SS Savannah Crosses Atlantic: The Steam Age Begins at Sea
The SS Savannah arrived in Liverpool on June 20, 1819, completing the first transatlantic crossing by a steamship, though it used its steam engine for only about 80 hours of the 29-day voyage, relying on sails for most of the journey. The ship was a converted sailing vessel with a steam engine and collapsible paddlewheels added as auxiliary power. Maritime observers in Ireland who spotted smoke on the horizon thought the ship was on fire and sent rescue boats. The Savannah carried no passengers and no cargo on its proving voyage. Despite the successful crossing, the ship failed to attract buyers or commercial interest in steam-powered ocean travel. The owners removed the engine and converted it back to a sailing ship. Regular transatlantic steamship service did not begin until the late 1830s.
June 20, 1819
207 years ago
Key Figures & Places
United Kingdom
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Atlantic Ocean
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Liverpool
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SS Savannah
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Ship
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Atlantic
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SS Savannah
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Liverpool
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Atlantic Ocean
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Caribbean Sea
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Mariano Barberán
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Joaquín Collar Serra
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Vuelo del Cuatro Vientos
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Havana
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Mexico
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