"Fitch's Steamboat," Wood Engraving, circa 1855

Connecticut-born entrepreneur and inventor John Fitch began building steam-powered boats in the 1780s. His first, Perseverance, was propelled by an unusual drivetrain of mechanized oars along both sides of the craft. The system was effective, but not particularly efficient. Fitch later experimented with screw propellers. He was unable to find commercial success with his designs.