The Steamboat Phoenix and the Archaeology of Early Steam Navigation in North America

The Steamboat Phoenix and the Archaeology of Early Steam Navigation in North America offers an in-depth exploration of the archaeological and cultural aspects of early American steamboat development. It also tells the story of Phoenix, the second steamer to operate on Lake Champlain and the world's earliest archaeologically studied steamboat wreck. In doing so, this book provides a unique insight into early perceptions of steam navigation, including both the wonder and fear elicited by the comfort and efficiency they promised and the hazards with which they came to be associated. The advent of steam navigation contributed significantly to the economic transformation of early America, facilitating trade through the transportation of goods along the country's lakes, rivers, and canals. Despite their significant role, however, few details on the construction and operation of early steamboats have survived in historical documents. This book helps address this gap by examining the archaeological record. Using Phoenix as a case study and comparing it with the archaeological remains of other contemporary steamers, this book offers a detailed and extensive insight into the development of early steam propulsion and of steamboat culture in America, as well as a look at what life was like on board through the analysis of recovered artifacts and contemporary accounts. With over 90 illustrations, including a reconstruction of the steamboat, The Steamboat Phoenix and the Archaeology of Early Steam Navigation in North America is ideal for archaeologists and maritime historians, but also for those with a general interest in American maritime history.

George R. Schwarz is an underwater archaeologist for the Naval History and Heritage Command, and part of a team that manages, preserves, and studies U.S. Navy's sunken military craft. In addition to naval and steamboat wrecks, he is involved in research on post-medieval Iberian vessels. He holds a PhD in Anthropology from Texas A&M University's Nautical Archaeology Program.

Introduction Chapter 2: From "Bull Boats" to Steamboats: Travel on Early American Waterways Chapter 3: Genesis of North American Steam Navigation Chapter 4: Phoenix Chapter 5: A Study of American Steamboat Heritage Chapter 6: Construction Features of an Early American Steamer Chapter 7: From the Ashes (a Reconstruction) Chapter 8: Phoenix and the Design Characteristics of early 19th-Century Paddlewheelers Chapter 9: Steamboat Living on American Waterways in the First Quarter of the 19th Century Chapter 10: Conclusion Appendix: Phoenix Artifact Catalog.