In 1882, Constitution was removed from active service and shortly thereafter retired to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire. In time for her centennial, "Old Ironsides" was brought back to Boston in 1897. Refitted for display and open to the public in 1905, U.S.S. Constitution became a national monument.
      During a drydock that began in 1992, repair crews replaced masts, riggings and the bottom copper as well as deteriorated timbers. Her planking and framing were restored to the original design, returning the hull to nearly its original strength. Constitution is once more sound enough to cruise safely, with only the wind in the sails propelling the venerable ship through the waves.
      Designed to carry a maximun of 36 sails, Constitution in 1997 sailed with six: flying jib, jib, mizzen topsail, main topsail, fore topsail, and spanker. These six were purchased through gifts from school children and other generous and patriotic donors to the "Old Ironsides Pennies Campaign," coordinated by the private, nonprofit USS Constitution Museum.