By Justin Schmidt Robert Fulton

Childhood Robert Fulton was born in Pennsylvania in 1765. As a young child, Fulton always loved to paint and draw. At the age of thirteen he constructed a fishing boat that had “paddle wheels” attached.

Artwork In 1786 Robert went to London to study art for many years. At first, Fulton only painted landscapes and portraits. Eventually Robert became interested in drawing architectural buildings and designs. He later associated this skill with his engineering designs.

Engineering At first Robert did not have a huge interest in engineering. Among some of Fulton’s friends was Benjamin Franklin, he helped Fulton get involved with the government. By the 1800’s Fulton was very popular for his designs. Robert was asked from the U.S. and British governments to design or improve naval navigation.

Steam Boat In 1807 Robert Fulton successfully applied the first steam engine to a boat. In august of that year the boat traveled up the Hudson River to Albany, the trip took over thirty-two hours. His second steam boat traveled from Philadelphia to Burlington, making it the longest trip of a steam boat at the time.

His Last Days Nearing Robert’s death he began work on the submarine he was designing. Known as “The Nautilus”, which he first began designing in 1797. However only the hull of the ship was complete before his death. Robert Fulton died in 1815 from pneumonia.