Who is known for creating the first steamboat?

Robert Fulton is known for creating the first commercially successful steamboat, the Clermont, which he launched in 1807. This significant achievement marked a turning point in transportation, allowing for more efficient travel and trade along rivers and coastal routes. Fulton's design incorporated a steam engine to propel the vessel, which drastically reduced travel time compared to traditional sailing ships and rowed boats.

The impact of Fulton's steamboat was profound, as it played a crucial role in the development of American commerce and facilitated the movement of goods and passengers, contributing to the expansion of the economy during that era. This innovation laid the groundwork for future developments in steamboat technology and paved the way for steam-powered vessels in general, influencing maritime transportation fundamentally.