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This Bible, taken from USS President in 1815, is inscribed "Montgomery" on its duck cloth cover. An inscription inside reveals the book was "taken from the Montgomery gun of the President Frigate where it was slung to the carriage." American sailors of the early 19th century had a habit of naming the cannons they served in battle, suggesting a deep connection between the sailors and their particular cannon. This Bible may have been used as a talisman to protect both the gun and its crew in the uncertainty of battle. Take a closer look at bit.ly/31BbyAk
King James Bible removed from USS President - USS Constitution Museum
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In January of 1815, the frigate USS President, commanded by Captain Stephen Decatur, encountered a British blockade while attempting to sail from New York. The British squadron, comprised of HMS Majes...There is a centuries-old maritime tradition of placing coins under a mast as the mast is stepped in a vessel. The superstition was the coins brought good luck or, if the vessel foundered, the coins could be used by the crew to pay Charon, the ferryman of Hades, who transported the newly deceased from the world of the living to the world of the dead. Learn more about USS Constitution's mast coins and other hidden treasures on our blog: bit.ly/2HtYfum
Hidden Treasures - USS Constitution Museum
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USS Constitution, which has been rebuilt and restored almost too many times to count in its 220-year history, still has a few secrets that the ship. . .Need some spooky attire for Halloween? How about our "Dart of Death" t-shirt? Buy it in-store online! bit.ly/3jkUCEo
Throughout history, symbols have played a significant role in official naval insignia, personal motifs, and other maritime and nautical art. John Lord, a gunner on USS Constitution in the 1820s, is known for adorning personal items with a motif of his own creation: an image of a cannon and fouled anchor crossed over a stack of cannon balls. The decoration is indicative of his duties as a gunner, as well as the symbolic power of Constitution. Learn more about Lord and his personal items on our website: bit.ly/3okskO1
