Robert Fulton

About

American engineer who invented the first commercially successful steamboat. He is also credited with inventing some of the world's earliest naval torpedoes for use by the British Navy.

Before Fame

He painted portraits and landscapes, drew houses and machinery in philadelphia and sent home the profits from his paintings to his mother.

Trivia

His first commercial steamboat, the North River Steamboat, traveled from New York City to Albany, New York and made this 150 mile trip in 32 hours.

Family Life

He married Harriet Livingston in 1806 and had four children with her.

Associated With

He was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to design a practical submarine for Bonaparte's army.