The USS Congress (1799) was a wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate of the United States Navy. Named after the Continental Congress, it was one of the original six frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794. Commissioned in 1799, the Congress had an impressive armament of 44 guns and played a significant role in the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War. The ship's career included capturing several enemy vessels and participating in naval battles. During the War of 1812, the Congress engaged in combat with the British Royal Navy, notably facing off against HMS Java in a fierce battle that ended with the Congress being captured by the British. The ship was subsequently taken into service by the Royal Navy under the name HMS Congress. The USS Congress had a storied history, serving in various conflicts and operations throughout its active years. Its capture during the War of 1812 marked the end of its service in the United States Navy, but its legacy lived on through its contributions to American naval history and its role in the early development of the U.S. Navy's fleet of frigates.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.