Jessica Rinaldi / Reuters

The USS Constitution passes the Boston skyline as it is tugged back through Boston Harbor in Boston, Mass., Aug. 19. The USS Constitution set sail under her own power in Boston Harbor today for the first time since 1997.

Steven Senne / AP

U.S. Navy personnel gather sails in the rigging of the USS Constitution as the vessel arrives at her berth in Charlestown Navy Yard, in Boston.

The trip marked the day two centuries ago when the Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812. The Guerriere proved no match for the Constitution, which was heavier and longer. The vessels blasted away at each other at close range, even colliding at one point, during the 35-minute battle.

"I cannot think of a better way to honor those who fought in the war as well as celebrate Constitution's successes during the War of 1812 than for the ship to be under sail," Constitution Cmdr. Matt Bonner said in a statement.

--Reported by the Associated Press

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Jessica Rinaldi / Reuters

Reenactors from the 1812 Marine Guard stand at attention in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Steven Senne / AP

The USS Constitution fires one of her guns in Boston Harbor as a crowd looks on from the shore.