From Old Ironsides to the Arizona: The Most Famous Ships in American History

Throughout American history, certain ships have become symbols of national pride and resilience. From the storied voyages of the USS Constitution, affectionately known as “Old Ironsides,” to the tragic sinking of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, these vessels have left indelible marks on the nation’s maritime heritage. Their tales of valor, sacrifice, and innovation continue to inspire and remind us of the enduring spirit of the United States.

1. USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”)

Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Renowned for her victories during the War of 1812, especially against the HMS Guerriere, she earned the nickname ‘Old Ironsides’. Fully restored and harbored in Boston, she remains a crucial symbol of early U.S. naval power. (britannica.com)

2. USS Arizona

The USS Arizona, tragically sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, serves as the final resting place for over 900 sailors. Its memorial in Hawaii reminds visitors of the lives lost and the event’s profound effect on WWII. The ship’s sunken hull remains visible beneath the memorial. Learn more from the National Park Service.

3. USS Enterprise (CV-6)

Nicknamed ‘The Big E,’ the USS Enterprise was the most decorated U.S. warship of WWII, participating in major battles such as Midway and Guadalcanal. Her versatility and resilience made her crucial to Allied success in the Pacific Theater. Comparisons are often drawn to the later nuclear-powered Enterprise (CVN-65). Learn more from the U.S. Navy’s official site.

4. USS Monitor

The USS Monitor revolutionized naval design with her ironclad construction and rotating turret, famously battling the CSS Virginia in 1862. Though lost at sea later that year, her groundbreaking form influenced warships worldwide. Remnants are preserved at The Mariners’ Museum. More at NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.

5. USS Maine

The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 became a catalyst for the Spanish-American War. The phrase ‘Remember the Maine!’ fueled national fervor. While her destruction remains controversial, the Maine’s legacy as a trigger for U.S. expansion is undeniable. Encyclopedia Britannica provides details.

6. USS Missouri (BB-63)

Best remembered as the site of Japan’s official surrender in WWII, the USS Missouri (‘Mighty Mo’) now resides in Pearl Harbor as a museum ship. Her illustrious career also spanned the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm, underscoring her long-standing service. See the official USS Missouri Memorial site.

7. USS Nautilus (SSN-571)

The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, commissioned in 1954. It shattered records for speed and endurance underwater and in 1958 became the first vessel to travel beneath the North Pole. Decommissioned in 1980, the Nautilus is now a museum ship at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, Connecticut. More at Naval History and Heritage Command.

8. USS Yorktown (CV-5)

The USS Yorktown (CV-10) is an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943 and named to honor the original Yorktown (CV-5) sunk at the Battle of Midway. She served in World War II, earning 11 battle stars, and later took part in the Vietnam War and the recovery of the Apollo 8 spacecraft. Decommissioned in 1970, she is now preserved as a museum ship at Patriots Point in Charleston, South Carolina. Visit the Patriots Point Museum.

9. USS Intrepid (CV-11)

The USS Intrepid (CV-11) is an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943 that served in World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. Nicknamed “The Fighting I,” it survived five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike, earning numerous battle stars. Decommissioned in 1974, it is now preserved as the centerpiece of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City (intrepidmuseum.org).

10. Mayflower

The Mayflower was the English ship that carried the Pilgrims from Plymouth, England, to the New World in 1620. After a difficult 66-day voyage, it landed at what is now Provincetown Harbor before the settlers established Plymouth Colony. The journey became a foundational story in American history, symbolizing early European settlement and self-governance through the signing of the Mayflower Compact (britannica.com).

11. CSS Hunley

The CSS Hunley was the first combat submarine to sink an enemy ship, achieving this feat during the Civil War. On February 17, 1864, she attacked the USS Housatonic in Charleston Harbor, marking a significant turning point in naval warfare. After the mission, the Hunley disappeared, and her location remained a mystery for over a century. She was finally located in 1995 and raised in 2000. Today, the Hunley is preserved and displayed at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, South Carolina. More at the Friends of the Hunley website.

12. USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

Commissioned in 1961, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, serving for over 50 years. Nicknamed the ‘Big E,’ she participated in significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, multiple deployments during the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. Her long service set a benchmark for modern naval engineering. Naval History and Heritage Command offers insights.

13. USS Pueblo (AGER-2)

The USS Pueblo was a U.S. Navy intelligence vessel captured by North Korea on January 23, 1968, in the Sea of Japan. The attack and subsequent capture of the ship and its 83 crew members led to an international crisis, with the crew held captive for nearly a year. The Pueblo remains in North Korean custody, serving as a symbol of Cold War tensions. See the story at NPR.

14. SS United States

The SS United States, commissioned in 1951, was the world’s fastest ocean liner, setting the transatlantic speed record in 1952. Designed by William Francis Gibbs, she was built to be both a luxury liner and a troop transport if needed. After retiring in 1969, the ship faced various preservation challenges. In 2024, she was sold to Okaloosa County, Florida, with plans to convert her into the world’s largest artificial reef. The SS United States Conservancy continues to advocate for her legacy and preservation (ssusc.org).

15. USCGC Eagle (WIX-327)

The USCGC Eagle, originally built in Germany in 1936 as the Horst Wessel, was seized by the United States after World War II and commissioned into the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946. Now known as “America’s Tall Ship,” she serves as the Coast Guard’s premier training vessel, offering future officers hands-on experience in seamanship and leadership (atlanticarea.uscg.mil).

Conclusion

The legendary ships highlighted in this article have each played pivotal roles in shaping American history, from the valorous battles of the USS Constitution and the USS Arizona to the groundbreaking voyages of the USS Enterprise and the USS Nautilus. Their diverse legacies in warfare, peacekeeping, innovation, and exploration continue to inspire and educate. Preserving these vessels and remembering those who served aboard them is essential to honor their contributions and ensure that their stories endure for future generations.