Downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Old Ironsides

USS Constitution

Photographed By Craig Baker, August 2, 2018

1. Old Ironsides Marker

Inscription. This iron cannon was installed on the USS Constitution “Old Ironsides”, which was launched October 21, 1797. First in action against French privateers in 1798, “Old Ironsides” rendered distinguished service against the British in 1812.

Erected 1935 by Army and Navy Club Post No. 294 of the American Legion.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 21, 1797.

Location. 34° 2.914′ N, 118° 15.154′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Downtown Los Angeles. Memorial is at the intersection of Hill Street and 5th Street, on the right when traveling south on Hill Street. Located in Pershing Square park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Los Angeles CA 90013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. General John J. Pershing (here, next to this marker); World War I Memorial (here, next to this marker); Spanish–American War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Pershing Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Biltmore Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Biltmore Hotel (about 300 feet away);

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Pacific Mutual Building (about 700 feet away); Oviatt Building (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

Regarding Old Ironsides. The USS Constitution had a thin layer of copper applied by Paul Revere to prevent a build-up of barnacles. Its nickname became “Old Ironsides” because cannonballs bounced off the thick hull made of oak, the densest wood available.
The ship still sails in Boston Harbor every 4th of July.

Also see . . . USS Constitution Museum. The Museum in Boston preserves and shares the stories of "Old Ironsides". (Submitted on November 29, 2023.)

Additional keywords. Pershing Square

Old Ironsides Cannon and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, August 2, 2018

2. Old Ironsides Cannon and Marker

Old Ironsides Cannon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, August 2, 2018

3. Old Ironsides Cannon

USS Constitution - "Old Ironsides" image. Click for full size.

courtesy U.S. Coast Guard, July 4, 2014

4. USS Constitution - "Old Ironsides"

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 533 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 27, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on November 29, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.