Feb. 20,1781 - Feb. 25,1870

 

As the American colonies expanded in the 1700's, so did their colonial harbors. By 1770, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia were the largest northern colonial ports with Charleston, South Carolina and its bustling trade center, becoming the wealthiest and largest city south of Philadelphia, and the fourth largest port in the colonies. Charleston's growth was attributed to the expanding export of southern tobacco, and especially, since the invention of the cotton gin in 1793, the booming growth of cotton exports. New York Harbor, on the other hand, was becoming the busiest seaport in the colonies due largely to it being the destination of endless immigration ships from around the world. As the harbor expanded, so did the City of New York, the growing waterfronts of the city's five boroughs, as well as nearby cities in New Jersey and others all along the Hudson River. The harbor was soon the most important port in America,

The Eastwood family's proximity to the commercial activity of the port of New York City, was a necessity for the expansion of Lewis Eastwood's tanning business. Lewis was required to visit the harbor on a regular basis and when he visited, he was usually accompanied by his four sons. The boys were now growing up around the ships in the harbor and were instilled with a love and respect for the sea which they retained throughout their lifetimes. The death of the eldest Eastwood son, Lewis Jr. due to a fall from a ship's Quarter Deck on Dec. 2, 1786, was a tragedy for Lewis and his young family but it failed to dissuade his next three sons, John, Asa, and Enos, from their adolescent dreams of a life on the sea. 

As the Eastwood boys matured, their boyhood fascination with the sea developed into more than fantasy. The boys eagerly learned all they could about maritime duties and such, even working around the docks part-time during their father's frequent visits. At the same time, the United States was about to enter its first naval war, The "Quasi War" with France in 1798. In 1794, the new US Government, with a special Act of Congress, provided for the construction of six frigates for the newly created US Navy. The first to be completed, was the USS Constellation,

The historic launching of the United States of America's first naval battleship occurred in Baltimore on September 7, 1797, almost three and a half years after the new Congress had commissioned her construction. The time span for the construction of a vessel of this magnitude, especially for a new and inexperienced government, drew respect from the major naval powers of the era. The timing of her launch proved to be a godsend for the young nation.
SEE  USS CONSTELLATION

In June, 1798, the Constellation was sent to protect US merchant ships and soon found itself doing battle with France, one of the strongest naval powers in the world. The finely designed and well built new gunship proved to be capable of a sailing speed of thirteen knots, which would soon win her the nickname "Yankee Race Horse". On Feb. 9, 1799, CONSTELLATION fought and captured the 40-gun French frigate "L’INSURGENTE", the fastest ship in the French Navy. The morale of the entire nation was raised immeasurably by America's first naval victory, and it's effect on US history cannot be ignored. In February, 1800, the new warship engaged in another legendary naval battle with France's 54-gun frigate "LA VENGEANCE", emerging victorious once again. Both battles were cause for rejoicing throughout the new republic. CONSTELLATION had aggressively defended America's right of safe passage on the seas for its merchant ships. These first naval victories served notice to the world that the United States would defend her honor and freedom at all costs.

After the second major victory, the now legendary battleship returned to the US, to find the entire new nation swelling with pride. The United States of America was now a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
SEE:  * Eastwoods on the CONSTELLATION

*Author's Note: For an amazing view of naval life aboard warships of the era, watch "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World", starring Russell Crowe (2003). Director Peter Weir accurately recreates the experience and hardships of the officers and seamen aboard an English battleship in pursuit of a French frigate in 1805. http://www.masterandcommanderthefarsideoftheworld.com/