Hi!

I am a homeschooling mother who is looking for some information,
please! We are studying Robert Fulton in a few weeks, and I would
like to be able to build a model paddle wheel or entire steamboat
with my sons. If it is successful, I would also like to do this
with 7 children during a co-op meeting.

Can anyone help me locate simple plans to do either project? By the
way, these children are 9-13 years old.

Thanks in advance for sharing your passion with us. We very much
appreciate your time and information!

Sincerely,
Marsha

There si a plastic scale model of Fulton's first steamboat, the North River Steam Boat of Clermont, available from Lindberg models, I believe. It is reasonably well detailed and has a very good working (that is, the parts move) representation of an early engine. I have a version and am looking forward to building it. You should be able to order one or find one at a hobby shop.

There is also a recent article of Fulton and why he did what he did by John H. White, Jr. in a recent issue of "Invention and Technology." I beleive it is two issue ago. It is excellent portrait.

You should be aware that while Fulton is often termed the father of river commerce, he was also a ruthless monopolist and widely hated in his own lifetime. Jack's article explains very fairly just why he went his route, and why he wanted to be so rich as a result. A good library should have a copy.

Good luck,

Jim

Marsha
There is a lot to be had about Mr Fulton's life and his steam boats at
http://www.robertfulton.org/ The paddle ship was actually invented in
Scotland. Fulton brought an engine and the idea to the USA, where he
proceeded to build a ship and then do his very best to monopolise every area
where steam ships could be used!!

There is also a book, which your children might find interesting, called "Mr
Roosevelt's Steamboat" written by Mary Helen Dohan. Published by Dodd, Mead
and Co. ISBN 0-396-08009-X. This chronicles the hair-raising adventures of
first long distance trip down the Mississippi from Pittsburgh to New Orleans
in 1811/12.

Good luck with your home schooling. Must be hard work!!
We would be delighted to hear how you get on with your project.

All the best
David