Steamship Savannah
The first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean
Originally built as a sailing vessel, the SS Savannah was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1819. SS Savannah was constructed as a sailing ship and sidewheel steamer in 1818. While it was still on the boat ramp, the ship’s captain, Captain Moses Rogers, purchased the vessel to begin its conversion to an auxiliary steamship. In addition to its original sails, the auxiliary steam engine and paddlewheels were installed under the Captain’s supervision. His cousin, Steven Rogers, oversaw the installation of the rigging and sails. Between the two of them, they kept eyes on the ship’s progress, knowing full well that their intent for this steamship was for it to be the first to complete a transatlantic voyage.
The interior of the SS Savannah was fitted with thirty-two bunk beds in its 16 state rooms. They were separated into men’s and women’s quarters, and were spacious enough to be regarded as more of a pleasure cruise design than a steamboat. The interior was outfitted with elegant carpets, curtains, and furnishings adding to its overall style.
After its construction, word spread that the SS Savannah would be undertaking a transatlantic voyage. The public response was that of doubt and uncertainty, and Rogers struggled to gather a crew to board the ship for the trip. The vessel underwent a series of trials in the New York Harbor to test its engine two months prior to its departure. The trials were successful, and upon the vessel’s return to port, it would prepare to head down south to its home port in Savannah.
On March 28, 1819, the SS Savannah began its trek to its operating port and on April 6th, the vessel arrived at the Savannah Harbor, where crowds gathered to welcome it home. Just a few days later, the SS Savannah was invited to travel north to Charleston, South Carolina, where the President of the United States, James Monroe, was conducting a visit. President James Monroe was invited to travel from Charleston down to Savannah aboard the SS Savannah. The Charleston locals were not pleased with the idea of the President leaving the state aboard one of Georgia’s vessels, and so he did not come onboard, but promised to take a trip aboard the steamship at a later date.
On May 22, the SS Savannah began its transatlantic voyage to its destination in Liverpool, England. Twenty-nine days later, the SS Savannah arrived in Liverpool, where visitors from all around the country came to visit. The vessel remained in Liverpool for 25 days, where the crew performed maintenance, and replenished their stocks. The ship went on to make stops in Sweden, and Russia before heading back home to the United States. On September 29, about four months after its initial departure, the SS Savannah set sail for the Savannah Harbor. On November 30, just over six months after its initial departure, the SS Savannah arrived back at its home port.
The SS Savannah remained at its home port until December, at which point it made its journey to Washington DC. Due to enduring hardship, the owners of the SS Savannah were forced to sell the ship.
Today you view a large model of the SS Savannah at the Ship's of the Sea Museum, which is located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
