Marblehead citizens embraced USS Constitution on three historic visits: on 3 April 1814, when beneath the guns of Fort Sewall she found refuge from an overwhelming British force; on 29-31 July 1931, when under tow on the nationwide pennies campaign tour to assure her preservation; and on 20-21 July 1997, when during her Bicentennial she sailed from Boston and moored here to the cheers of thousands. It was a safe and welcoming harbor.