August 17 in American History

August 17, 1807 — Fulton's steamboat changes everything

Robert Fulton's Clermont left New York City for Albany — 150 miles upriver in 32 hours, against the current, no sail. Rivers stopped being one-way roads, and the American interior opened for business. Half the country's early growth rode on steam.

Common Questions About August 17

What happened on August 17 in American history?

In 1807: Fulton's steamboat changes everything. Robert Fulton's Clermont left New York City for Albany — 150 miles upriver in 32 hours, against the current, no sail.

Why is August 17 significant?

Robert Fulton's Clermont left New York City for Albany — 150 miles upriver in 32 hours, against the current, no sail. Rivers stopped being one-way roads, and the American interior opened for business. Half the country's early growth rode on steam.

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the Battle of Benningtonthe 19th Amendment is ratified