance to his house.
I think I visited Paul Revere's house about 60 years ago when I was five, but I might need to defer to my brother to see if that's true. We went to Connecticut to visit grandparents and they took us to Boston. What I mainly remember about that trip was being in a crowded car with a parent and grandparent who were smoking. Gag me!
Boston has beautifully marked 16 historical sites with their 2.5 mile Freedom Trail. They've embedded red brick into the sidewalk to keep you on the right path. Ingenuous!
We only had a day to spend it Boston, but we crammed it as full as possible. I loved the history!
My heart is with the Skating Club of Boston today on the loss of several of their members following the crash of an American Airlines jet. As a skating enthusiast I know the talent that comes out of that club. Rest in peace athletes, coaches, family members and staff.
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