The Charlotte Dundas
by William Symington
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In the winter of 1802–1803, Scottish engineer William Symington (1764–1831) demonstrated the Charlotte Dundas on the Forth and Clyde Canal — towing two 70-ton barges 19.5 miles in six hours against a strong headwind. Powered by Symington's compact horizontal condensing steam engine and a stern paddle wheel, she is now recognised as the world's first practical steamboat and inspired Robert Fulton's commercial Clermont (1807).
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