She was the largest United States sailing warship ever built, the equivalent of a first-rate of the British Royal Navy.

Her keel was laid in September 1821, but tight budgets slowed her construction, preventing her being launched until 18 July 1837.

Exploding shell guns were replacing solid shot by the time Pennsylvania was fitting out.

She stood downriver for New Castle, Delaware, 9 December, to receive gun carriages and other equippage before proceeding to the Norfolk Navy Yard (then called "Gosport") for the coppering of her hull.

[2] This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.