Old Ironsides (poem)

Old Ironsides is a patriotic poem written by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. in 1830. It was written in response to a proposal by the United States Navy to scrap the USS Constitution, a famed frigate that had served with distinction in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. Holmes's poem, published anonymously in the Boston Daily Advertiser, generated considerable public outcry against the Navy's plan, effectively saving the ship from destruction. The poem's powerful imagery and emotional appeal resonated with the public, creating a national sentiment that valued the Constitution's historical significance.

The poem's structure is relatively simple, employing a series of rhyming quatrains. It vividly describes the ship's heroic past, highlighting its battles and contributions to American history. The poem uses evocative language, personifying the ship and imbuing it with a sense of pride and strength. The central theme is the preservation of a national treasure, arguing that the Constitution embodies American history and deserves to be honored rather than discarded. The poem's lasting legacy extends beyond its immediate impact on the fate of the USS Constitution; it became a symbol of American national identity and pride, influencing later patriotic literature and strengthening public reverence for naval history. The title "Old Ironsides," itself a nickname earned by the Constitution due to the apparent resilience of its hull to enemy fire, became synonymous with the ship itself.