USS Constitution's Captain's Cabins

A special video tour of The Captain's Greater Cabin and Aft Cabin aboard USS Constitution.

Located aft on the gun deck, these spaces have changed considerably since she saw the bulk of her combat in the War of 1812 and other conflicts.

Forwardmost, and partitioned off from the bulk of the gun deck is the Captain's Greater Cabin, spanning the ship's width. With 2 to 4 long guns sharing the space, this was configured for dining.

At the extreme rear corners of the ship (her "Quarters") were a pair of sunny Quarter Galleries appointed with simple toilets (heads) and arrangements for sleeping just inboard. Between these was the Aft Cabin, which had windows facing out through the transom, and furniture suitable for living and working. At some point, a fancy skylight was added with glass louvers that could be opened for ventilation by use of an umbrella-like stem.

Berthed in Massachusetts's historic Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Constitution is America's Ship of State and the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Details on the ship, her crew, and her free public tours can be found at her website:

history.navy.mil/ussconstitution

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• navy
• US navy
• USS Constitution
• history
• frigate
• warship
• War of 1812
• pirates
• corsairs
• Barbary Corsairs
• naval architecture
• sailing
• tiller
• rudder
• Old Ironsides
• HMS Java

[captjacktar]

I couldn't make out the word for the captain's head. So what was the officers'/captain's "head" called. Did other officers use the quarter galleries or did they "go" elsewhere? would they have used the "heads" fwd?



[SleepyTymeT]

@captjacktar The glass-enclosed areas are called the "quarter galleries". I'm not sure they were originally there, as the entry to each appears to be a former gun port. The small bench in there usually has a cushion over it, but removing it reveals a toilet seat.

[seafalcon1956]

in the desk of at the captains quarters was placed a medal in 2004; in honor of the highest of spirit -a symbol of uss constitutions existance in representing global values-the greater good.This is the navy's and my secret.But it exists.

hint look for coat of arms at captains office.

God bless America and all of World.

[nellyputri73]

thanks for sharing ... yes, I dont get to see this part yesterday

[captjacktar]

My question is; In the days of sail a deck seaman would say "I'm going to the head" meaning he was attending the facilities. What would an Officer or Captain say? Since they would be directing their course to the quarter galleries and not the "heads" of the vessel would they say somthing like "Im laying below to the 'quarter galleries'" or What would they call the facillities?