CONTENTS
John Ericsson
invented the caloric (heat) engine, as well as a steam
condensor that allowed a steamer to produce fresh water
while at sea. He is best remembered, however, as being
the designer and builder of the USS Monitor, a
unique ironclad ship that incorporated many elements
still used in warship designs today.
John Fitch
built and demonstrated the first steamship in America, in
1787. He went on to build three more steamships, but none
of them were financially successful. Although his name is
now largely forgotten, he laid the groundwork for future
innovators, including Robert Fulton.

Robert Fulton
worked on developing a practical submarine before turning
his attention to building the first commercially viable
steamboat. The result of this latter work was the Clermont,
which was successfully tested on August 17, 1807.

John Philip
Holland
launched his first successful submarine in 1881. The
company he founded ultimately became the Electric Boat
Company, which has subsequently built the vast majority
of the U.S. Navy's submarines, as well as submarines for
many other nations.
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