ocr: Building Tough Ships As one oft the nation's largest seaports, Boston in 1794 teemed with ship chandleries, ropewalks, and craftsmen skilled in maritime trades. The city was an ideal location for building the U.S.S. Constitution, designed by Philadel- phian Joshua Humphreys. Three requirements dictated the ship's design: She had to be powerful enough to: attack sizable enemy warships, fast enough to give chase, and tough enough to take a pounding. Constitution was larger than other frig- ates of the time, and her narrow underbody gave her speed. Dense live oak framing and white oak planking fo ...
