History of the steam engine This boat could typically make 7 to 8 miles per hour, and traveled more than during its short length of service. The Fitch steamboat was not a commercial success, as this route was adequately covered by relatively good wagon roads. In 1802 William Symington built a practical steamboat, and in 1807 Robert Fulton used a Watt steam engine to power the first commercially successful steamboat. Oliver Evans in his turn was in favour of "strong steam" which he applied to boat engines and to stationary uses. He was a pioneer of cylindrical boilers; however Evans' boilers did suffer several serious
First Four Ships sections. Cabin passengers paid £42 and cheaper berths were £25, whilst steerage passengers paid £15. Sir George Grey, the Governor, came down the coast in Her Majesty's sloop of war "Fly" to welcome their arrival. He and Lady Grey left before the arrival of "Cressy". John Robert Godley was also at Lyttelton to meet the settlers. A marble plaque in Cathedral Square in Christchurch lists the names of the Canterbury Pilgrims. First Four Ships The First Four Ships refers to the four sailing vessels chartered by the Canterbury Association which left Plymouth, England, in September 1850 to transport the first