COMMODORE HULL ABOUT ISAAC HULL

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Isaac Hull was born in Derby, CT, in 1773. His father was a sea captain, and Isaac learned his nautical skills in Derby before joining the merchant service and commanding his first ship at the age of 19. When the new United States Navy was created in 1798, Isaac Hull was appointed a Lieutenant on one of the four ships built for the new navy. He proceeded to distinguish himself in the "quasi-war" with France and the war with the Barbary pirates. 

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When Hull attained the rank of Captain in the American Navy, he was put in command of the U.S.S. Constitution. On August 19, 1812, the Constitution became engaged in a battle with the Guerriere, an English Navy vessel. Within one half hour, the Constitution had won the battle, making it the first naval win for the U.S. during the War of 1812. Hull had used this heavier broadsides and his ship's superior sailing ability, while the British, to their astonishment, saw that their shot seemed to rebound harmlessly off Constitution's hull—giving her the nickname 'Old Ironsides.' This battle marked the first time in history that an English frigate had struck its flag to an American ship of war.

Hull went on to command the Portsmouth Naval Yard and build the USS Washington, the largest American battleship ever built at that time. Hull was promoted to Commodore in 1823. After Portsmouth he commanded the Pacific squadron, the Washington Navy Yard, and the Mediterranean squadron.

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The U.S.S. Constitution is the oldest commissioned battleship in the U.S. Navy and is still on display in Boston Harbor. For more information, use the following links:

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• See the words to the song about the battle and Commodore Hull's leadership by clicking here to visit www.contemplator.com or listening to a special rendition here on YouTube.

• Visit the official site for "Old Ironsides" by clicking here.

• Read the poem "Old Ironsides" by Oliver Wendell Holmes by clicking here.

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Commodore Isaac Hull

Chronology of Service

1798, 9 March

6 July

1801, 8 July

21 September

1802, 1 April

1803

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1804, 18 May

23 November

1806, 23 April

24 July

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1807, 9 January

26 June

11 July

12 September

1809, 11 January

2 February

15 April

1812, 10 October

12 November

1813

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1814, 18 January

12 January

1815

1824-1827

1829-1835

1833

1835

1838

1841

1843

Appointed to USS Constitution as Lieutenant

Commission as Lieutenant delivered

Ordered to remain on board USS Constitution

Ordered to take charge of USS Constitution

Ordered to duty in USS John Adams

Ordered to command of USS Enterprise

Ordered to command of USS Argus

Promoted to Master Commandant

Commission issued

Promoted to Captain

Returned to the United States in Argus and ordered to Connecticut to contract for and superintend building of four gunboats

Commission as Captain issued

Ordered to Hampton, Virginia, to act as member of a Court of Inquiry

Ordered to Norfolk under Commodore Decatur

Appointed member of Board of Inquiry

Ordered to duty in USS John Adams

Ordered to Norfolk for duty in USS Chesapeake

Ordered to take command of Portland Station in addition to other duties

Ordered to command at New York

Ordered to Washington

Ordered to command of Boston Navy Yard

Ordered to command of Portsmouth Navy Yard

Granted short leave of absence

Ordered to report to Commodore Bainbridge at Charleston, SC

Appointed to Board of Navy Commissioners

Commodore of Pacific Squadon - Flagship United States

Commanded Washington Navy Yard

Commanded USS Constitution

On leave

Appointed Commodore of Mediterranean Squadron - Flagship Ohio

Retired

Died in Philadelphia, PA