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

Erected 1966 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department

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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. Marker is on West John Fitch Avenue west of South 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 113 W John Fitch Ave, Bardstown KY 40004, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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); Talbott Tavern (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Harrison-Smith House (about 600 feet away); Nelson Countians who served and Gave All (about 600 feet away);

Photographed By Dave W, June 14, 2022

2. Steamboat Inventor Marker

Successful Surgery (about 700 feet away); Confederates Here (about 700 feet away); Nelson County World War I, World War II, Korean War, & Vietnam War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Vietnam 1969 Memorial (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bardstown.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.

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