These are just a few photographs of the USS Constellation, which I took when I was on my research trip to Baltimore two years ago. It was built after the time period of my novel, but I still found the tour of the ship helpful. Clicking on each image will make it larger.
Related articles
- American Artifacts: USS Constellation, Part I (c-span.org)
- American Artifacts: USS Constellation, Part II (c-span.org)
- Historic tall ship sails into Inner Harbor (wbaltv.com)
Ruth Hull Chatlien 
Ooh, I love it. This isn’t the one that was destroyed by the hurricane, is it? Or am I thinking of something else?
Hi Karen. Thanks for stopping by. No, the Constellation is still afloat in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. I believe you’re thinking of the replica of the HMS Bounty.
Oh yeah, that’s right.
The rigging, the sails, the wheel, the ropes–why is it that they’re all so automatically romantic and poetic? Maybe because I immediately think of the waves, sea air, and scenes from Conrad and Melville and others. I love it.
Hi Shannon. There is something about the idea of being at sea, isn’t there? I think the reality could be fairly brutal, but maybe that’s part of it. The sea gave people a way to test themselves.
I agree entirely. I spent memorable days and nights being sick over the side during my night watches, but I still look back on the experience with a glow of wonder. (On the third successive day on the open sea the sickness departed.) I was in a small, modern ketch, but still…
What a wonderful experience that must have been.
Awesome photos! Thanks for sharing. I like to use pictures when describing things in detail. I’m an advocate of research with photography.
I agree. Thanks for stopping by, Diane.