USS Fulton-- Part 3: A Dead-End in Naval Architecture

The Demologos had an entirely innovative and unique design.  It was actually a catamaran, with its paddlewheel between two hulls. that were 5 feet thick to protect against cannon fire.  It was capable of 5.5 knots an hour under favorable conditions and designed to carry thirty 32-pounder cannons with 24 along the sides and 6 fore and aft.  However, it never had the full amount as the Navy had trouble acquiring that man guns.  It was also fitted for two 100-pounder guns fore and aft, but they also were never mounted.

The design protected the paddlewheels from enemy fire and also allowed for easier placement of broadside guns.

However, with its hull the way it was, the Demologos was not suited for travel on the open seas.

The design eventually ended as a dead end in naval architecture, especially with the introduction  of the screw propeller. in the 1840s.

--Brock-Perry

Steamer Robert Fulton-- Part 4

From Meandering  Michigan History site.

As the situation worsened along Lake Erie and the Detroit area in the Patriot War of 1838, the U.S. government got involved lest these activities would anger Britain and set up a clash between the countries.

The government sent the steamer Robert Fulton from Buffalo to Detroit with three companies of U.S. regulars commanded by Colonel Worth.  The government frequently sent troops to patrol both up and down the Detroit River to stem the Patriot Movement, but the Patriots survived.

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There was another steamship named the Robert Fulton that was launched in 1821 and is regarded as the first steam powered ship to make the trip from New York City to New Orleans.  However, this was not the one that Champlin had with him.

--Brock-Perry

Steamer Robert Fulton (1835)-- Part 2

ORIGINAL OWNER AND LOCATION:  Giddings & Co., Cleveland

OWNERSHIP NOTES:  Builder also noted as Fairbanks, Church; also noted, list of 12 owners, 1835.

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POWER

PROPULSION:  sidewheel

ENGINE TYPE:  High Pressure (Including HPNC)

PROPULSION: 90 hp engine, Slackhouse, Pittsburgh, Pa.  1835 , 3 years old

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DIMENSIONS

LENGTH:  139' 8"

BEAM:  26' 6"

DEPTH:  10' 8"

TONNAGE (OLD STYLE):  368  43/95

--Brock-Perry

Steamer Robert Fulton (1835)-- Part 1

This is the ship commanded by Stephen Champlin in the 1838 Patriot War.

In the Great Lakes Ships site "Fulton, Robert (1835 steamer)" Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library Great Lakes Maritime Collection.

It is difficult to find information about this ship.  It is not to be confused with the two U.S. Navy ships named the Fulton.  It is a different ship.

YEAR OF BUILD:

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CONSTRUCTION AND OWNERSHIP

BUILT AT:  Cleveland, Ohio

VESSEL TYPE:   Steamer.  Note:  She and the DEWITT CLINTON reputed to be the first lake steamers built primarily as freighters with few passenger accommodations.patriot

HULL MATERIALS:  Wood

BUILDER NAME:  Seth W. Johnson

More to Come.  --Brock-Perry

Launched of the Steam Frigate USS Fulton (Demologos)

OCTOBER 16, 1814,  Launch of the frigate USS Fulton the First, in New York.  Originally named Demologos, but renamed the Fulton after Robert Fulton's death on February 24, 1815.

Robert Fulton was commissioned to apply his engineering skills and expertise to the defense of that place an New Yorkers believed their harbor was inadequately protected.  He designed a 150-foot long steam frigate/floating fort and Congress authorized its construction in March 1814 at a cost of $320,000.

--Brock-Perry

United Staes Ships-of-the-Line-- Part 3

Construction of U.S. ships-of-the-line all started during and shortly after the War of 1812, although a fair number were not completed for many years and several never were completed. None of the ships were ever converted to steam power and quite a few ended their service careers as receiving ships at various American ports and navy stations.

Some were in service during the Mexican War and some even saw non combat service in the Civil War. A few were destroyed when Confederates captured the Norfolk Navy Yard at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. Two even survived into the 1900s.

Too bad that we do not have one of them still around like the USS Constitution.

I will be giving a short thumbnail sketch on each one.

--Brock-Perry