On this day 214 years ago, USS Constitution completed one of the most dramatic naval pursuits in American history, an event now known as the “Great Escape.” In the early days of the War of 1812, Constitution encountered a powerful British squadron off the coast of New Jersey. Outnumbered and outgunned, the American frigate found herself pursued by five British warships: HMS Aeolus, HMS Belvidera, HMS Guerriere, HMS Shannon, and HMS Africa. Over nearly three days, from July 16 to 19, 1812, Captain Isaac Hull and his crew demonstrated extraordinary seamanship and tactical ingenuity to evade capture. With little wind in the sails, they lightened the ship by pumping out excess water, soaked the sails to catch any breeze, and employed the labor intensive process of kedging. Sailors used small boats to carry anchors ahead of the ship, then hauled them in to pull Constitution forward. As the chase continued, ominous storm clouds gathered on the horizon. Knowing the British had mirrored his...