The iron steamboat, R. F. Stockton
Permanent ID:
14608
Call number:
Bb 679 S 62
Date:
1839
Image Description:
View showing the innovative steamboat powered by an underwater Ericsson screw propeller, and named for supporter Capt. Robert F. Stockton of the U.S. Navy, during a trial on the Delaware River near the old Navy Yard and Windmill Island. Fourteen men stand on the vessel adorned with a smoke stack, compressor, and American flag. In the foreground, a barrel floats near three men in a skiff sailing in front of the steamboat. In the background, sailing vessels traverse the river and cityscape is visible. Also contains three labeled diagrams below the title that show an engine, shafts, cylinders, and wheels with text explaining how the machinery functions. The "Stockton" screw steamer, built in 1838 with a steam engine after the designs of Swedish engineer John Ericsson, served as a model to finalize negotiations promoted by Stockton and U.S. Consul Ogden between Ericsson and the U.S Navy to build the screw steamer for military purposes. It sailed for the United States in April 1839 and the trials of the vessel drew much public, in addition to professional, attention.
Dimensions:
Width: 46 cm, Height: 35 cm
