Hull, Isaac (1773-1843), commanded the United States warship Constitution when it defeated the British frigate Guerriere in the War of 1812. This battle proved his ability as a naval officer and made his ship famous as Old Ironsides (see Constitution). Hull commanded a ship before he was 21. He served in the U.S. Navy in the undeclared war against France (1798-1800) and the war against the Barbary State of Tripoli in North Africa (1801-1805).