John Ellicott, son of the founder John, was one of the early experimenters of steam. He worked on a steam boat (about 1789), and foresaw that "steam cars would roll their rapid wheels from city to city." Unfortunately while working on his steam engine, the safety-valve became clogged and the explosion took off his right arm. John Fitch of Phila. tried out his steam boat (image left) in 1787 which is recognized as the first steam boat.
Showing posts with label Steam power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steam power. Show all posts
Sunday, September 27, 2026
John Ellicott and the first steam boat
John Ellicott, son of the founder John, was one of the early experimenters of steam. He worked on a steam boat (about 1789), and foresaw that "steam cars would roll their rapid wheels from city to city." Unfortunately while working on his steam engine, the safety-valve became clogged and the explosion took off his right arm. John Fitch of Phila. tried out his steam boat (image left) in 1787 which is recognized as the first steam boat.
Monday, July 3, 2017
The Baltimore or Winans Steam Gun - Civil War
At the start of the Civil War, a bullet proof "steam gun" was patented by Charles Dickinson and worked on in Ross Winans foundry in Baltimore. Dickinson was on his way to sell it to the Confederacy, when it was captured in Ellicott City by Col. Jones and the 6th Mass. It was kept at Relay to guard the Thomas Viaduct. The muzzle of the gun/cannon protruded from the slit of the cone (see below) and it was dragged by a team of horses. A large replica can be seen at Elkridge.
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