On Sept. 20, 1797, President John Adams and spectators gathered to witness the launching of USS Constitution. Too large and heavy for the slipway, the ship moved only 27 feet. Two days later, after adjustments were made, USS Constitution moved another 31 feet before the attempt was halted. Following additional adjustments to the slipway, USS Constitution successfully launched on Oct. 21, 1797, marking the birth of “Old Ironsides.” #OldIronsides #USNavy #America250 #AmericasShipofState