John Fitch (born East Windsor, Connecticut, 1743; died Bardstown, Kentucky, July 2, 1798) was an inventor and clock maker. He actually invented the steamboat, and he obtained American and French patents for it in 1791. Ships could then travel without concerns about sails and wind.
Model of John Fitch’s Steamboat
Steamboat, invented by John Fitch, successfully worked in 1787. Fitch demonstrated his steamboat on the Delaware River before members of the Constitutional Convention. Children could learn more at: John Fitch.
Model of John Fitch’s Steamboat
Steamboat patent was received by John Fitch in 1791. He demonstrated his invention before some of our Founding Fathers on August 22, 1787. Robert Fulton went on to make a more practical steamboat. The proliferation of trains made steamboats less useful. Children can learn more at: Steamboat Patent.