Shortly after the end of the American Revolution, the Continental Navy was disbanded, leaving American commerce unprotected at sea. Recognizing the need to defend its merchant ships, a navy bill was passed in Congress after much debate, and on March 27th, 1794, President George Washington signed the “Act to Provide a Naval Armament,” marking the birth of the United States Navy as we know it today. With that act, $600,000 was allocated to construct six frigates, rated to carry either 36 or 44 guns: USS United States, USS Constellation, USS Constitution, USS Congress, USS Chesapeake, and USS President. The frigates’ design followed a simple but powerful concept: use speed and maneuverability to capture or outrun the enemy and carry heavy armament to outgun the opponent. USS Constitution took three years to build, with construction beginning in 1794 and the ship launching on October 21, 1797. Today, USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. Approximately 10 per...