Customer Reviews

U. S. F. Constellation: Yankee Racehorse

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.U. S. F. Constellation is a fine introduction to the history of this treasured relic of our early Navy. I read this book in preparation for a visit to the Constellation in Baltimores Inner Harbor where, today, it greets visitors.

A precursor to todays weapons of retaliation against Islamic terrorists, Constellation was built in 1797 as part of a fleet intended to respond to the attacks of the Barbary Pirates. A smaller member of the fleet which included the U. S. S. Constitution (Old Ironsides), the Constellation boasts an impressive history spanning over two centuries. After exerting American power against the Barbary States, it served honorably in the War of 1812. Thereafter it alternated between the reserve fleet and active service on a variety of missions. After sitting out the Mexican War, the Yankee Racehorse served in the Civil War, initially protecting American shipping in the Mediterranean and later as part of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron.

After the Civil War, Constellation served as a naval training vessel for most of the remainder of the 19th Century.

After its centennial, Constellations historical value began to be recognized and she commenced her career as an historical exhibit in Baltimore harbor.

During World War II, Constellation performed its final active duty, serving as Flagship of the Commander-In-Chief, Atlantic Fleet.

Besides telling the story of a ship, this book also highlights the trials and triumphs of our early Navy. Disbanded after the Revolution, later debates focused on the issue of whether or not the U. S. should have a Navy. A peace agreement reached with the Barbary States almost forced cancellation of the construction project. Only the recognition of other necessary missions permitted the construction to go forward and the proud tradition of the U. S. Navy to begin. Over its life, Constellation would return its investment many times over.

I heartily recommend U. S. F. Constellation to anyone with an interest in our early Navy or who is planning a visit to Baltimore Harbor.

U.S.F. Constellation: "Yankee Racehorse" by Mr. Sternlicht and Mr. Jameson is told from the perspective that the Constellation that resides today in Baltimore's Inner Harbor is the same Frigate that was launched with the Constitution or "Old Ironsides". Most of the history focuses from 1797 to the 1850's, which was the lifespan of the Frigate, then has a short couple of chapters on the civil war era Constellation to the 1980s and its restoration. It has some great black and white pictures and prints of the ships' lives. Even if it is two ships or just one rebuilt the "Constellation" carries an amazing history. A good book for the history buff.