JOHN FITCH: CREDIT FOR HIS INVENTION WAS LITERALLY STOLEN FROM HIM

 

 

 

 

Over the years, I have puzzled over a couple of true history mysteries. First was the derivation of the name "Hamilton" in Hamilton Township. There is no answer to that mystery. 

(And no, there is no indication that Alexander Hamilton, 

Hamilton Fish or any other historic entity was the chosen one.)

However, the one mystery that has baffled me over these many years is: Why is Robert Fulton credited with being the inventor of the steamboat when the record shows it was John Fitch? 

Sadly, then as now, the contemporary media was dishonest in any discussion of the subject. One thing is crystal clear: John Fitch was the inventor of the steamboat, even as Fulton is unrighteously credited with it.

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.