This Representation of the U.S. Frigate Constitution, Isaac Hull, Esqr. Commander, Capturing His Britannic Majesty's Frigate Guerriere, James R. Dacres, Esqr. Commander
![Constitution to the left firing on Guerriere to the right with the masts falling into the sea Constitution to the left firing on Guerriere to the right with the masts falling into the sea](/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/art/exhibits/conflicts-and-operations/the-war-of-1812/uss-constitution-vs-hms-guerriere/this-representation-of-the-u-s--frigate-constitution--isaac-hull/_jcr_content/mediaitem/image.img.jpg/1597780052220.jpg)
This, the first and most famous naval victory of the War of 1812 took place on August 19, 1812. Captain Isaac Hull was in command of the American ship on patrol off Halifax, Nova Scotia when it encountered Guerriere. The two ships tried to outmaneuver each other for three hours and when they finally joined battle, Hull ordered that Constitution hold fire until they were very close. The effect was devastating. Within an hour the British ship lost its masts and was helpless in the water. Because of its poor condition, Hull was obliged to set fire to it the next day after removing its crew.
Topic
Document Type
- Art
Wars & Conflicts
- War of 1812 1812-1815
Navy Communities
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- Image (gif, jpg, tiff)
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- NHHC
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