05/31/2026
This week in 1933, USS Constitution – the oldest U.S. Navy warship still afloat – visited Seattle.
“Old Ironsides” was launched in 1797, and is most famous for her service in the War of 1812. She has been a museum ship since 1907.
In the early 1930s, USS Constitution underwent a substantial restoration. Following its completion, the ship and crew sailed on a three-year, 76-port tour intended as a public “thank you” to those who had supported the restoration effort.
In late May 1933, the historic frigate USS Constitution arrived in Seattle, touring Elliott Bay before being moored at Pier 41. In Seattle, she was open to the public for two weeks, and was toured by more than 200,000 visitors. Following her Seattle visit, she continued on to other Washington ports, including Bremerton.
After her tour, she returned home to Boston, where she has remained as a museum ship ever since.
These images show souvenirs from Constitution's west-coast visits in our artifact collection, including brochures and a wooden quarter.