Founded in 1801, the Boston Navy Yard built and repaired warships for 175 years, playing a crucial role in the rise of the U.S. Navy. It launched its first major warship, USS Independence, in 1814, outfitted vessels for the Union during the Civil War, and became a hub for WWII shipbuilding and repairs. Its granite dry dock, inaugurated in 1833 by Vice President Martin Van Buren, was the first in New England and remains in use today.

While most visitors come to see the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), the Navy Yard’s history extends far beyond one ship. Step aboard the USS Cassin Young, a fully restored WWII destroyer, and stand where shipbuilders once launched fleets that crossed the Atlantic. Walk through the historic dry docks that saw action from the Age of Sail to the Cold War. The Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center and USS Constitution Museum bring to life the sailors, shipbuilders, and engineers who powered America’s naval dominance for nearly two centuries.

Set against the backdrop of Boston Harbor, the Boston Navy Yard isn’t just a shipyard—it’s a testament to American maritime ingenuity, resilience, and global influence.