1921: JOHN FITCH: VICTIM OF POLITICS, INFLUENCE, AND BAD LUCK

Perhaps there is no sadder story in local history than found in the life and times of John Fitch, who in my mind is the true inventor of steam locomotion. There is little doubt in my mind that Fulton benefited by the early successes accomplished by John Fitch. However, as is usually the case, money, political influence, and just plain bad luck gave all the glory to Robert Fulton. The graphics above add little known evidence to the accomplishments of this man, where John Fitch Way reminds us that once upon a time, a remarkable inventor plied the waters of the Delaware in his steamboat.