Robert Fulton

Robert Fulton, a pioneer of steam navigation. - It is proper and fitting to designate Robert Fulton as the pioneer of modern transportation by reason of his success in driving the Clermont in the year 1807, against the current of the Hudson River from New York City to Albany. Other inventors. - It is true that no less than eight men had at various times and places propelled boats by steam power prior to this accomplishment by Robert Fulton, yet none of them carried out their experiments to a successful issue. Fulton's success was largely due to his cleverness and ingenuity coupled with the fortunate circumstance of a partnership formed with Robert Livingston, a man of wealth, also interested in solving the problem of steam navigation. Legislative grant. - Livingston was so sure of final success through his own various experiments as to induce the Legislature of the State of New York to pass a bill granting exclusive right to navigate the waters of that State by steam power upon condition that a boat of 20 tons be driven by steam at a minimum speed of 4 miles an hour against the current of the Hudson, this feat to be accomplished within one year from the date of grant. He failed in his effort. Later ho was appointed minister from the United States to France. The "submarine". - In 1803, while in Paris, Fulton demonstrated his "submarine" in the River Seine. Encouraged by the success of this experiment, Fulton and Livingston ordered a steam engine from Watt & Boulton in England, to be shipped to America, where Fulton found it on his return in 1806. The "Clermont." - In the following year the Clermont was built and launched in East River. Its successful trip opened the way to a complete revolution of water transportation. Within the next few years, so rapid was the adoption of this new method of travel, steamboats came into use upon the principal rivers and the Great Lakes, rendering splendid assistance in establishing easy communication between distant sections of our country traversed by the great waterways. Progress in water transportation. - To fully appreciate the value of tho contribution made by Fulton and Livingston to the economic development and enrichment of America, one has only to review the remarkable progress made in water transportation, contrasting the present accomplishments with those of 100 years ago. Through his vision, patience, and persistence he found success where others had failed, and in so doing opened the way to the rapid development of this mighty agency in the advance of civilization.