See the USS Constitution Fire its Cannons on July 4th!

The USS Constitution warship with flags flying and a tug boat sail back toward Boston Harbor — The USS Constitution sailing back to Boston Harbor after its display of force at Castle Island

I found out something new: Every July 4^th, the USS Constitution sails from Boston Harbor out to Castle Island where it blows off its cannons. The army on shore responds with its own gunfire, and then the Constitution sails back from whence it came. Meanwhile, the crowds on shore and in private boats (and boat tours) watch with bated breath and cover their ears (it’s loud!) I had the privilege of seeing all this last week, and it just so happened I’d packed my camera, so I can’t wait to share the photos with you!

First, a few things about the USS Constitution. She’s the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat, built in 1797 to aid in protecting American ships from Barbary pirates.

An airplane flies above Boston Harbor as the USS Constitution and other boats sail in the water — An airplane takes off from Logan airport as the USS Constitution sails toward Castle Island

In the War of 1812, cannonballs seemed to bounce off of her live-oak wood hull, earning her the name “Old Ironsides” as she captured five British warships over the course of the war.

Prow and hull of a warship with fancy decorations and people looking over the railing — Closeup of the prow of the USS Constitution

The Navy considered scrapping her many times and finally retired her from active service in 1881 – the public couldn’t bear to see her torn apart, so she lives on as a museum ship at the Navy shipyard in Boston.

People in period costume and normal clothes standing on the deck of a warship — Officers and tourists on the deck of the USS Constitution – there is a lottery for who will get to be on the deck of the ship.

Most years, the USS Constitution is towed out to Castle Island with tugs, though sometimes she’ll come out under full sail.

A historic warship with flying flags produces smoke with cannon fire in the blue ocean — Cannon fire off the starboard side of the ship

The guns begin to go off at 11:30. Plenty of people arrive early and make a morning of it. I got a late start, so I was almost running down the causeway to get to Castle Island in time for the show. Thankfully, I ended up with five or so minutes to spare, so I missed the ship arriving, but I heard the cannons loud and clear!

A historic warship fires a cannon at the shore with flags flying — I didn’t realize until I looked at the pictures later that I caught fire coming out of the cannon!

Fire blasts out of a cannon in a historic warship in Boston Harbor — I cropped the picture so you can see the fire!

After the cannons on the USS Constitution go off (manned by the Navy), the Army takes over and shoots back using more modern cannons on the shore (the hill below Fort Independence). I didn’t realize this, so I didn’t turn around to see them or to take any pictures. I was pretty disappointed I didn’t see them, especially when others in my group said there were smoke rings. How fun would that have been to photograph!?!

An army guy and his cannon below an American flag on a stone wall — An army guy and his gun below Fort Independence after the show

Various pleasure crafts come out to see the cannons. They have a front-row seat, but they can also be in the way a little for photographs at times. Police boats patrol the area and ensure that no one gets too close to the cannons. There are also Navy vessels around for the fun.

A police boat in Boston Harbor — One of the police boats. They are not afraid to use sirons when someone is drifting or motoring too close to the USS Constitution!

Castle Island was once a true island some distance offshore. Land reclamation expanded Boston toward the island, and in 1921, the city connected it to the mainland via a causeway. The causeway is mostly taken up by the port (lots of shipping containers), but there is also a road and a nice sidewalk for walking.

A curving entryway with one open and one closed blue door — The entrance to Fort Independence

Castle Island boasts a real fort, first built in 1634 (nicknamed “The Castle”) to protect the settlement on the mainland. iI was also a holdout for enemies of the crown prior to the American Revolution. The current fort (Fort Independence) was completed in 1851 and was mainly used during the American Civil War.

Inside Fort Independence including a table, two chairs, a flag, a path, and several cannons — Peeking into Fort Independence

We walked around the fort to let the traffic subside a little after the show. The gate was open, but no tours were being offered yet, so we walked up to the rope blockade at the fort entrance and peeked into the parade ground. It was interesting, and while I’m sure you’d see more if you took the tour, it was enough for me.

A cannon and two piles of cannonballs on top of a stone shelf with blue sky and clouds in the background — A replica cannon and piles of cannonballs

We especially enjoyed seeing the historic Bobcat!

Stone walls, two cannons, a flag, a bobcat, and a tree inside Fort Independence — Can you see the historic Bobcat on the left?

If you happen to be in the Boston area on July 4^th, I highly recommend this experience! Though you might want to bring earplugs (I wish I’d brought mine!)

A historic gunboat with flying flags sails on blue water with clouds and blue sky in the background — Getting the USS Constitution into place for the show

Practical Stuff for seeing the 4^th of July at the USS Constitution

The guns go off at 11:30 sharp (check to make sure the timing is correct for the year you plan to visit). Arrive early to get a good view (so I say; I showed up with about 5 minutes to spare and stepped over someone’s lawn chair to get a front-row vantage point!)

People sit on green grass beside a stone monument and below the stone walls of a fort with an American flag flying on top of the wall — People lined up on the grass below Fort Independence to see the show

Most people sit on the hillside behind the fort, and they get a great view. I went out on a small pier (approx. 42.33918950, -71.009799).

An American flag and other smaller flags on the tallship USS Constitution — So many flags!

Vehicles can drive to a small (well, not that small unless you’re talking the kind of crowds that come to see the USS Constitution) parking area near the fort (approx. 42.3386193, -71.0141567); there is other parking in the area (both free and paid), but be careful to read the signs so you don’t end up in a “tag required” zone (usually only enforced between 6pm and 10am on weekdays).

A brown, red, and black tugboat floats in Boston Harbor — One of the tug boats

There is no fee to enter Castle Island State Park or the fort.

The historic warship USS Constitution fires a cannon with flying flags and two tugboats close by — Firing off the port bow

There are restrooms on the parking area side of the fort.

People in white Navy uniforms stand on two decks of a small gray boat — Navy personel on another navy ship

Tours are offered through Fort Independence throughout the day. You can check the schedule online. The tours are free but donations are appreciated.

A ring on a fort door surrounded by rivets — Handle on the door to Fort Independence

Walking out to Head Island would have been a ton of fun, but we opted to go back the way we came.

An airplane sails above the water and houses with boats in the water below — A Delta flight arrives at Logan airport

There are quire a few beaches in the area around Castle Island, mostly a favorite with the kids, though there were adults sitting in the shade or enjoying the shade.

A historic American flag with blue sky and clouds behind it — The American Flag… it’s a period piece!

4^th of July is a busy time on Castle Island, but it’s not bad in terms of traffic in the rest of the city. The locals I was with kept saying, “I can’t believe how little traffic is out today. I’ve never seen so few cars on this road” as we drove around.

The bow of a historic warship with pleasure boats looking on in Boston Harbor — Looking at the bow of the USS Constitution

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