Steam Warship
“This is a new invention which requires all my care to render it as complete and useful as can reasonably be expected. I cannot trust the construction of the machinery or the fitting out of the vessel to be directed by anyone but myself.” (Robert Fulton 1814)
Fulton designed the first steam-powered warship, Demologos, in 1814. This ship was a turning point because it started a new age of warships and changed naval warfare. Steam replaced sails, and ships became armored. "Demologos was important because it was the first steam-powered warship... steam eventually became the main means of propelling warships ...this was ... a “watershed” or “milestone” event."
(Lt. Commander Thomas J. Cutler, U.S. Navy 2011) |
Demologos was heavily armed with 44 guns, including Fulton’s underwater cannon. The paddlewheel sat safely between two thick hulls. His warship had an advantage of speed and control over sail warships. "The Fulton was the true prototype of the modern steam ironclad..." (Theodore Roosevelt 1882)
The Demologos was never combat tested because of the War of 1812’s end and Fulton's death.
"Fulton's ingenious double-hull steam-warship was copied many times over during the 19th century. It was such a deliciously good idea." (John H. Lienhard, University of Houston 2000) The Navy renamed the warship, Fulton the First.
"If you were asked to pinpoint the greatest advance in the Navy, the chances are that your answer would be the conversion from "sail" to steam." (Ratings and the Evolution of Jobs in the Navy 1971) |