# @uss_constitution on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DUeAS7PmbmM
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/55679280-uss-constitution-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2479ef6af1.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-02-07T19:42:23.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** USS Constitution (@uss_constitution) — https://gondola.cc/uss_constitution

## Caption

A penny. A button. A nation. 🇺🇸⚓️

In 1925, when USS Constitution was in poor condition at her berth, the U.S. Navy turned to the American people to help save “Old Ironsides.” Schoolchildren across the country donated their pennies in exchange for this small metal button, sparking the “Save Old Ironsides Campaign” and igniting national pride in America’s Ship of State.

What began with pennies grew into a nationwide movement powered by posters, souvenirs, civic groups, and emerging mass media. Millions of Americans answered the call, helping restore Constitution and reaffirm her place in our shared heritage.

After her restoration, the ship toured more than 70 ports from coast to coast, welcoming the very people who helped save her. And decades later, that same spirit returned—when former penny donors came back as adults to support new sails for Constitution’s 1997 bicentennial sail.

Proof that sometimes, history is saved one penny at a time.

#SaveOldIronsides #AmericasShipOfState #NavalHistory #AmericanHeritage #USSConstitution #HistoryLives

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 88
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 1

## Tags

ussconstitution, saveoldironsides, navalhistory, americanheritage, historylives, americasshipofstate

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