Fulton
Steam Floating Battery · United States · Lost 1829 · New York Harbor
Robert Fulton's pioneering steam warship, built to defend New York Harbor in the War of 1812, destroyed in a gunpowder explosion in 1829 while laid up at Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The Vessel and Her Loss
Demologos, later renamed Fulton, was the first steam-propelled warship ever built, designed by Robert Fulton as a floating battery to defend New York Harbor against the Royal Navy during the War of 1812. Completed after the war ended, she saw only ceremonial service, including carrying President James Madison on a harbor tour, before being laid up. Stripped of her armament and machinery in 1821, she served afterward as a floating barracks at the Brooklyn Navy Yard until an accidental gunpowder explosion destroyed her on 4 June 1829, killing dozens aboard.
Vessel
- 1814
- Adam and Noah Brown
- New York, New York
- Wood
- 153.2 ft
- 58 ft
- 1450
- Steam, single cylinder, paddlewheel between twin hulls
- United States Navy
Loss
- June 4, 1829
- Fire
- Brooklyn Navy Yard, East River
- New York Harbor (East River)
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- 48
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- Not established
- Position not established
- Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York
Loss occurred at the Brooklyn Navy Yard anchorage; no specific hull position published.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (80/100)
Wikipedia, citing Naval History and Heritage Command
Build history, design, service, and loss details including casualty count.
