'Old Ironsides' gets the stamp of approval.

• Position: American History - Brief article

A newly minted Forever stamp of the USS Constitution, to be unveiled Aug. 18 in the Charlestown (Mass.) Navy Yard, is being issued by the Postal Service to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. It was then that the ship earned her famous nickname, "Old Ironsides."

On Aug. 19, 1812, while engaged in battle with HMS Guerriere, a sailor watched as cannonballs appeared to bounce off its thick sides and shouted "Huzza, her sides are made of iron!" Constitution's success in this battle was a great victory for the young U.S.; to this day, she remains the only undefeated team in Boston, with a record of 33-0--and is America's official "Ship of State."

The image selected for the commemorative stamp is from an early-19th century painting by maritime artist Michele Felice Corne. It will be on view for the event at the USS Constitution Museum. Following the commemoration, USS Constitution Forever stamps and first day cancellations will be available to the public within the Yard.

The museum serves as the memory and educational voice of the...