First Steamship Voyage Across the Atlantic

May 22nd, 1819

May 22nd, 1819

First Steamship Voyage Across the Atlantic
How Long Ago?

205 years, 9 months, 21 days ago

Location

Savannah, Georgia, United States

Category

Transportation & Infrastructure

People
  • Moses Rogers
  • William Longstreet
Links & References
Tags

First Steamship Voyage Across the Atlantic

The SS Savannah embarked from Savannah, Georgia, aiming to complete the first transatlantic crossing by a steamship. This innovative vessel, powered by both sail and steam, was designed by a group led by businessman William Longstreet. The journey sought to demonstrate the potential of steam power in maritime transportation as the SS Savannah set sail to establish new possibilities in travel and commerce, marking a pivotal moment in naval engineering.

First steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Voyage lasted 29 days from Savannah to Liverpool.

Combining sail and steam power marked a breakthrough.

Laid groundwork for future steam-powered vessels.

What Happened?

The SS Savannah made maritime history as it departed from Savannah, Georgia, on a pioneering mission to cross the Atlantic Ocean as the first steamship. Designed to be an amalgamation of sailing and steam propulsion, the ship was a significant engineering achievement of its time, reflecting the burgeoning Industrial Revolution's influence on maritime practices. Captained by Moses Rogers, the SS Savannah was equipped with a steam engine that could assist its sails, potentially altering seafaring norms. The ship's journey was not just a demonstration of technological innovation but also a quest for efficiency in transatlantic travel, which was crucial for commerce and communication in an expanding world during the early 19th century.

As the SS Savannah sailed from Georgia toward Liverpool, England, it encountered both excitement and skepticism. Proponents of steam propulsion heralded its voyage as a new dawn in transportation, while traditionalists viewed it with caution. The ship's journey lasted 29 days, which was an impressive feat for the period, though its primary propulsion method remained reliance on sails. Upon reaching its destination, the ship garnered attention, but its practical implications for future travel were yet to be fully realized. Despite its innovations, many considered it to be more a experiment in practicality than a consistently viable mode of cross-Atlantic transport.

After arriving in Europe, the SS Savannah was celebrated by spectators and received a mix of applause and critical scrutiny. Its journey demonstrated the potential of steam power in the medium of long-distance travel and laid the groundwork for subsequent steam-powered ships. Although the ship itself was not an immediate commercial success, it sparked interest and experimentation in steam propulsion that would evolve maritime technology significantly in the decades that followed.

Why Does it Matter?

The voyage of the SS Savannah is interesting because it marked a crucial step in maritime advancement, illustrating the shift towards steam power and its potential to revolutionize naval transportation. While the ship did not lead to immediate widespread use of steamships, it intrigued inventors and investors, stimulating further innovations in maritime engineering. This event underscored the growing intersection of industry and travel, ultimately influencing the way goods and people moved across oceans in subsequent years.

Discover More Historic Events from May 22nd

Accidents & Tragedies

Gansu Ultramarathon Sees 21 Runners Die from Cold

May 22nd, 2021 3 years ago

During an ultramarathon in Gansu, China, 21 runners tragically died as a result of hypothermia. The race, held in harsh weather conditions, saw temperatures plummet unexpectedly, leading to chaos among participants. Organizers had prepared for a challenging race, but the extreme weather caught many off guard. As rescue operations commenced, the event sparked intense discussions about safety and measures for future races.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303 Crash

May 22nd, 2020 4 years ago

Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303 crashed in Model Colony, Karachi, during its approach to Jinnah International Airport. The Airbus A320 was carrying 99 people, of which 97 were passengers and 2 were crew members. The flight lost contact shortly before landing, reportedly impacting a residential area, leading to significant destruction on the ground. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing smoke rising in the vicinity of the crash site.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Bombing at Ariana Grande Concert Kills Twenty-two

May 22nd, 2017 7 years ago

A suicide bombing occurred at the Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert, killing twenty-two people and injuring hundreds more. The attacker detonated an explosive device in the arena foyer as concertgoers were leaving, creating chaos and pandemonium. The bombing was claimed by a terrorist organization, aiming to instill fear in the populace. Security at large gatherings was drastically reassessed after this significant incident.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Trump Becomes First U.S. President at Western Wall

May 22nd, 2017 7 years ago

Donald Trump visited Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall, making history as the first sitting U.S. president to pay homage at this sacred site. His visit was part of a broader diplomatic trip to the Middle East aimed at discussing peace and stability in the region. The choice of locations emphasized the importance of Jerusalem in Jewish history and culture, particularly the significance of the Western Wall as a revered site for prayer and reflection.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Ireland's Pioneering Public Vote for Gay Marriage

May 22nd, 2015 9 years ago

In a landmark referendum, voters in Ireland overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment allowing same-sex marriage. The campaign, which ignited across the nation, was marked by vibrant rallies and passionate discussions on equality. Activists and advocates, including groups like Marriage Equality, mobilized support urging citizens to vote in favor. The turnout was historically high, with the vote reflecting a profound societal shift towards LGBT rights, showcasing Ireland's evolution into a more inclusive society.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

General Prayut Chan-o-cha Seizes Power in Thailand

May 22nd, 2014 10 years ago

General Prayut Chan-o-cha led a military coup in Thailand following six months of escalating political unrest and protests against the government. The military, amidst claims of restoring order, announced the dissolution of the prime minister's government and imposed martial law across the country. This coup was marked by the arrest of several political leaders and has since changed the political landscape of Thailand. The military's move aimed to quell the chaotic situation, which had seen frequent protests and violent clashes in urban areas, particularly in Bangkok.

Continue Reading