New Ironsides was named in honour of USS Constitution. Constitution earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" during her War of 1812 engagement with HMS Guerriere. The name connected a new armoured steam frigate to an earlier American symbol of successful frigate warfare. It also placed unfamiliar technology within an established naval tradition of inherited names and reputations.
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From Old Ironsides to New Ironsides
The name joined a Civil War ironclad to USS Constitution's victory over HMS Guerriere and the older frigate's "Old Ironsides" identity.