Bardstown in Nelson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Steamboat Inventor

Photographed by Dave W, June 14, 2022

1. Steamboat Inventor Marker

Inscription. In Oct., 1788, he built boat which carried passengers on 20-mile trip from Philadelphia to Burlington. In 1790 constructed boat which ran regular schedule between those cities. On Aug. 26. 1791. patent granted to Fitch by US Congress. France also granted patent. 1791. He came here. 1796, died in 1798. Robert Fulton developed his boat, The Clermont, in 1807. See over.

First burial place of John Fitch. Reinterred. 1927, in Court Square. Born Conn., 1743. Appointed Lt. of N.J. Co., 1st Reg. in Rev. War. Later employed as armorer for the troops. Acquired 1600 acres Ky. land in 1780. Conceived idea of steamboat 1785; built small

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

one, 1786. Demonstrated larger one on Delaware River before framers of US Constitution, 1787. See over.

Erected 1966 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 944.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1788.

Location. 37° 48.481′ N, 85° 28.112′ W. Marker is in Bardstown, Kentucky, in Nelson County. It is on West John Fitch Avenue west of South 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this

Photographed by Dave W, June 14, 2022

2. Steamboat Inventor Marker

postal address: 113 W John Fitch Ave, Bardstown KY 40004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Louisville Area.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: One Room School House (within shouting distance of this marker); Old County Jail - 1819 (about 500

Photographed by Kevin W., August 28, 2024

3. Steamboat Inventor Marker

feet away, measured in a direct line); Jailers Inn Bed and Breakfast (about 500 feet away); Talbott Tavern (about 500 feet away); The Harrison-Smith House (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Harrison-Smith House (about 600 feet away); Nelson Countians who served and Gave All (about 600 feet away); Successful Surgery (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bardstown.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Talbott Tavern (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 468 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 3. submitted on August 28, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.