Dimensions of standing rigging for USS Constitution, 1797
This list of the dimensions of the standing rigging for USS Constitution, created at the time of the ship’s launch in 1797, provides an early glimpse into how the ship was rigged at the beginning of its sailing career. The dimension indicate the massive size of the ship’s rigging design, which was intended to provide speed under sail to complement the firepower that exceeded the typical frigate design of the time. Likely created by Constitution’s first captain, Samuel Nicholson, and shared with James Sever, this list, like Captain John Barry’s rope list [see 2506.1, Box 1, Folder 109], suggests the challenges the first U.S. Navy captains faced in outfitting their new ships for the first time.
Creator
Unknown
Date Created
1797
Medium
Ink, Paper
Catalog Number
2506.1, Box 1, Folder 114
Credit Line
USS Constitution Museum Collection.
Terms of Use
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