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Stevens, John

Stevens, John

This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor: Peter Saundry

John Stevens (1749-1838), an American mechanical engineer and pioneer in the development of steamboats and railroads. Stevens was first in the United States to build a screw-powered steamboat (1802), the first in the world to operate a sea-going steamboat (The Phoenix, 1808), and first in the world to operate a steam ferry service. In 1826, Stevens demonstrated the feasibility of steam locomotion on a circular experimental track constructed on his estate in Hoboken, New Jersey, three years before George Stephenson perfected the design of a practical steam locomotive in England. He also proposed an armored navy, bridge designs, a vehicular tunnel under the Hudson River, and an elevated railroad for New York City.

Citation

Cutler J. Cleveland (Lead Author);Peter Saundry (Topic Editor) "Stevens, John". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth August 18, 2006; Last revised Date August 18, 2006; Retrieved May 19, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Stevens,_John>

The Author

Cutler J. Cleveland Cutler J. Cleveland  is Professor of Earth and Environment at Boston University, where he also is on the faculty of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. Professor Cleveland is Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Energy (Elsevier, 2004), winner of an American Library Association award, the Dictionary of Energy (Elsevier, 2005), Handbook of Energy (Elsevier, forthcoming), and is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth.  He is the recipient of the Adelma ... (Full Bio)

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