Robert Fulton Biography

Robert Fulton was an inventor and engineer who constructed the first commercially successful steamboat. It was Fulton who built Nautilus, the first submarine after receiving order from Napoleon Bonaparte. Naval torpedoes were his other noteworthy inventions. He started his career as an apprentice whose works included creating miniature portraits to design lockets and rings. During his visit to Europe, he learnt various techniques of mechanical devices and remained busy in experimenting with those devices. At that time, he developed a special interest towards inland water transportation. His interest resulted in the development of a double inclined plane system. For this specific invention, he received a British patent. Gradually, he developed a plan for cast iron aqueducts and a digging machine. The credit for inventing the first panorama which was shown in Paris goes to him. In later period of his life, he constructed a vessel of 38 tons, named Fulton, on behalf of the United States Government. It was the first steam warship which consisted of central paddle wheels. His other remarkable inventions include various machines for spinning flax, for making ropes, for sawing and polishing stones like marble. Along with Robert Livingstone, he developed North River Steamboat, which was the first commercial steamboat.