Some of the most storied battleships in American naval history began life at Charlestown Navy Yard. Established in 1800 as one of the country's first naval yards, Charlestown remained vital to U.S. security until its decommissioning in 1974. From the 200-year-old wooden-hulled USS Constitution to the World War II-era steel destroyer USS Cassin Young, the yard gives visitors an all-hands-on-deck historical experience unparalleled in America. More Charlestown Navy Yard Information The Charlestown Navy Yard Visitors' Center is located in Building 5 next to the USS Constitution in Charlestown, just inside Gate 1 of the Navy Yard. The Bunker Hill Museum is located across the street from the Bunker Hill Monument at 43 Monument Square in Charlestown—each a fairly short walk from the North Station T stop (green and orange lines). More Bunker Hill Monument Information