Humphreys, Joshua

Joshua Humphreys, (born June 17, 1751, Haverford Township, Pa., U.S.—died Jan. 12, 1838, Haverford, Pa.), American shipbuilder and naval architect who designed the U.S. frigate Constitution, familiarly known as “Old Ironsides” (launched Oct. 21, 1797).

Humphreys was commissioned in 1794 to design six frigates for the newly formed U.S. Navy, thus becoming the first American naval construction contractor. His designs called for ships that were longer and broader than usual, lower in the water, and able to equal the speed of any fighting ship. They were stabler than other ships of their time and could carry, with better maneuverability, as many guns on one deck as others did on two. Thus his frigates, which were to protect the otherwise defenseless American commerce, could compensate for the naval superiority of hostile powers and pirates. The first vessel to be completed, the United States, was launched on May 10, 1797, and became the Navy’s first capital ship at sea; the Constitution, Chesapeake, Constellation, President, and Congress followed. His ships were renowned for their speed and individual accomplishments, and the efficiency of his designs eventually influenced European shipbuilders.